One of the Joker's biggest internal struggles is whether he truly wants to find out the real-life identity of Batman. Learning Batman is Bruce Wayne would give him even more information and ways to mess with the Caped Crusader. On the other hand, learning Batman's true identity kills part of the thrill for the Joker. So, what does he do? It appears the Joker is leaning towards finding out the truth.
In previews for Detective Comics #1023 by Peter J. Tomasi, Andrew Hennessy, Brad Anderson, and Brad Walker, the Joker is seen in prime position to take off Batman's cowl. In the image, a bloody Batman lays on the ground with the Joker laying atop him. With a ferocious grin on his face, the Joker picks at Batman's mask. If he wants to, the Joker has the prime chance to unveil the true identity of the man who's foiled his plans time and time again.
While it remains to be seen how the Joker will handle Batman, he's clearly on a mission to unmask the other members of the Bat-Family. In previews for the upcoming Batman #89, it's revealed the Joker has been playing detective himself. He's shown standing in front of a corkboard with Nightwing (Richard Grayson), Drake (Timothy Drake), Robin (Damian Wayne), Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) and the Red Hood's (Jason Todd) secret identities on full display. What he intends to do with the information isn't know just yet, but you can bet the Joker got some seriously sinister plans.
DC has been teasing the upcoming "Joker War," as the next big Joker-led story featuring the Clown Prince of Crime. The real-life identities of the Bat-Family seem to be a key part of the Joker's big plans. There are still a handful of questions that need to be answered. How do other villains such as the Designer play a part in what's to come? How about the Joker's new girlfriend Punchline? How does Batman get into this situation with the Joker? Those questions will be answered in the comic weeks in various Batman-related titles.
Here's the cover for Detective Comics #1023 with the solicit for issue #1023.
- Detective Comics #1022
- Written by Peter J. Tomasi
- Art by Brad Walker and Andrew Hennessy
- Colors by Brad Anderson
- "Ugly Heart" part three! Batman has been blasted with bullets and left for dead by Two-Face's deadly Church of the Two-and if Gotham City is going to survive Two-Face's final revenge, they're going to need a miracle! But be careful what you wish for, because a resurrection is already in progress, and this one involves a certain Clown Prince and the heir to Gotham's vigilante throne...
- In comic stores April 15, 2020.