The Joker Gets a New Crazy Henchwoman Named Punchline!

The Joker (or, at least, one of the three?) seems to be playing a big role in the current Batman solo comic book arc by writer James Tynion IV. Joker’s new henchwoman, Punchline (I love the name!), will be present to lend a hand or cut a few.

If you have been reading my reviews of Tynion’s Batman solo run, you would know that the current narrative is about Bruce facing off against the mysterious The Designer to change Gotham City. Apparently, the plan certain villains came up with was created years ago. Even Selina’s involved. While we still don’t know who The Designer is, we do know the Joker is pulling some of the strings. And he has help!

Punchline is a new character who will make her debut in the upcoming Batman Issue 89. According to promotional content, she will play a major role in Batman’s life.

And yes, as shown in the preview below, Joker is familiar with the real identities of the Bat-Family.

After the small cameo in Issue 89, she will have a supporting role in Year of the Villain: Hell Arisen Issue 3 (which will release a week after Issue 89).

As the story continues, fans should expect Punchline to have a bigger role in Joker’s plan. She will also grace the variant cover of Batman Issue 94 in May 2020. The cover’s from Stanley “Artgerm” Lau.

I’m not sure, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Punchline ends up being someone of Asian descent.

Introducing such a character can make for some very interesting moments. Harley Quinn came to help Selina in Issue 88. Quinn better have a scene with Punchline. Quinn was able to escape Joker’s manipulative and abusive ways. Maybe she will try to knock some sense into Punchline, too?

From what I can tell, the two women, personality-wise, do feel different to me. Also, I’m not sure if Punchline’s romantically involved with the Joker. I would be surprised if she is. We all know Joker’s true love is Batman. Anyway, she seems to share his appetite for torture, though.

I’m a big fan of her character design. If she ends up being popular enough, seeing fans select her for their cosplay would be amazing.

Batman Issue 89 will be available on February 19, 2020. The cover art is by Tony S. Daniel. Artist Guillem March will handle the story art.

The official description for the issue reads:

Batman must stop Deathstroke from killing the mayor of Gotham City! But to do so he has to figure out who ordered the hit in the first place. If his four main suspects aren’t ‘fessing up to the crime, then is there someone even more sinister lurking in the shadows waiting to deliver the coup de grâce? Whoever it is, one victim will fall under their attack!

What do you think of the new character coming to DC Comics?

Let us know.

(via SuperHeroHype)

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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