The Joker (Heath Ledger) and Kobe Bryant: What they have in common

Dark Knight (2008)
THE JOKER: [speaking to Two-Face] Do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I’m a dog chasing cars. I wouldn’t know what to do with one if I caught it! You know, I just, do things.

To commemorate the release of the 'Dark Knight Rises' in Sydney we reflect on The Joker, the psychotic villain from the 'Dark Knight'. The Joker is a cold blooded killer, a person who by his own admission "Just does things". Kobe Bryant is one of the key ambassadors for sportswear brand Nike who's slogan is "Just Do it".

That said there is a large distinction between both statements. Joker's declaration reflects his nihilism and penchant for chaos, he has no driving motive besides upsetting the established order. Nike's Slogan is about being a person of action, proactive and not paralysed by fear or overthinking.

Kobe following in the footsteps of Michael Jordan had a killer instinct that made him take the last shot, the antithesis of Lebron James. He is cold blooded and doesn't care about stepping on people's toes. As Superhero movies have shown, there are many types of heroes each with their own defining characteristics. Lebron James in capturing his first NBA title proves that a champion doesn't need to be created from the same mold, they can establish a new one.

Its only fitting that Nike have released several "Chaos" colorways of Kobe's shoes inspired by The Joker

NIKE ZOOM KOBE V (CHAOS)
With a lurid lime sole, red splatter accents and purple foil upper this is a fresh take on the Kobe IV Chaos colourway from earlier this year, which was apparently inspired by Heath Ledger’s Joker from The Dark Knight.

The Collection: Zoom Kobe VI Chaos
When chaos rears its game-of-chance head, unpredictable behavior is all that remains.
But on the road to yet another three-peat, there’s no room for unorganized confusion at the close of 82 games.

Approaching the closing act of the movie, The Joker encourages the people of Gotham to "Just do it". Using news personality Mike Engel as his puppet he uses a sports analogy to incite the town into anarchy:

MIKE ENGEL: [kidnapped by the Joker, Engel is reading a prepared statement] I'm Mike Engel for Gotham Tonight. What does it take to make you people join in? You failed to kill the lawyer. I've got to get you off the bench... And into the game. Come nightfall, this city is mine... and anyone left here plays by my rules... If you don't want to be in the game... get out now... But the bridge and tunnel crowd are sure in for a surprise. Ha ha ha ha."