Ace Chemical Processing Plant

From DC Database

Ace Chemical Processing Plant

Gallery

Official Name

Ace Chemical Processing Plant

Aliases

Axis Chemicals (alternate continuity)

Location Details

Universe

New Earth

Galaxy

Milky Way

Star System

Sol

Planet

Earth

Country

United States of America

City

Gotham City

Characteristics

Dimensions

Unknown

Population

None

First appearance

Detective Comics #168

History

Although the Ace Chemical Plant has been shut down for over a decade, it maintains historical significance as the birthplace of one of Gotham City's most infamous criminals – the Joker.

Little is known of the man who would one day become the Joker, but it is rumored that he was once a failed stage comedian who had come upon hard times. What is known however, is that he became involved with a gang of thieves operating under the leadership of a mysterious urban legend known as the Red Hood. In truth, the Red Hood was actually several individuals, all of whom would take the point on daring thefts while wearing a solid crimson helmet to disguise their features. The Red Hood gang blackmailed this nameless comedian into donning the red helmet and conducting a robbery. The gang’s intended escape route led them through the Ace Chemical Plant.

On the night of the robbery, the neophyte vigilante known as the Batman learned of the gang's plan and intercepted them at the chemical plant. While trying to escape, the Red Hood fell from a catwalk into a vat of deadly chemicals. He managed to survive, but exposure to the chemicals turned his hair green, and his skin chalk white. It also drove him irrevocably insane. Abandoning his Red Hood identity, the man took to calling himself the Joker.

Over the years, the Joker has revisited Ace Chemicals several times, and on occasion has even used it as a temporary hideout. He once lured Batman into a trap, hoping to recreate the events that first transformed him into the Joker (with the Batman as the intended target however).

Residents

• Joker (Earth-One) (origin)
• Joker (New Earth) (origin)

Notes

• In the continuity of Batman: The Movie, the Ace Chemical Processing Plant was known as Axis Chemicals.
  

Trivia

• No trivia.
  

Recommended Reading

• Batman: The Killing Joke
• Batman: The Man Who Laughs
• Detective Comics #168

See Also

• Appearances of Ace Chemical Processing Plant (Chronological)
• Appearances of Ace Chemical Processing Plant (Unordered)
• Location Gallery: Ace Chemical Processing Plant
• Fan-Art Gallery: Ace Chemical Processing Plant

Links and References

• None.