Tom King’s Batman run is now over with the game-changing “City of Bane” arc. The writer is now helping pen the script of DCEU’s New Gods movie. But coming back to Batman, readers saw Gotham go through a very dark and drastic turn as the city was handed over to Bane. That’s not all, Bruce’s world was rocked by the schemes of his father, Thomas Wayne, who sided with Bane and murdered Alfred Pennyworth in cold blood. But change is coming as James Tynion IV steps in and takes control of Batman’s life with the upcoming “Joker War” arc. He is bringing new villains with him and Batman’s life is going to be shaken again. Obviously, fans had a lot of questions about a little tease DC out out and James Tynion IV took to his newsletter to address that.

Since Batman has a new villain now, it’s time to take stock of all the weapons he can use to defeat her:

What Is The Punchline?

New Batman villain Punchline coming soon. Pic courtesy: newsarama.com
New Batman villain Punchline coming soon. Pic courtesy: newsarama.com

James Tynion IV gave fans the first hint of a new Batman villain called “Punchline”. Fans saw Punchline first in Yasmine Putri’s BATMAN #92 cover. Regarding the new villain, James Tynion IV had this to say in his newsletter:

Who is this character on the amazing Yasmine Putri BATMAN #92 cover?! (I referred to her as the character to Batman’s left on Twitter, and people are still giving me crap about it, but also giving OTHER people crap about it which seems weird to me – stop fighting in my mentions!) I obviously meant the brand NEW character… The lady about to stab Batman! To the left of him in the image, not in relative space.

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?!?!?!?!?!?!

Wait, I’m not supposed to say that’s Punchline yet, am I? I’m not supposed to say ANY of this! And what about this incredible character design from Jorge Jimenez…? Well, while we’re here… Maybe I’ll let you be the first to meet her.” –James Tynion IV.

READ MORE: Kristen Stewart Wants To Hear Robert Pattinson As Batman Utter A Specific Phrase

Will Joker And Punchline Wreck Havoc On Gotham?

Can you spot Punchline? Just look to Batman's left. Pic courtesy: bleedingcool.com
Can you spot Punchline? Just look to Batman’s left. Pic courtesy: bleedingcool.com

The question that is in everyone’s mind is- how will Punchline affect Gotham? James Tynion IV had this to say:

“…this is the story that started in the epilogue to Batman 85, and will be the biggest Joker story since Batman: Endgame back during the New 52. This story is going to have huge, huge ramifications for Gotham City. You’ll see all the seeds planted for Joker War in the background of THEIR DARK DESIGNS, especially as it hits its climax in April, but the big story starts in May.

It is going to be a very, very scary story. I can’t say much about it yet, other than you should probably read it and order lots and lots and lots of copies, just in case you get too freaked up and tear one of them up from the excitement.”

People don’t seem to have taken well to Tynion’s run for now. But hopefully with Joker War and Punchline he can convince Batman fans that he has what it takes to write the Dark Knight.

READ MORE: Watchmen Reveals That Batman Is A Spoof Of Nite Owl

(Source: comicbook.com and collider.com)

Explore from around the WEB