First The Joker got an ongoing series (which, by the way, is very good). Then he got a Black Label series squaring off against the Suicide Squad. Now DC has announced The Joker Presents: A Puzzlebox, a new seven-issue miniseries in which the clown prince of crime faces his toughest opposition yet: you.
Written by Matthew Rosenberg, The Joker Presents: A Puzzlebox will feature The Joker telling a series of stories that, while they at first appear unconnected, will add up to an overarching plan for Batman’s archenemy. The main framing sequence for the series will be illustrated by Jesús Merino, while different artists will illustrate the stories The Joker tells. The first issue features a cover by Chip Zdarsky, and interior artwork from Merino, Joshua Hixson, and colorist Ulises Arreola. Future issues will include stories illustrated by, among others, Keron Grant, Dani, Domo Stanton, Juni Ba, Vanesa Del Rey, Ricardo Ortiz, and Christopher Mooneyham. No letterer for the series was named in the announcement.
Here’s how DC describes The Joker Presents: A Puzzlebox:
The G.C.P.D. discover a mysterious corpse, a magical box, and a murderer’s row of the city’s most dangerous villains sitting in a jail cell. Now all they need to figure out is what exactly happened! Fortunately, one suspect is willing to talk.
Unfortunately, it’s The Joker. And he’s holding all the cards.
Launching on August 3 with a debut issue by Matthew Rosenberg, Jesús Merino, Joshua Hixon and Ulises Arreola, over the course of seven installments of The Joker Presents: A Puzzlebox, The Joker introduces seemingly unconnected stories of his fellow inmates. As the series progresses, it becomes apparent that each tale is actually a piece of The Joker’s larger plan.
Does an agent of chaos even make plans?
Along with the print release of the series in August, DC Universe Infinite subscribers will receive early access in June to “additional clues and insights […] to help readers stay two steps ahead of The Joker.” It’s unclear what exactly that material will be, though it will also be included in the print releases.
The Joker Presents is the latest DC work for writer Matthew Rosenberg, who is also currently writing the Grifter serial appearing in the Batman: Urban Legends anthology. Artist Jesús Merino has also recently had work included in the Gotham-set anthology series, illustrating part of the Red Hood feature in the most recent issue. This will be the first time either creator has worked on The Joker.
Check out some interior preview pages by Merino and Arreola below. The Joker Presents: A Puzzlebox #1 (of 7) goes on sale on Tuesday, August 3rd.
