Polite Dissent

Since I’ve looked at what chemicals (at various times) have made up the traditional Joker Venom, now’s the time to see what makes up the new intoxicating but non-toxic Joker Juice seen in Detective Comics #867.

According to Batman, the new Joker Juice causes “euphoria, mild hallucinations, increased energy levels, uncontrolled hilarity, and muscular spasms.”

1. Strychnodide
A (fictional) metabolite of the poison strychnine. According to Batman, it is responsible for the infamous Joker grin. This is also likely what is causing the “muscular spasms” he mentions. Speaking of muscle spasms, it’s interesting how the drug only has long-lasting effects on the smile muscles, but not on muscles elsewhere in the body.
I do like how Batman gives the Joker smile a Latin name: rictus sardonicus.

2. Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, a type of Speed, is also known as meth or crystal meth. Basically, it’s an extremely potent and addictive stimulant. Methamphetamine would explain the increased energy levels Batman mentions, and would play a role in the euphoric feelings a as well.

3. MDMA
MDMA (3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is better known as Ecstasy. The use of this drug would also explain the increased euphoria, and is probably responsible for what Batman terms “mild hallucinations” (though MDMA causes more of disturbance in sensation than a true hallucination).

4. Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide is also known as Laughing gas, it has some legitimate medical uses including mild anesthesia. Along with methamphetamine and MDMA, Nitrous Oxide causes euphoria. It has been known to cause mild hallucinations, but like ecstasy, it’s more of a disturbance in sensation than actual hallucinations. I suspect Batman also blames it for the “uncontrolled hilarity” — but despite its nickname, nitrous oxide doesn’t really cause bursts of laughter.