Batman is a superhero without super powers, but many might argue his White and rich privileges are all the powers he needs when it comes to doing whatever he wants to do in the name of crime fighting. However, many fans have also pointed out he has done little to combat systemic racism.

A new story line rumored to be in the works at DC Comics may fix that after The Dark Knight takes on corrupt Gotham City police officers who racially profile and beat his Black sidekick, The Signal in his civilian identity. This prompts Batman to personally confront his offenders, his own racial biases, and lastly how he, the other vigilantes in Gotham, and his company, Wayne Industries, can support “Black Lives Matter.”

Batman and The Signal

The Signal as many of you may not know is Batman’s latest sidekick, his only Black sidekick, and the only member of The Bat Family with super powers (he possesses photokinetic vision. It allows him to see into the past, spot weak points on enemies, and see several seconds into the future.), and lastly the only member of the time who primarily fights crime during the day. His true identity, however, is that of Duke Thomas, a Black teen brought up in the roughest parts of Gotham.

Duke Thomas AKA “The Signal”

Batman taking on systemic racism and bringing more eyes to Black Lives Matter is honestly amazing. He has never been shown as racist, however, he has been pro-cop. Seeing him draw a line between justice and injustice and let fans know the mistreatment of young Black men at the hands of rogue cops is unacceptable is timely and needed. The movement needs heroes on and off the pages of comic books. Batman doing his part is a step in the right direction for The Caped Crusader. Black Lives Matter, even metahuman, super-powered ones!

Life will not be getting better for Gotham’s resident protector and Dark Knight anytime soon. Batman has a new villain debuting in a recent comic book, Batman #90, simply known as “Designer.” Designer is not only after The Caped Crusader, but a few of the villains in his rogues’ gallery as well. Unlike other Batman villains, however, his design was inspired by video games villains.

via Screen Rant

The new Batman villain, Designer, was created with video game inspiration – and it shows.

Designer was created by James Tynion IV and Jorge Jimenez and first appeared in Batman #90. His past is still somewhat mysterious, but what’s been established is Designer was a villain living in the shadows who previously defeated a vigilante detective before the emergence of Batman. He attempted to get Gotham’s biggest bad guys to work together to defeat Batman and rule Gotham, but he was left for dead by the Joker. Years later, he re-emerged to wreak havoc not only on Gotham but to the villains who declined his team-up effort previously.

While there’s still plenty to learn about Designer, his real identity, and what his plans are in the present day, Tynion IV revealed the inspiration behind the character. In an interview with SyFy, Tynion talked about what’s next in his run of Batman and his new villains – including Designer. Tynion described Designer as “a character who was conscious of the way that villains evolve over time.” The current version of Designer has been around for a while and has experienced quite a bit in the shadows. He’s evolved quickly in the pages of Batman, but in the universe, he’s developed over time into the menacing villain he is today. Describing his personality, Tynion said he was like the ‘literal devil’ in a crossover of popular video games.

We love all things Batman and are excited to see Batman has a new adversary to take on. Many of his villains have either become anti-heroes (Catwoman, Harley Quinn, Poinson Ivy, Clayface) or become stale in their presentation (i.e. Penguin, The Riddler, Two-Face). Besides The Joker, Batman needs a formidable opponent to keep him, and fans, on their toes.

What do you guys think of Designer? Sound off in the comments’ section below!

They say “there is someone for everyone.” That seems to apply for Batman’s archenemy, The Joker, as well. As you may already know, for years The Clown Prince of Crime was in a dysfunctional relationship with his former psychiatrist turned super villain girlfriend, Harley Quinn. Now Harley has gone through her own “emancipation” and not only has she broken up with The Joker, but has become a bit of an anti-hero, protecting a part of Gotham City and even entering an open relationship with Poison Ivy! The Joker–and happily–has moved on to a new, deadly “henchwoman,” Punchline!

The Joker and Punchline

Punchline is set to play a major role in Batman’s life in the upcoming “Joker War” storyline, rumored to be the final showdown between The Dark Knight and Jester of Genocide.

via DC Comics

A brand-new DC villain set to play a major role in Batman’s life is already generating buzz and press interest…but who is Punchline? Writer James Tynion IV has teased her appearance in a few upcoming issues, but as of yet we don’t know much about the brand-new character! Here’s the breakdown of where you’ll be seeing her ahead of Batman #95’s “Joker War” storyline!

The mysterious new villain pops up on February 19 in a one-panel cameo in Batman #89; art by Guillem March and Tomeu Morey:

Punchline, unlike Harley Quinn, is seemingly far more dangerous than Harley Quinn and even more devoted to The Joker. There is not much information about her past, but the daggers she is holding and the bulletin board with the various members of the Batman Family and their secret identities make her a formidable opponent. Perhaps Harley will help Batman, Batgirl, Robin, Red Robin and Red Hood take down these clowns once and for all!

What do you think of Punchline? Sound off in the comments’ section below!