DC Comics Universe and Batman #98 Spoilers and Review follows.
Joker War Part 4 Sees…
…Harley Quinn Vs. Punchline…
…As Alfred Pennyworth Looms Large…
…While The Joker Does Not?!
The book opens with readers in Batman’s mind as he’s healing from Punchline’s toxin getting counsel from his dead father figure Alfred Pennyworth.
In the real world, Harley Quinn is looking after Batman’s body, but…
…Punchline wants to kill Batman to impress the Joker.
A battle ensues through which…
…we see Harley Quinn’s past contrasted…
…with Punchline’s past and present.
In Batman’s head, he feels like he’s failed…
…prompting Alfred Pennyworth to smack him across the face (which may jar some millennial readers since corporal punishment hasn’t been socially accepted since the last 1980s even for “big kids” like Bruce Wayne is in his head).
Alfred follows up with words of encouragement that complements the slap to snap Bruce out of it and wake up.
He does and confronts and defeats Punchline…
…who was attempting to kill him; then it’s time to call in the troops!
The book ends with Catwoman hearing Batman’s call and attempting to recruit Gotham City’s rogues by promising them Bruce Wayne’s billions that Joker stole?!
The Pulse:
An interesting ride this issue with overt battle between Joker’s one-time muse and his current one plus Batman’s internal struggles healing from Punchline’s toxin. Sadly, no Joker. Solid art. 8 out of 10.
