Harpo... don't you watch the news? Catwoman blew up Ace Chemicals!
Punchline: The Gotham Game #3 is an issue of the series Punchline: The Gotham Game (Volume 1) with a cover date of February, 2023. It was published on December 27, 2022.
Synopsis for "Punchline: The Gotham Game, Part 3"
Following the events of Catwoman #50, Punchline has brought King of Clubs to Professor Pyg's hideout to stitch his face after fighting and losing to Catwoman. After a botched job on King's face, Punchline decides to leave. 1-0 Stops her and asks what their next play is now that Catwoman is in custody, to which Punchline replies "sending a message" without explaining the full extent of her plans.
Meanwhile at the now demolished Alleytown Ace Chemical Plant, the FBI and FEMA in Hazmat suits search the perimeter and continue to control any remaining burning chemicals. Gotham DA Ventura Fremont arrives to inquire as to why the federal government has assumed control of the crime scene. FBI agent Randall Dickenson explains that Catwoman confessed while in custody to destroying the facility which constitutes a chemical attack under federal law and therefore falls under federal jurisdiction. Fremont defends Catwoman's actions stating the FBI doesn't know Selina Kyle well enough to know her actions were not with the intentions of terrorism. Agent Dickenson disagrees and implores Fremont to leave before further exposing herself to the burning chemicals with inadequate gear.
Elsewhere in an Alleytown Apartment, Punchline finishes her newest airborne toxin and begins to hallucinate the Joker's voice coming from the apartment owners dead corpse still sitting in his armchair. The Joker inquires as to Punchline's reasoning behind her game, casting doubt on her actions. Punchline proceeds to disseminate the body for disposal, remaining speechless as she does.
At Port Royal, the Royal Flush Gang Headquarters, King of Clubs and 1-0 train newest member One Eyed Jack with his new laser eye weapon. Bluff confronts Jack questioning his loyalty and suspicious of his true intentions after being a hostage for them, only to have a change of heart and empathetic towards their cause following the destruction of their drug processing plant.
On Gotham bridge, Punchline throws briefcases containing pieces of the corpse into the Gotham river. Still hallucinating, she tells the Joker the reasoning behind her actions is to gain the Joker's clout and followers in his absence, following his departure from Gotham after the events of the Joker War. Shortly after, Bluebird appears behind her and attempts to apprehend Punchline for revenge from their last encounter in The Joker #15. Punchline narrowly escapes in her car, leaving bluebird behind on Gotham Bridge.
Across town, Bluebird's brother Cullen attempts to text Harper inquiring as to where she is. Cullen's boyfriend Bluff texts him after and states he is in town and wants to get help Cullen find Harper. Upon going downstairs to meet him outside, Bluff grabs Cullen as Punchline holds a knife to Cullen and laughs. Cullen's phone drops as an incoming text to him is portrayed; his sister Harper (Bluebird) is wondering where he is.
Appearing in "Punchline: The Gotham Game, Part 3"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Professor Pyg
- Royal Flush Gang
- 1-0
- Bluff
- Jack of Hearts ("Knavy_Seal")
- King of Hearts (Rex Quintain)
- Queen of Hearts (Regina Quintain)
Antagonists:
- Bluebird (Harper Row)
- The Joker (Hallucination) (Appears only as a corpse)
Other Characters:
- Cullen Row
- FBI
- Randall Dickenson (First appearance)
- Ventura Fremont
- Catwoman (Selina Kyle) (Mentioned only)
- Gotham D.A. (Mentioned only)
Locations:
- Gotham City
- Gotham City East End
- Alleytown
- Ace Chemicals (In ruins)
- Alleytown
- Port Royal
- Royal Flush Gang HQ
- Valentin's Carvery
- Gotham City East End
Items:
- Gravity Scepter
- Heartstopper Gloves
- XO Drug
Vehicles:
- Batmobile (Cameo)
- Nightwing's Motorcycle
Notes
- This issue takes place after the events of Catwoman (Volume 5) #50.
See Also
- Cover gallery for the Punchline: The Gotham Game series
- Images from Punchline: The Gotham Game Vol 1 3