The arrival of a new Joker is always significant news for Batman, as the crazed clown continues in his quest to bring down Bruce Wayne and expose Gotham as the cess pit which, to be fair, it has often proved itself to be.
That said, the versions of the character that we've seen in the movies so far have all been pretty similar, so you'd be forgiven for think that was the only type of Joker that the Caped Crusader needs to keep an eye out for.
In terrible news for good guy fans though, that isn't the case, and a new Joker has just been introduced in the comments that looks like it could take out our favourite hero in time for lunch.
Absolute Batman is about to introduce the character in its 15th issue as a massive symbiotic monster, that should bring to mind Venom or the Ultimate Universe Green Goblin, more than the criminally insane jester that we've grown used to.
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In a post sharing the cover of the comic on Twitter/X, writer Scott Snyder confirmed the character is on the way in December, and fans couldn't be more pleased, and frightened for the future of their favourite hero.
"Bro what did Batman do to deserve this," one simply read. Others noted that the version of Batman in this series is also considerably beefier, saying, "You're really leaning into very bestial villain designs for this series. I guess it makes sense, with a massive Batman you need large physical threats."
Essentially, this new, horrifying version of the Joker comes about after Darkseid creates a corrupted reality known as the Absolute Universe. His death unleashes huge amounts of energy which then cause the Batman villains we know and love to transform into hulking, horrendous beasts.
Interestingly, Snyder has previously discussed what the Joker is like in this version of the comics, outside of his savage, transformed version. He serves as much more a Bruce Wayne or Lex Luthor-like figure, as a billionaire with extensive resources that he can draw upon to bring about his machinations.
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We'll have to wait and see exactly how all of this is going to pan out for Batman, but it's safe to say that this new version of the Joker should provide a challenge unlike any he's faced from the character before.
There's no exact release date for the issue yet, but it will be at some point in December, so you can keep your powder dry for now.