Punchline: The Gotham Game #3 is published by DC Comics, written by Blake M Howard and Tini Howard and illustrated by Max Raynor and Gleb Melnikov.
Issue #3 is available from 27th December 2022 either directly from DC Comics online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available to download from the usual content providers
Synopsis
PUBLIC ENEMY number one! Punchline crossed a dangerous line at ACE Chemicals, and crossed Batman in the process. Now every masked vigilante and officer of the law is after Punchline, but this is exactly what she wants. What’s the point of being a public enemy if you’re not going to be public enemy number one? But the scariest person in the Gotham world isn’t the Bat…it’s the Cat. Catwoman will hunt Punchline and make her pay.
Review
In this issue Punchline takes her quest to become Gotham’s most feared villain up a level, although she is thriving on the notoriety the feathers she is ruffling are probably not the type you want to be messing with, Catwoman is on the scent to take her down along with Bluebird who have made it their mission to take down Gotham’s newest and potentially most dangerous threat. The Royal Flush gang are continuing to grow in strength to serve Punchline who if not stopped could well rock Gotham once and for all.
This story has probably been one of my favourite to come out of Gotham for a long time, seems like Harley Quinn but with a bit more “punch”. Being a fan of Harley Quinn I do see the similarities but Punchline is alot darker and more sadistic.
The writing duo of Blake M Howard and Tini Howard really works as they combine their writing talents to reinforce this new villain heroine to take the mantel from Harley and stand proud as Joker’s next squeeze. The writing of the series is growing at a natural pace that allows the story to organically expand and evolve turning into one of the series to look for in 2023.
The illustrations from Max Raynor and Gleb Melnikov are great, the bold artwork really enhances the story bringing to life this punchy character. The cover (pictured above) by Vasco Georgiev is one of my favorites, it really depicts the messed up personality that Punchline has.
Verdict
Another powerful story from one of 2022’s best new titles. Punchline: The Gotham Game is one to watch in 2023. An explosive title that has the potential to rock the DC Universe to its core.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
