Just as Batman formed his own team of branded vigilantes to operate internationally, the Joker may soon follow suit.
DC's latest solicits for April 2023 reveal that Batman Incorporated #7 features the rise of "Joker Inc.," which will likely be composed of supervillains either inspired by Mr. J or operating under his leadership. One of the issue's variant covers shows a cowboy-themed clown named Dustry Bronco -- possibly the first of Joker Inc.'s members.
DC's description of Batman Incorporated #7, which more prominently features the creepy serial killer Professor Pyg, reads, "No one is safe as Professor Pyg continues his warpath across Gotham. Meanwhile, Ghost-Maker has the worst Gotham has to offer in his grasp and must decide whether to keep his promise to Bruce or end their reign of terror—for good. Can Batman Inc. find Pyg in time to save the city? Will Ghost-Maker fall back into his old ways? Guest-starring Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and more of Gotham’s finest. And as if that weren’t enough—the road to Joker Inc. begins here!"
Recent Developments For Batman Inc. And Joker
Batman Incorporated first appeared in 2010 after Bruce Wayne decided to take his crime-fighting crusade international following a tumultuous trip through time in "The Return of Bruce Wayne" story arc. Composed of members ranging from Knight & Squire -- two UK-based vigilantes inspired by the Dark Knight -- to the Super Sentai-themed Batman of Japan, the team united to battle Talia al Ghul's League of Assassins and a variety of other globe-spanning threats. The latest iteration of the team is led by Ghost-Maker, who was given permission to reformat Batman Inc. as he saw fit after Bruce Wayne lost the majority of his fortune in the 2021 "Joker War" storyline.
Meanwhile, the Clown Prince of Crime has done his own fair share of travel in recent books -- first with 2021-2022's Joker series, which saw former Gotham Commissioner James Gordon pursuing the clown across Europe and South America, and most recently with Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing, a series that features at least two Jokers fighting for control over both Gotham City and the wider United States.
Batman Incorporated #7 is written by Ed Brisson, illustrated by Michele Bandini and boasts covers by John Timms and Mico Suayan. The issue goes on sale April 11, 2023, from DC.
Source: DC