One of the deadliest characters introduced so far on James Tynion IV's run as the writer on DC Comics' Batman is Punchline. And though we haven't seen nor heard much from her to date, the Joker's new sidekick is poised to receive her own origin story in April.
Following her introduction in a brief cameo in last month's Batman #89, illustrated by Guillem March, Tynion IV thanked fans for the character's overnight success before revealing that he and artist Mikel Janin will provide an origin for the character in short story in next month's oversized Joker anniversary special. And though it's isn't a full preview, the writer did post a piece of artwork from the story.
"Honestly, that’s what I am MOST excited about with Punchline. It’s all the incredible story potential I get to tap into in the book. It’s how she changes the dynamic of a massive Joker attack on Gotham City and Batman. It’s her first encounter with Harley. Her first encounter with Batman. Her first time on the page interacting directly with The Joker," Tynion IV said in in his latest newsletter. "All of that is why I was excited to create the character in the first place… And I am VERY VERY excited for you all to read her origin story in the Joker 80th Anniversary special. Mikel Janín knocked it out of the park. (Don’t tell anybody I showed you this…)"
Created by Tynion IV and Jorge Jiménez, Punchline is set for a collision course with the Dark Knight and the Joker's ex-girlfriend Harley Quinn as the series moves to its long-teased "Joker War" storyline this summer. And with Punchline shaping up to be one of the more lethal figures in Gotham City, the upcoming confrontations are sure to be bloody ones.
The Joker 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1, including a short story by James Tynion IV and Mikel Janín, goes on sale April 29 from DC Comics.