DC has launched the first of its Instagram-exclusive comics with ten panels of a prelude story leading to Batman #92, featuring Gotham's new villainous duo of Joker and Punchline. This is an original story and the first of three all-new prelude episodes that will also be coming to Instagram.
The first prelude can be found on DC's Instagram Story. Writer James Tynion IV wrote on Twitter, "While on break, I cooked up a handful of prelude stories with @GuillemMarch to give you a taste of Gotham while you're waiting for Batman to return next month. They'll be on DC's Instagram, in their stories. The first of them is up now, featuring PUNCHLINE!"
Originally scheduled for April 1, Tynion announced in April that the upcoming Batman issue would release two months later. The story will be a true introduction to Punchline, with the writer and DC wanting to make sure it reached as many people as possible.
The prelude story starts with Punchline on the phone with Joker saying, "I've been waiting for this a long time...and I'm not going to wait any longer," which is fitting when you consider the wait for the release of the anticipated comic has been a long one. Punchline is in one of Joker's safe houses and she isn’t delighted that Harley Quinn’s stuff is still around, and makes a point to let her boss know about it.
Next, Joker requested for Punchline to keep her focus and not get wrapped up in his former beau, which she agreed to. However, she set an old photo of Harley and Joker aflame which doesn’t inspire the most confidence.
Written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Guillem March, Batman #92 goes on sale June 10 from DC.