This article contains spoilers for Batman#95 & Batman #97.
DC teased Batman in the fight of his life in a new preview for Batman #97. James Tynion IV's Joker War has been long anticipated but the wait is over. The war has begun and DC just teased the fight brewing between The Dark Knight and The Clown Prince of Crime. The Joker has an army, Bruce's wealth, and all sorts of new toys. Bruce has... a strong sense of justice and a need for some backup.
James Tynion has slowly been building excitement for The Joker War using various tie-ins and the introduction of new characters. Punchline, Joker's new right-hand has been a success. Though the character is fairly new, fans have rallied behind her, creating fan-art and origin stories as soon as her design was revealed. Tynion has also teased the design for Clownhunter, a vigilante that is said to act as the voice of an aggrieved Gotham City.
DC previewed pages from Batman #97, with The Joker War already in full swing. The first page depicts a conquered Batman in chains and spewing a green gas that may be the Joker's signature toxin. The preview also featured covers, including one that focuses on Harley Quinn, hinting that she may have survived Punchline's deadly assault. Another cover shows a battered and beaten Batman attempting to stand tall.
The preview also showed Punchline and The Joker enjoying victory at the height of their empire, with The Joker adorned in jewelry and a regal robe. Clownhunter is also seen in the middle of committing an act of extreme violence against The Joker Gang. One thing is clear from the preview of Batman #97 - Batman is losing. He is shown without allies and his normal arsenal of gadgets, and vehicles. The Joker, on the other hand, is clearly thriving in this new chaotic Gotham that his war has forged. His lieutenant Punchline and The Joker Gang are in full-force.
The preview ends with a page displaying Batman facing off against a literal army of Jokers. The events leading to The Joker War have broken Batman. The Joker has more resources than ever thanks to Bruce Wayne's wealth and an army of subservient goons, including the ruthless Punchline. In Batman #95 readers see Batman in horror as he is exposed to Punchline's special cocktail of joker serum, fear toxin, and venom. So Bruce will need a miracle to turn the tide of this war for the city he has fought so long to protect.