The following article contains spoilers from Batman/Superman: World's Finest #9, on sale now from DC Comics.

When Batman's archnemesis the Joker learned about Superman having a new sidekick, it was only a matter of time before he tried to harm Boy Thunder (David Sikela). This happened during the final reel of Batman/Superman: World's Finest #9 (by Mark Waid, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, and Steve Wands). After saving Gotham City from a flood caused by the Key, Joker kidnaps Boy Thunder, exposing the young hero to his venom and clearly having plans to further torment him.

However, the Joker may not be planning on killing Boy Thunder outright. He seems especially interested in breaking him down. If so, then he won't kill Boy Thunder, but psychologically shatter him, and then unleash him on the world. After all, taking someone whom Batman and Superman are working hard to train, and turning him into a weapon of mass destruction would be a hilarious joke in his mind.

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The Joker Wants to Break Superman's New Sidekick

Joker Kidnaps Boy Thunder

The Joker's history with targeting sidekicks is well-documented, but Boy Thunder presents a new kind of challenge. In truth, this is long before Jason Todd even entered Batman's life, meaning Boy Thunder is the test run for his love of torturing sidekicks. His exact plans aren't clear yet, but it cannot possibly end well for David. The only problem with this is that the Joker doesn't know how fragile Boy Thunder's mental state already is. He has been traumatized by the loss of his entire world, as well as his parents, suffering from intense survivor's guilt. After coupling this with his violent temper and powers, Boy Thunder is looking less like a colorful new sidekick, and more like a bomb waiting to go off. The Joker might end up becoming the detonator.

He's already infected Boy Thunder with Joker venom, and his alliance with the Key presents him with endless possibilities to torture his captive. The Key's greatest ability is his skills as a chemist, regularly creating formulas to bend people to his will. If he tailored some concoction to the Joker's specifications, then Boy Thunder's mind is about to be assaulted like never before. This, however, could cause bigger problems than anyone realizes.

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Joker Breaking Superman's Sidekick Could Threaten the World

Joker and Boy Thunder

Assuming the Joker is thinking ahead on this and wants to destroy Boy Thunder's mind, then he is either operating under the prediction that the new sidekick will become despondent due to the torture, or is counting on him losing control altogether and going on a rampage. The latter seems like the more likely option, as the Joker is an admirer of chaos, and unleashing it in the form of Superman's partner would be too good of an opportunity for him to pass up.

Unfortunately, both Joker and the Key have no real context about Boy Thunder or the nature of his powers. They have no idea just how much strain he is under already. They might be assuming he will take time to break down, only for him to snap much more quickly than expected. Boy Thunder might very well kill them if he catches them off guard. Adding to this, the upper limits of his powers have yet to be demonstrated. Superman is the only one proven capable of withstanding them thus far. Even if Boy Thunder ends up in a fight with Superman, a lot of ordinary people will be killed in the crossfire if his wayward sidekick heads toward a populated area. Ironically, by trying to be a monster, the Joker may inadvertently create something worse than himself.