Earlier this year, Batman proved that it’s not just Kardashians that can break the internet when he actually got down on one knee and proposed to his longtime lover and ally (and sometimes enemy), Catwoman. Needless to say, this led to copies of said issue flying off shelves, with DC having no choice but to send out multiple printings. Sure, such a thing has happened before in the realm of comics, but do keep in mind those prior weddings between the two occurred on alternate Earths, not in proper continuity.
But before Selina could give Bruce an answer, a few things had to be done: They went back to Wayne Manor, had sex and then he sat her down for a long story. Basically, he wanted to make sure that she accepted him, flaws and all, and wanted to confess his greatest sin to her. This, of course, was told in flashbacks in the form of the awesome “War of Jokes and Riddles.”
Today, we found out what’s been weighing on the mind of the Dark Knight for years, and it’s something that’ll have readers talking. As the war drew to a close, Batman stood in the presence of both Joker and Riddler as the latter bragged that he could defeat the Caped Crusader whenever he’d like to (although he never had and just failed yet again). But during his speech, he recounted his recent atrocities – chief among which was the murder of Kite-Man’s child – and expressed frustration at the Joker not laughing throughout this entire tale.
Believe it or not, Batman found himself at breaking point and decided it was time to show lethal force, something he swore he’d never do. After picking up a nearby knife and attempting to deliver a fatal blow to Edward Nygma, the Prince of Puzzles saw his life saved by an unlikely source – the Joker!
And therein lies our hero’s greatest shame and embarrassment. As he reflected on seeing the Clown Prince of Crime with a knife through his hand – all the while Joker was laughing his ass off, mind you – Batman thinks that he is who he is due to the whim of his nemesis. It’s debatable, yes, but adds a new element to the mythos.
After hearing this, Selina does the expected, offering up a speech of her own and saying how we all have our flaws, but she accepts Bruce despite all of his. This time, however, she asks that he rephrase his proposal in the form of a question – before responding with “yes.”
There you have it. Two icons are about to tie the knot at some point in the near future, and I’m all for it. So far, writer Tom King has upped his game with each subsequent story arc he’s turned in, with “The War of Jokes and Riddles” being his masterpiece. Personally, I think this is to Rebirth what Court of Owls was to the New 52, and I fully intend on adding the trade paperback to my shelf.
Batman #32 is now available in comic shops.