The Joker # 1 2021 NM

The Joker #1, published by DC Comics on March 9, 2021, marks the launch of the character's second ongoing solo series in DC history. Written by James Tynion IV with stunning, atmospheric artwork by Guillem March, this oversized issue kicks off the "Infinite Frontier" era for Gotham City.

Crucially, despite the title, the Joker is physically absent for most of the issue; the story unfolds like a gritty, hard-boiled noir mystery centered around an older, jaded James Gordon.

Main Story: "Prologue: Boogeymen" / "Call It a Day"

• The Status Quo: Following a devastating, catastrophic attack on Arkham Asylum (referred to as "A-Day") during the events of Infinite Frontier #0, the Joker has become the most wanted fugitive on Earth. He has fled the United States and is hiding out overseas.
• Jim Gordon's Haunted Retirement: Former Police Commissioner Jim Gordon is living in a grim retirement, deeply traumatized by the horrors the Joker has inflicted on Gotham and his own family (specifically Barbara and Sarah Essen). He is plagued by nightmares and feels the Joker's lingering presence like a devil on his shoulder.
• The Proposition: Gordon is approached by a mysterious, ultra-wealthy woman named Cressida, who represents a secretive group of elite families damaged by Gotham's madness. She offers Gordon an unprecedented contract: find the Joker overseas and permanently assassinate him. She provides a massive budget, total systemic protection, and a multi-million dollar payout.
• The Moral Dilemma: Gordon struggles with the idea. He consults with Harvey Bullock and his daughter Barbara (who is secretly operating as Oracle). While Barbara pleads with him to let it go, Gordon realizes this international manhunt is the ultimate way to close out his life's work—and he is genuinely considering breaking his lifelong code to end the Joker forever.

Backup Story: "Punchline - Chapter 1"

Co-written by Sam Johns with art by Mirka Andolfo, the backup feature checks in on the Joker's partner-in-crime, Punchline (Alexis Kaye), following the aftermath of the "Joker War". 

• Inside Blackgate: Punchline is locked away in Blackgate Penitentiary, safely navigating the prison infrastructure while maintaining an innocent facade for the media. 
• The Bluebird Watch: On the outside, a grassroots online movement is building to demand Punchline's release. Recognizing the growing danger, Harper Row suits up as Bluebird to monitor the situation and stop her own brother, Cullen, from falling under Punchline's manipulative influence. 

Creative Team & Collecting Info

• Writers: James Tynion IV & Sam Johns
• Artists: Guillem March & Mirka Andolfo
• Colorists: Arif Prianto & Romulo Fajardo Jr.
• Key Collectible Variants: The issue features a standard Cover A by Guillem March, a highly stylized minimalist Cover C variant by Francesco Mattina, and a popular Team variant by Mark Brooks.