True, I didn't want to imply that Azzarello's Joker was the same as Dark Knight Joker, but just that they're closer on a sliding scale of realism. Something like:
(Realistic/Dark)--Azzarello's Joker---Dark Knight Joker------Golden Age Joker----DCU Joker-----Animated Joker----Silver Age Joker(Unrealistic/Bright)
Although I might actually move Animated Joker a ways to the left.