Is it legal to take a picture of a friend and write a joke on it and post it around a college campus

I would think twice about this because of libel laws. If you write something that your friend considers demeaning to his character, you could have a lawsuit against you. Remember that there is a difference between being funny & being humiliated. Think of something that will make your friend laugh, rather be be angry, so you can keep your friendship. Have fun!

Oh what your friend did was not a good thing, but don't payback in that way you could be charged for defamation at the law court its not legal to do what he did to you.
But he is your friend so I believe you can tell him your feelings and go on with life together.

I would make sure that the practical joke was done kind for kind. In other words, was the practical joke done to you in good natured humor, or was it to be spiteful?

If what you're planning in retribution is spiteful but your friend's intent was good natured, then it's probably not a good idea to continue. Not from a legal standpoint, but just for friendships sake.

Seriously, why do we worry about the legal ramifications of a good joke?

Fortunately, I was never sued for my pyrotechnics.

We, well, behaved like it was Animal House, or something.

Simply amazing what you can do with a lightbulb, and a pack of firecrackers...