The true identity of the Joker has been one of the longest-standing mysteries in comic books, but according to a report from IGN, this identity will finally be revealed in "Justice League" issue 50, which also marks the beginning of the "Justice League Rebirth" arc.
Back in issue 42, Batman gained access to the Mobius Chair. This device has the ability to grant the user any information they request, and naturally, the Batman asked for the true identity of the Joker. The chair responded but this answer was not revealed to the public and it is implied the answer was directly inserted into Batman's mind.
The panel from issue 42 reveals Batman in shock and in utter disbelief. Writer Geoff Johns stated in the report, "The answer probably won't be an answer people predict," pointing out that any answer they give will be shocking and that even the best true identity will not be able to satisfy every fan of the comic books.
It is important to note that the Joker's identity has been toyed with on multiple occassions. In "The Killing Joke" graphic novel, it is revealed that the Joker may have been a low-rate criminal who only turned into the Joker when the Batman shoved him into a pool of chemicals.
However, by the end of the graphic novel, the Joker explains that this story may not even be the truth. "If I'm going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice," is the Joker's final explanation. This ensures that fans who want the Joker's identity to remain a mystery can accept that the version from "The Killing Joke" is not true.
"Rebirth" will not reboot the entire line of DC comic books but it is being marketed as a "correction course" for the major comic book publishing house. One of the major changes is that "Action Comics" and "Detective Comics" will revert to their original numbering from the 1930s, ditching the "Vol. 2" numbering that began in 2011.
The "Rebirth" comic book will be released on May 25.
