Joker comic series coming from DC for first time in 45 years

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

The "Clown Prince of Crime" is getting his own comic book series for the first time in decades. DC Comics has announced a brand new monthly, ongoing title called "The Joker, and it hails from writer James Tynion IV, with art by Guillem March.

The monthly title will be a 40-page series and will also feature a backup story centered on the character of Punchline, which will be written by co-writer Sam Johns and illustrated by Mirka Andolfo. The main story will center on the worldwide manhunt for The Joker who has made himself a wanted man on a global scale. Here is the official synopsis for the comic book:

"After an unthinkable attack on Gotham City, the Clown Prince of Crime has become the most wanted man in the world! The Joker is doing his best to stay several steps ahead of law enforcement overseas, but Jim 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."

Even though The Joker is an insanely popular villain in Batman canon, this is just the second time in the publisher's history that he has been given a solo series. The first time was in 1975 and it was also a landmark moment because it was the first time a Batman villain had been given a solo effort. The book was canceled after nine issues so hopefully, 45 years later, DC will have more luck with this second effort. Writer James Tynion IV had this to say about the new series:

"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 it 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 first debuted in "Batman" #1 in 1940 and was created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson. He has since gone on to become one of the most popular villains in pop culture and has iconically appeared outside the comics in several movies and TV shows. Jack Nicholson brought him to like in Tim Burton's Batman while Oscar glory was bestowed upon Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix for playing the role in The Dark Knight and 2019's Joker, respectively. 

Will YOU be checking out the new Joker title? "The Joker" will cost $4.99 per issue and hits stands on March 9, 2021.