Warning: SPOILERS for Batman #90
The world of Batman has just been rocked by a secret plan years in the making, involving Gotham's most iconic villains. But in the process, the new story has finally explained what caused The Joker to evolve from a clown-themed criminal into Batman's greatest nemesis. And more importantly... who accidentally created him.
It's a revelation that fans didn't even know to expect, considering the upcoming "Joker War" story is still several issues away (where Joker's new girlfriend Punchline is set to make full impact on Gotham City). But as a strange figure has emerged from the past to create new kinds of havoc in Batman's life, Catwoman finally reveals the truth in Batman #90. That truth begins with the mysterious Designer, on the night when The Joker turned from a colorful rogue to the one man capable of driving Batman mad.
The story (as told to Bruce by Selina) begins early in their respective careers, with a strange invitation extended to Catwoman, Riddler, Penguin, and Joker. Once they arrive at the home of the near-mythic Designer, he tells them of his own years-long rivalry with a now-defeated nemesis. A nemesis just as unbeatable as Batman, until he evolved his thinking to achieve his victory:
In time, I wasn't plotting crimes for personal gain. I was simply trying to beat the damned detective at his own game. Victory eluded me at every turn, and I was driven to the brink of madness and beyond... which is where a simple truth presented itself to me, and changed my life. I had been playing the game on the detective's terms. Taking one step forward past each step he had taken to beat me. If I designed a crime with one degree of complexity, he would come back with two degrees of complexity in his means of defeating me. Beating him would require an exponential leap forward.
That exponential leap forward is what he offers Catwoman, Riddler, Penguin, and Joker -- helping them to evolve their thinking and concoct their master plans, asking only that when they achieve their own total victory, he would be repaid half of their fortune. For Selina, Edward, and Oswald, a plot to finally beat Batman is reason for celebration. But for Joker... things go very differently.
The tale is easily the most thrilling bit of suspense yet seen from Batman writer James Tynion IV, brought flawlessly to life by artists Jorge Jimenez and Tomeu Morey. As the three iconic rogues all celebrate their newfound resolve and vision for the future, the Joker's time continues to drag. While it's unknown exactly what takes place in the room between Joker and The Designer, Catwoman is confident enough to offer her best guess to Bruce (and the readers). All that's known for sure is that once The Designer helped Joker evolve his thinking to a grand enough level, he bursts from the room with one command to his men: "Kill them all!"
According to Joker's eventual explanation, he simply told The Designer a joke he didn't find funny. Thus ended the story of the masked mastermind, as the rogues all saw their plans turn to dust without his money to make them possible. But as Penguin and Riddler destroyed the evidence of their meeting, Catwoman only had eyes for Joker. Not the one who had entered the room a criminal like the rest of them (even if he was far crazier). But a new man, with eyes locked on Gotham City, and the Bat-Signal in its skies. In short, the Joker who would eventually become the Batman family's worst nightmare.
The Joker may have already debuted in Gotham City, and tangled with Batman enough to know they were destined to duel. But Tynion and Jimenez make it clear that once Joker engaged in the practice of 'evolving' his way of thinking, he saw things differently. When considering the actual character's own evolution from a clown-themed rogue to a dark, twisted, malevolent, and undying embodiment of pure evil, this transformation actually makes perfect sense. So, does this mean all credit must be given to The Designer for creating the villain's ultimate form, albeit unintentionally? With the master planner apparently now returned to seek vengeance, that final conclusion will have to wait.
- BATMAN #90
- Written by: James Tynion IV
- Art by: Jorge Jimenez, Tomeu Morey
- Cover Art by: Jorge Jimenez, Tomeu Morey
- Variant Cover by: Francesco Mattina
- The mysterious master criminal known only as the Designer once brought together Gotham City's greatest criminals to plot the perfect crime, and now his plan has been unleashed upon the city in all its might. Batman will go to any length to uncover the grand design, but Catwoman is the one who holds the greatest secret. If Batman wins against the Designer, he will lose everything.
Batman #90 is available now from your local comic book shop.