Harley Quinn is a very unique character in the pages of DC Comics. She's her own special brand of crazy. One character who shouldn't be compared to Harley is his new right-hand woman, Punchline - as the new DC villain is described as the "anti-Harley Quinn."
Punchline is the Joker's new girlfriend who's previously been described as the polar opposite of Harley Quinn. The character was introduced recently in the comics and has found early success thanks to a sleek design, her relationship with DC's biggest villain and the speculator market. Punchline is set to come face-to-face with Harley (and potentially kill her) but until then, creators James Tynion IV and Jorge Jimenez have teased the character further.
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Both Tynion IV and Jimenez spoke to DC Comics about Punchline's upcoming role and what's in store for her. Tynion IV said Punchline is a "radically" different foil to the Joker as Harley Quinn once was. She will bounce off the Clown Prince of Crime in new and different ways, while readers will slowly learn what Punchline is all about, her motivations, and her true relationship to the Joker. Jimenez said when he first got the description of Punchline, it was obvious she was the "anti-Harley Quinn." He described Punchline's look and both he and Tynion's happiness with the final product.
As soon as I read the description, I was very clear on what I wanted to do: the anti-Harley Quinn. Could there be anything more fun? I added freckles that give personality to her face, and I have noticed that it is fashionable in makeup to place a point just below the eye, and I thought it would be super cool to add this to her cold and tenebrous look. As soon as I finished the drawing, I felt that this was just what James was looking for, and I was very happy when I found out that I was right.
Jimenez is right. One of the most interesting aspects of Punchline is her design. The character stands out and has an immediate unique quality to her. Whether her personality matches her look will be determined, but by pure looks, Jimenez nailed it. Now, it's time to see her in action. She's cold and calculated - but how else does she differ from Harley? The two's first encounter is going to be BIG. But, how will Punchline emerge as more than just Joker's latest weapon in the 'Joker War?" She's clearly going to be a key player, but when the arc wraps up, will she become more than a bit-player and follow a similar trajectory to Harley Quinn? It's cliche to say, but only time will tell.