The DC universe will expand its presence in Japanese animation with Joker: Laugh Riot , a new anime announced by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation during a panel at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival . The production will have a worldwide release and places the iconic villain in an original story.
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In the story, the Joker begins a violent crusade after discovering that Batman has been killed. The search for the culprit drives the narrative, bringing a different approach to the classic rivalry between the two characters. The film will be directed by Yasuhiro Aoki, known for his work on ChaO and the fourth episode of Batman: Gotham Knight. The animation will be handled by Sola Entertainment, the studio responsible for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.
A new chapter for the Joker
In addition to the anime, Kodansha's Morning magazine revealed the manga Machibura JOKER (Joker Walking Around Town) . The work will be illustrated by Masa Ichikawa and will debut in the next issue of the publication, on July 2nd. DC is overseeing the project, while Fortuna is participating in the international editorial cooperation.
DC expands its presence in anime
This isn't DC's first foray into Japanese animation. The Joker also made an appearance in Suicide Squad ISEKAI, released in 2024 by Wit Studio. Then, in 2025, Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League arrived on streaming, reinforcing the partnership between DC and Japanese studios. During the same event, the animated series Absolute Batman and Krypto.
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Source: Variety
