While the Joker is content committing crimes that fit his demented sense of humor, one member of Superman’s rogues' gallery has found a way to refine gag-themed villainy. The Prankster may not be the most notable villain in the DC Universe, but his unique practical jokes have kept him a thorn in the side of the Man of Steel for decades. And while he may seem like a poor man’s Clown Prince of Crime, he’s found the perfect way to make the Joker's gimmick his own.
Oswald Loomis, aka the Prankster, was created by Jerry Siegel and John Sikela and first appeared in 1942's Action Comics #51. Loomis’ shtick often involved creating elaborate gags that were usually misdirection while he committed crimes, or stunts that violated the spirit of laws instead of the letter. He would later be hired by Lex Luthor in Superman #651 to distract Green Lantern and Hawkgirl, the first instance where Prankster figured out how to capitalize on his talents.
Oswald reveals just how well he profits off of villainy in Superman #660 by Kurt Busiek, Mike Manley, Bret Blevins, Lee Loughridge and Rob Leigh. Prankster sets up a business to stage grand, prank-themed attacks so up-and-coming criminals can commit crimes while heroes are distracted. Though Prankster is forced to deal with a disrespectful new villain named Nitro G, he still works with him once he discovers Nitro plans to do business in Metropolis. Not only does Prankster stage two successful stunts in Metropolis, he's able to evade Superman both times. It turns out, being able to outwit the Man of Steel is good for business.
Clearly, the Prankster takes pride in his work not only because he loves a good gag, but because he's extremely successful at what he does. A day in the life of the Prankster reveals he's a showman at heart, but also a shrewd businessman who recognizes that his perpetual thwarting of Superman is a valuable asset he can sell to the world. Loomis is also a principled individual, refusing to arm other villains and turning pranks back onto people he feels unworthy of his business.
The Joker, on the other hand, is a character who's more often than not defined by chaos, not philosophies or beliefs. He has no ultimate goals or plans. The Joker just is what he needs to be when challenging his foes. And while his loose, malleable self has allowed him to reinvent himself again and again, his existence is often defined by his relationship with Batman. Comparatively, the Prankster's money-chasing endeavors give him his own identity independent of Superman.
While he's not going to go down in the history books as an A-List villain, Prankster's business sense has helped him carve his own niche in the Man of Steel's canon. And considering how much of a threat the Joker can be, Superman's better off having a calmer, more capitalistic version.