The Joker (Original LEGO Batman Theme)
bat005 · Batman
The Videogame Era / Classic DC Super Heroes · 2006. This was the debut year of the original LEGO Batman theme, predating the modern DC Super Heroes line by six years.
Figure ID
bat005
Theme
Batman
Year Released
2006. This was the debut year of the original LEGO Batman theme, predating the modern DC Super Heroes line by six years.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While it was the standard Joker for a few years, it was only available in three sets between 2006 and 2008 and is now highly sought after by nostalgic collectors.
Head
White head with a sharp-teethed grin/evil smile, red lips, and distinct green eyebrows. It features a Bright Green 'spike' or swept-up hair piece (part 40251).
Torso
Purple torso with a green lime waistcoat (vest) and a green bow tie. Includes a yellow flower on the lapel and printed lines for the suit jacket and vest checkers.
Legs
Plain Purple hips and legs without printing. This is characteristic of the mid-2000s design style where leg printing was less common.
Accessories
As shown, none. Originally, this figure often came with a purple or grey tommy gun, playing cards (printed 1x2 tile), or a variety of 'joker venom' canisters.
Color Scheme
A vibrant contrast of Purple, Lime Green, and White, capturing the character's classic comic book aesthetic perfectly.
Printing Details
Pad printing on the head and torso front only. The print quality is high for the era, but lacks the back-torso or leg printing found on modern figures.
Variants
There is a 'vibrant' vs 'dull' print variant across various production runs. This specific figure is the standard bat005. A version with a different torso pattern (bat055) appeared later in 2008.
Condition Notes
Common issues include cracking on the sides of the torso (under the arms) and yellowing of the white head piece if exposed to UV. The hair piece can also suffer from tooth/stress marks because of its pointed tips.
Estimated Value
Used: $15.00 - $25.00 USD. New/Mint: $40.00 - $60.00 USD. Value fluctuates based on torso cracks and hair tip condition.
Price (New)
N/A (Individual figure). Set 7888 which contained it retailed for $49.99 in 2008; Set 7782 retailed for $39.99 in 2006.
Compatible Sets
7782 The Batwing: The Joker's Aerial Assault (2006), 7888 The Tumbler: Joker's Ice Cream Surprise (2008), and 7785 Arkham Asylum (2006).
Character Background
The Joker is Batman's arch-nemesis. This design is heavily inspired by the 1990s animated series and classic comics, serving as the primary design for the first LEGO Batman Video Game.
Design Notes
First ever LEGO incarnation of the character. The hair mold was specifically created for this figure and has become an icon of the early Super Heroes sets.
Similar Minifigures
Joker with Orange Waistcoat (sh005), 1989 Joker (sh615), and the Modern Joker (sh133).
Collectibility
High. As the first-ever LEGO Joker, it holds significant historical value for DC collectors and fans of the original LEGO Batman video game.
History
First debuted in 2006. This specific design was the 'face' of the Joker in LEGO media until he was redesigned in 2012 for the DC Universe Super Heroes line.
Interesting Facts
This specific hair piece was reused and recolored for various characters in the Ninjago and Monsters themes later on due to its expressive shape.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed with the original 2006 Batman (bat001/bat002) or inside a display case featuring the 1989-style Batmobile or Tumbler.
Modification Potential
Excellent for purist customs of other comic characters; the head is often used for custom 'zombie' or 'creature' minifigures due to the pale skin and sharp teeth.
Overall Assessment
An iconic 10/10 piece of LEGO history. While modern versions have more 'detail', this figure represents the golden age of LEGO's original licensed themes.