WARNING: The following contains spoilers for the story "Many Happy Returns" from Detective Comics #1027, by Matt Fraction, Chip Zdarsky, and Aditya Bidikar, on sale now

The animosity between Batman and the Joker is one of the most notable conflicts in fiction. The two have been going to war with each other for what seems like forever, and they will likely continue to do so until the end of time. One of Joker's most consistent forms of attack have just been revealed in Detective Comics #1027.

"Many Happy Returns" reveals that every month, Joker gives Batman a "birthday present" -- including one that emotionally devastated the Dark Knight.

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The story reveals that the second time Batman ever encountered the Joker, the Clown Prince of Crime led Batman to a tied up officer, strapped to sticks of dynamite, with a "birthday lover" sash around him. Ever since, Batman has received a monthly "birthday present" from the Joker in some form or another. This has ranged from deranged to destructive, including capturing the Teen Titans, stealing a bus full of children, and leaving hand made drawings for Batman.

It's one of the closest things Batman has ever found to a consistent beat from the Joker, happening no matter what by the end of the month. He even once forced a crowd to appear as Thomas and Martha Wayne did on the night of their deaths, speaking to how personal these attacks could be. However, years into their conflict, Batman is horrified to realize that one month is coming to an end -- and Joker hasn't made his move. Fearing the worst, Batman quickly recruits Gordon and the GCPD to hunt through the city for Joker. When they fail to find him, Batman brings in the Justice League to search while the GCPD evacuates the city.

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Joker Batman Birthday Present

As the hours dwindle on the last day of the month, Batman confronts every villain, hunts down every old haunt, and still can't find his nemesis. With only hours to spare, the Joker arrives outside the GCPD with a smile and no weapons. Batman confronts Joker and beats him down while the Clown Prince of Crime giggles. Eventually, Batman demands to know what his birthday present this time is -- and Joker reveals, through broken and bloody teeth, that he is the present. The trap this time is the endless duel between Batman and Joker, and it's one Batman can never escape.

A flash forward through the story reveals that the battle will continue for decades, with Batman never killing the Joker and the Joker never giving up his war against Batman. The two are fated to do this dance for the rest of their lives -- which leaves Batman exhausted and tired, eventually returning to Wayne Manor to stew in darkness. The Joker is shown to know that Batman is Bruce Wayne during the story, making his choice to never celebrate Batman's birthday on Bruce's birthday the ultimate teaser. It's also the perfect proof to Batman that he can never escape his war with the Joker.

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