DC comics most popular on going comic series is none other the world’s greatest detective, Batman. The most recent storyline titled, “Their Dark Designs”, from comic book writer James Tynion. Has Batman pinned up against some new and old adversaries. Let’s discuss the current storyline and the upcoming crossover the Joker War.

Batman from writer James Tynion

James Tynion is the current writer for the continuing Batman series. The series began in 2016, during the DC Comics Rebirth event. The series began with writer Tom King. King’s run on the series filled the first 85 issues. After some creative planning over at DC comics, the on-going series has shifted into the hands of writer James Tynion IV.

James Tynion has been a writer for DC comics for many years. He has written on several DC comics series such as Batman Eternal (2011), Batman (2nd series) with Scott Synder and artist Greg Capullo. He also worked on Red Hood and the Outlaws (2012), and Batman Detective Comics (2017). In 2016, James created one of the most interesting and highly anticipated crossovers for IDW publishers and DC comics. Titled, Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2016).

Batman Their Dark Designs 

Picking up after the events of ‘City of Bane’ (from writer Tom King). Deathstroke, Chesire, Malcom Merlin, Gunsmith and Mr. Teeth all gather at a bar in Gotham City. Batman investigates, only to get caught in a fire fight with the assassins. Batman is able to subdue them including the deadly Deathstroke, Slade Wilson. Batman is haunted by the past, he begins to face a new reality in Gotham without his counterpart, Alfred.

Meanwhile, an unhinged Oswald Cobblepot (The Penguin) and an unrested Edward Nigma (The Riddler). Begin preparing for an unknown rogue debt collector known as The Designer.

The Designer and New Batman Rogues

Created by: (W) James Tynion (A) Guillem March & Tony S. Daniel

First Appearance: Batman #90 (3rd series)

Starting his new story arc, James Tynion has introduced some new adversaries to the Batman rogues gallery. The Designer approaches several of Batman’s rouges in an attempted to collect a debt owed to him. The Designer has a set motive of taking down Bruce Wayne.

 

Mr. Teeth is a homicidal assassin hired by The Designer. Teeth is a wanted serial murder. He extracts the teeth from his victim(s) and then implant them in the stomaches of said victim(s). He was given the alternative name of, ‘The Teeth Eater’.

Created by: (W) James Tynion (A) Danny Miki & Tony S. Daniel

First Appearance: Batman #86 (3rd series)

 

Gunsmith / Douglas Worth, is a mercenary contract killer hired by The Designer, in his attempt to destroy Bruce Wayne. Gunsmith has a specialty of making experimental weapons out of any materials he finds. He was given his name after building a gun and scope out of parts he was able to purchase from an airport electronics store.

Created by: (W) James Tynion (A) Danny Miki & Tony S. Daniel

First Appearance: Batman #86 (3rd series)

Punchline 

Created by: (W) James Tynion (A) Danny Miki & Tony S. Daniel

First Appearance: Batman #89 (Cameo) /  Year of the Villian Hell Arisen #3 (Origin & 1st app)

The Joker is also getting an upgrade in his love life; his new girlfriend, Punchline. Described as the anti- Harley Quinn. Punchline is a silent, intimidating serial killer, that knows how to be ‘a real cut up’. In her cameo, we are only given a glimpse of the new character. However, her origin and first full appearance happens to be in Year of the Villain Hell Arisen issue #3.

The Joker War

James Tynion has already set up the next story arc in the Batman Series, titled the Joker War. This next storyline is a planned cross over event. Set to take place after the events of the “Their Dark Designs”. The crossover will take place over several of the additional on-going Batman or Bat Family titles. Such as Nightwing, Batman Detective Comics, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Catwoman, and Red Hood. Along with a one-shot titled Batman Joker War Zone.

Recommended Graphic Novels

Here are some recommended Batman graphic novels from writer James Tynion that you can pick up on Amazon today.

 

Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol 1

(W) James Tynion (A) Freddie Williams & Jeremy Colwell

Amazon: Click here to buy the graphic novel Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Amazon

Batman Detective Comics Vol 1 Rise of the Batmen 

(W) James Tynion (A) Eddy Barrows & Alvaro Martinez

Amazon: Click here to buy the graphic novel Batman Detective Comics Vol 1 Rise of the Batmen on Amazon

 

Batman Detective Comics Vol 2 The Victim Syndicate

(W) James Tynion (A) Eddy Barrows & Alvaro Martinez

Amazon: Click here to buy the graphic novel Batman Detective Comics Vol 2 The Victim Syndicate on Amazon

 

Batman Detective Comics Vol 3 League of Shadows

(W) James Tynion (A) Eddy Barrows & Alvaro Martinez

Amazon: Click here to buy the graphic novel Batman Detective Comics Vol 3 League of Shadows on Amazon

 

Batman Detective Comics Vol 4 Deus Ex Machina

(W) James Tynion (A) Alvaro Martinez

Amazon: Click here to buy the graphic novel Batman Detective Comics Vol 4 Deus Ex Machina on Amazon

 

Batman Detective Comics Vol 5 A Lonely Place of Living 

(W) James Tynion (A) Eddy Barrows & Alvaro Martinez

Amazon: Click here to buy the graphic novel Batman Detective Comics Vol 5 A Lonely Place of Living on Amazon

 

Batman Detective Comics Vol 6 Fall of the Batmen

(W) James Tynion (A) Eddy Barrows & Alvaro Martinez

Amazon: Click here to buy the graphic novel Batman Detective Comics Vol 6 Fall of the Batmen on Amazon

 

Batman Detective Comics Vol  7 Batmen Eternal 

(W) James Tynion (A) Eddy Barrows & Alvaro Martinez

Amazon: Click here to buy the graphic novel Batman Detective Comics Vol 7 Batmen Eternal on Amazon

 

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