1294) "The Joker", Portugal: Portugal Post (CTT) has issued a set of four stamps featuring "The Joker" character of DC Comics, who is an archenemy of the "Batman": Date of Stamp set issue: 31.03.2020:

1294) "The Joker", Portugal: Portugal Post (CTT) has issued a set of four stamps featuring "The Joker" character of DC Comics, who is an archenemy of the "Batman": Date of Stamp set issue: 31.03.2020:

The Joker is a supervillain created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, who first appeared in the debut issue of the comic book "Batman" (24.04.1940), published by DC Comics. Although the Joker was planned to be killed off during his initial appearance, he was spared by editorial intervention, allowing the character to endure as the archenemy of the superhero - "Batman".

In his comic book appearances, the Joker is portrayed as a criminal mastermind. Introduced as a psychopath with a warped, sadistic sense of humour, the character became a goofy prankster in the late 1950s in response to regulation by the Comics Code Authority, before returning to his darker roots during the early 1970s.

As Batman's nemesis, the Joker has been part of the superhero's defining stories, including the murder of Jason Todd - the second Robin and Batman's ward - and the paralysis of one of Batman's allies - Barbara Gordon. 

The Joker has had various possible origin stories during his decades of appearances. The most common story involves him falling into a tank of chemical waste that bleaches his skin white and turns his hair green and lips bright red - the resulting disfigurement drives him insane. The anti-thesis of Batman in personality and appearance, the Joker is considered to be his perfect adversary.

The Joker possesses no superhuman abilities, instead uses his expertise  in chemical engineering to develop poisonous or lethal concoctions and thematic weaponry, including razor-tipped playing cards, deadly joy buzzers and acid spraying lapel flowers. 

The Joker sometimes works with other Gotham City supervillains like - the Penguin and Two-Face - and groups like - the Injustice Gang and Injustice League, but these relationships often collapse due to the Joker's desire for unbridled chaos.

The 1990s introduced a romantic interest for the Joker in his former psychiatrist - Harley Quinn, who became his villainous sidekick. Although his primary obsession is Batman, the Joker has also fought other superheroes, including Superman and Wonder Woman.

One of the most iconic characters in popular fiction/culture, the Joker has been listed among the greatest  comic book villains and fictional characters ever created. The character's popularity has seen him appear on a variety of merchandise, such as clothing and collectible items, inspire real-world structures, such as theme park attractions, and be referenced in several media stories.

The Joker has been adapted to serve as Batman's adversary in live-action, animated, and video game incarnations, including the (1960s) "Batman television series" played by Cesar Romero and in films by Jack Nicholson in "Batman" (1989), Heath Ledger in "The Dark Knight" (2008) and Joachim Phoenix in "Joker" (2019). 

Ledger and Phoenix each won an Academy Award for their portrayals.

The Stamp issue:

The First Day Cover (FDC) shows the logo of "DC" (comics) at left.

The four stamps issued in the set are affixed on top. The special Cancellation Handstamp/Postmark shows an image of a Joker in the centre and is titled "THE JOKER". The cancellation is of LISBOA (Lisbon Post Office) and is dated - "31.03.2020".

         Collectibles - Miniature Sheet (MS)

                      The Stamp Booklet

Interesting links to posts on Portugal and Spanish Coins and postage stamps on this blog:

 1) Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra: the creator of Don Quixote: Commemorating the 400th Anniversary of his death by issue of two coins in the denomination of 200 Euros (Gold) and 10 Euros (Silver) by the Royal Spanish Mint - Real Casa de la Moneda in 2016

 2) Comprehensive history of the Dollar illustrated on a Kilo coin minted by Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) in association with the Real Casa de la Moneda on 29.05.2017 

3) Treasures of the Spanish Museums: Fifth Part of the Series: Paintings from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum depicted on coins released on 07.06.2017

4) Old Town of Avila, Spain: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featured on a 2 Euro Proof Coin by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre Real Casa de la Moneda" (FNMT-RCM- "National Coinage & Stamp Factory - The Royal Spanish Mint)

5) History of Navigation (or "Historia de la Navigacion"): 2nd issue: A set of four coins brought out by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre Real Casa de la Moneda" (FNMT-RCM):: 02/2019

6) Spanish Renaissance: 200 Euro (4 Escudo) Gold and Silver 10 Euro (8 Reales) Collector Coins: "Europa Coin Programme" or the "Eurostar Coin Programme" depicted on Gold and Silver Coins issued by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre - Casa Real de la Moneda: Issue date: 27.05.2019

7) 500th Anniversary of the "First Circum-navigational Voyage" by Magalhaes - El Cano (Magellan - El Cano) Expedition: Portugal-Spain Joint Philatelic Issue: Stamp issue date: 12.09.2019

8) "The Firebird", Principality of Andorra (Principat d' Andorra), Spain: A 0.70 Euro postage Stamp dedicated to the Russian community in Andorra: Stamp issue date: 30.10.2019

9) "Nacional Museo del Prado", Spain: Celebrating the Bicentenary milestone (1819-2019): Commemorative Silver Coins of 30 Euros issued by Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre - Casa Real de la Moneda on 20.11.2019: Coins minted by the Madrid Mint

For more interesting posts on Coins and stamps of Portugal, please visit the following links:

1) India-Portugal: Joint Stamp issue: A set of two Commemorative Stamps in the denominations of 2500 Paise or Rs.25/- and 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 07.01.2017

2) Did you Know Series (15): A visit to Fort St. George Museum, Chennai (Part III): i) Indo-Danish Coins ii) Indo-Dutch Coins iii) Indo-French Coins iv) Indo-Portuguese Coins

3) "Four Leaf Clover": Endangered Flora Species: A Silver Proof 5 Euro Coin and a Brilliant Uncirculated Cupro-Nickel Coin issued by the Impresa Nacional Casa de Moneda (INCA) in September 2018

4) 500th Anniversary of the "First Circum-navigational Voyage" by Magalhaes - El Cano (Magellan - El Cano) Expedition: Portugal-Spain Joint Philatelic Issue: Stamp issue date: 12.09.2019

5) "The Joker", Portugal: Portugal Post has issued a set of four stamps featuring "The Joker"character of DC Comics, who is an archenemy of the "Batman": Date of Stamp issue: 31.03.2020