When DC Comics first announced the Joker was getting a new partner in crime (and in romance), the news was positively met. The new character, Punchline, had an interesting design and was teased as playing a big part of James Tynion IV's Batman run. The character officially debuted in the DC Universe last week -- and already, her popularity has skyrocketed.
DC Comics heavily marketed Punchline (along with the new villain Designer) as Tynion IV took over the reins on Batman. Unlike the Joker's former partner Harley Quinn, Punchline is described as cold, silent, and terrifying. Artist Jorge Jimenez goes a step farther, claiming she is "a sadist" the Joker considers "the funniest person he's ever met in his life." Punchline's sleek and sexy design made her instantly stand out, but for fans, there is still a lot to learn about the character. For those comic collectors hoping to get on the Punchline hype-train, however... it is going to get expensive, assuming one didn't jump to attain an early copy.
Punchline officially made her comics debut in Batman #89 in just a small cameo appearance. In Year of the Villain: Hell Arisen #3 (available now) Punchline makes her first full appearance. While neither is exactly substantial -- with the Punchline helping the Joker with his ploy against Batman, and later against Lex Luthor -- it's clear speculators are keen on the character and her long-term (or at least short-term potential).
At the time of this writing, Batman #89, Punchline's first cameo appearance, is routinely selling (sold listings) for about $35-40 USD on eBay. Year of the Villian: Hell Arisen #3, where Punchline makes her first full appearance is selling for as much as $50 USD. Not the fortune casual comic fans might be used to hearing, but for a single mid-run issue, amounts that much higher than the $3.99 cover price are absurd. The timing is a factor as well, considering the issue of Batman has barely been out a week, and the newest issue of Hell Arisen hasn't even been out for a full day. This kind of speculator madness hasn't been seen in DC Comics since The Batman Who Laughs first debuted back in Teen Titans #12, making it clear people are ALL-IN on Punchline's potential.
However, it's important to remember that it's rare for the first appearances of modern characters to retain their immediate value over time. Part of the reason the Batman Who Laughs' first appearance still holds value is that DC has worked hard on developing the character as a massive player among DC villains. It seems DC will try to do the same with Punchline, but who knows what the future holds for her?
With speculators being so invested in Punchline's first appearances, hopefully, it's the start of the character becoming a mainstay in the comics. She'll be a part of the "Joker War" storyline as well as appear in an upcoming issue of Nightwing. Punchline is an interesting character and has been a superstar seller for DC - let's home that momentum continues in her stories.