Batman #92

[cyberghostface]

"I got permission to post [Punchline's] design online, and everything went nuts. Books started selling out, and I made the dumb comment that I was excited for her REAL first appearance in 92 (by which I only meant her entering the story and interacting with the other characters), and then folks were saying I was trying to say Hell Arisen wasn't her first appearance, so on and so forth.

The real truth is that new characters don't always equal buzz. I think it's the power of the design, the power of a dark new rival for Harley, and the excitement for a Joker story where readers don't know what's going to happen, because now there are new elements in the mix with the potential to change everything. We weren't expecting it, but we're thrilled it's captured folks attention and interest.

And now the responsibility is on US to make her matter, to make her a character worthy of all that attention." -- James Tynion IV

Comments

[stubbleupdate]

Oh, a Guillem March book that begins with two ass shots?

[icon_uk]

As a gay man, with no horse in this race, gotta say that, even by the standards of a superhero comic book, and one featuring Catwoman and Harley Quinn no less, Punchline's boobs are slightly terrifying.

[crinos]

I didn't actually notice them at first, then I scrolled up and was like "Okay wow."

I'm reminded of the bit from the BTAS Joker's millions where Joker is hiring a new Harley.

"Sorry the Henchgirl role has been filled.....and quite nicely I might add."

[nyadnar17]

Ok....so I wasn't the only one who completely didn't even see her boobs the first time.

[thezmage]

Agreed

[shakalooloo]

They're hilarious comedy water-balloons that the Joker keeps there for the right funny moment. She's still waiting.

[daningram.insanejournal.com]

Directional explosives.

Obviously.

[icon_uk]

I'am also not sure what sort of style Punchline is meant to be going for.

The Joker has the playing card theme and his usual dress sense, Harley has the Comedia Dell'arte Harlequin, but what is Punchline/ Shes wearing purple and green I suppose, and a sort of painted doll face, but not in any novel or interesting way, and the what's with the X and O motif?

She just seems incredibly uninispired and generic, even Batman Beyond's Dee Dee's had more going for them design wise.

[nyadnar17]

I think she has a strong design. Theres no central theme that I can see but the design is strong enough that I didn't even notice her....impressive chest the first time scanning the page and I really want to care about the character.

Now they just need a personality to match because "stoic edge lord" doesn't seem like it has a lot of legs to it.

[dr_archeville]

Maybe going for a Punch -- as in "Punch & Judy" -- motif? (I don't really see it, but I'd be surprised if that idea wasn't at least floated around a bit during the design phase.)

[icon_uk]

Not really seeing it either, especially as Mr Punch's design is most notable for his pronounced hunchback, and hooked nose and chin

[shakalooloo]

From the cover, with the colour scheme and less prominent make-up, I'd've taken her for a Luthor goon.

[icon_uk]

Now if we'd found out she was actually Mercy, offered another, more interesting, if risky, gig which she accepted on Luthor's instructions...

[buxnalaus]

The only thing I get from her look is 'Shot Girl in a club where everything is black lights and neon, and they project random anime clips onto one of the walls.'

Given that Batman's Rogue Gallery is one of the most iconic in comics, she definitely needs a stronger look, yeah. Hell, if she's 'Punchline', at least give her some brass knuckles that read 'Punch' and 'Line'.

[arilou_skiff]

She looks like "mime" to me more than anything?

[supercapo16]

I think the idea is just like... Goth Clown Girl? IDK, at best it's a play on the sad clown motif, at worst it's a random assortment of hot clown motifs.

Either way... clown... cause Joker...

[lencannon]

That's a Jojo's character and I can not be convinced otherwise.

[remial]

my thought is that after years of dating a blond, Joker decided to trade her in for something of the Asian persuasion.

[cricharddavies]

And now the responsibility is on US to make her matter, to make her a character worthy of all that attention.

Wow, I've never seen someone fail quite so badly, right out of the gate.