The Joker has big plans for Gotham City, and his new girlfriend Punchline is going to help execute them during the "Joker War." Along the way, Punchline will encounter Dick Grayson in the midst of an identity crisis and is set to control him like a puppet.
The upcoming 'Joker War' is going to be a huge, game-changing event for Batman and the Joker. Coming along for the ride is Punchline, Joker's new girlfriend who's a killer assassin (and the complete opposite of Harley Quinn). Unfortunately for Ric Grayson (as he currently goes by), he's set to get captured by the Clown Prince of Crime and will run into Punchline just as he makes his way back to Gotham to try to recover his lost memories and identity. It sounds like things are about to get even tougher for the former Robin.
In a new preview for Nightwing #73 by Dan Jurgens, Ronan Cliquet, Travis Moore and Alan Quah, Nightwing's journey back to Gotham City will be impeded by Punchline. The cold-blooded killer will somehow gain control of Nightwing and make him battle those who are closest to him, including Barbara Gordon's Batgirl, the different incarnations of Robin, and himself. The Joker and Punchline have a key advantage at their disposal since they know the real identities of key members of the Bat-Family including Nightwing, Batgirl, the Red Hood and both Robin's (Damian Wayne and Tim Drake). Considering Dick is having memory problems of his own, perhaps the Joker and Punchline manipulate him to believe his closest allies are actually his enemies. The tease of a big Bat-Family battle is exciting.
Here's a small preview from DC Comics.
The Joker knows Dick Grayson is Nightwing—and the plans he’s set in motion in will haunt Batman forever. Under the control of The Joker’s mysterious ally Punchline, Nightwing must battle the people he once loved most: Batgirl, the Robins, and…himself.
The Joker appears to be playing all of his cards (pun intended) in the 'Joker War,' leaving no potential advantage or maneuver unturned. That's bad news for Batman and his Bat-Family. Sadly, for Nightwing, he's becoming a pawn in a much bigger game than he could imagine. Punchline is one of the coldest villains on the Joker's team, so expect a bloody affair as Dick Grayson heads back to his old home ahead of the 'Joker War.' Nightwing #73 is in stores on June 17.