In the 1980s, the graphic novels by Frank Miller like The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One, as well as Tim Burton's Batman films and Batman: The Animated Series, successfully reshaped pop culture's conception of Batman as a serious superhero. The Batman TV show was a pop culture phenomenon in the 1960s, although comic book purists loathed how the campy version of Batman became ingrained in the public consciousness.

This mask is very similar to the mask worn by Romero's Joker in the Batman 1966 episode 'The Joker Is Wild!' In what was the first appearance of Romero's Joker, the Clown Prince of Crime dressed up as Pagliacci at the Gotham City Opera Company, which an elaborate trap the Joker laid for Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward). 'The Joker Is Wild' was an adaptation of Batman #73, the 1952 comic book story titled 'The Joker's Utility Belt', where the diabolical jester invented his own belt and gadgets to match those worn by the Dynamic Duo. Since The Dark Knight was the first (and only) appearance of the Joker in Nolan's Batman trilogy, the opening bank robbery sequence showcases the unique clown mask the Joker wears. While The Dark Knight elevated both Batman and comic book movies to being hailed as credible Oscar fare, Nolan still found a way to homage the original TV/movie Joker, Cesar Romero, in his spectacular sequel.

Related: How Christopher Nolan Pulled Off The Dark Knight's Truck Flip (Without CGI)

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