When it comes to romances, the Joker doesn't have a lot of flings in DC Comics. His abusive relationship with Harley Quinn has been the central pairing for DC's clown prince. Besides that, the Joker seems to only obsess over Batman. However, he might have found a new partner in crime: Punchline.
Current Batman writer James Tynion IV published a newsletter talking about his plans for the upcoming arc of Batman, where he revealed the name of a new villain named Punchline who's set to appear on the cover of Batman #92. Designed by Jorge Jimenez, Tynion dropped some interesting hints about Punchline and her potential relationship with the Joker.
Tynion talked about the new villain that he described as "The lady about to stab Batman!" He teased her potential first appearance in Batman #89 and her role in the upcoming Joker War.
But WHEN does she appear for the first time? Is it BATMAN #89? Is it YEAR OF THE VILLAIN: HELL ARISEN #3? Am I writing her origin story in the JOKER 80th Anniversary Special? Is she Joker’s new girlfriend? Is she a part of JOKER WAR??! Who the heck IS this Punchline, and why does she want to stab everyone?!?!?!?!?!?!
Tynion IV teased Punchline as "not a nice guy," who he's very excited to see start showing up within the pages of Batman.
The design looks sleek. The subtle clown makeup mixed with striking colors, along with the O and X on the top of her boots and gloves looks pretty menacing. It's going to be interesting to see her dynamic with the Joker. Is she going to be an obsessed fan? Will she fall for the same old abusive tactics as Harley? Will she be in control of the situation? How does the other new villain Designer play into all of this? Those questions will eventually be answered.
No matter what her relationship to the Joker is, it's cool to see a new villain pop up in the ongoing Batman series. Tynion IV and Jimenez clearly want to make their mark in their run and introducing a new character is a good way to do so. Aesthetically, Punchline looks great. Will, she put up with the Joker's BS? We'll find out soon.
- Batman #92
- Written by James Tynion IV
- Art by Jorge Jimenez
- Cover art by Yasmine Putri
- The greatest heist in history is underway in Gotham City, courtesy of the mysterious crimemaster known as the Designer! Batman knows what he needs to do, but in order to stop the plot, he must first escape the most ingenious death trap the Riddler has ever devised!
- In comic shops April 1st, 2020.