GCD: You’ve done the Joker’s voice in numerous animated incarnations including this year’s Arkham Asylum video game. Is that type of recording much different than a regular cartoon?
Mark Hamill: Yes and no. It’s different because you’re making all these small little jigsaw puzzle pieces to put into the memory of the game. It could be very schizophrenic in terms of its consistency. In this particular case, since it wasn’t based on the animated Batman and they weren’t so concerned with the youthful audience, you could make him much more dark and brutal.

GCD: Have you ever used your Joker voice when telemarketers call?
Hamill: [Laughs] You know, that’s not a bad idea. I’m real self-conscious about doing it [in person] because it’s like you’re a magician’s assistant and it doesn’t look right coming out of my face. It’s tough because little kids wanna hear it so usually I say,  “Well, close your eyes!” or “Turn your back!” And kids being the trusting young souls they are, immediately comply.

GCD: And then you dump a bucket of water on them.
Hamill: [Laughs] No, but you give them just enough Joker to prove that it really is you because it works much better in your mind than it does in front of your eyes.