“Gordon, facing retirement, realizes this is the last manhunt of his life and vows to track down Gotham’s worst nemesis, completing his storied career. But there are some mysterious and deadly forces that are also on the hunt for the Joker, and they’re not going to let Gordon slow them down or get in the way.” It was not specified if Bane, who appears on the cover for the first issue, is one of these forces.
The series will also contain a back-up story starring Punchline and Bluebird, written by Tynion and Sam Johns, with art by Mirka Andolfo (who previously collaborated with them on the “Punchline” one-shot). The story will follow Punchline as she becomes the newest resident of Blackgate Penitentiary, while Harper Row/Bluebird seeks to save her brother Cullen, who has been brainwashed by Punchline into turning against the Bat Family.
Tynion said, “When I was approached by DC about the concept of an ongoing series spotlighting The Joker, I thought, ‘What would that book even look like?’ I’m excited to share this story in a way that honors everything that a series about the Joker can be, while coming at if from an exciting, unexpected angle. I’m also thrilled to continue working with Sam and Mirka to expand the Punchline story we began in November as a back-up feature in this new ongoing Joker series. ‘The Joker War’ was only the beginning of the terror and mayhem we’re creating!”
“The Joker” #1 will be released on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, with variant covers by Frank Quitely, Francesco Mattina, Riccardo Federici and Mark Brooks. Each issue will 40 pages, and retail at $4.99.
