Summary
WARNING: Contains Potential Spoiler for Detective Comics #1085!Catwomanhas officially joined me in the ranks of believing that theJokeris romantically in love withBatman. Even more shocking, though, is that the Dark Knight’s life may depend on the Clown Prince of Crime acting on these feelings. Before you start booing me, though, hear me out, as Selina Kyle’s new opera-inspired nickname for the Joker proves my stance.
I’ve recently started getting into Ram V.‘sDetective Comicsrun, and his latest issue (#1085) has solidified my commitment to the series. This installment revolves aroundBatman preparing to confront the Orgham family againafter their successful and deadly expulsion of the Dark Knight from Gotham.
Catwoman, Batman’s staunchest ally, doubts his chances in this fight and seeks out the Joker in the hope of tipping the scales in Bruce’s favor. It’s during this intriguing encounter thatSelina dubs the Clown Prince of Crime “Pagliacci,” hinting at her belief that the Joker harbors romantic feelings for Batman.
Pagliacci: Catwoman’s Operatic Nickname For Joker Proves She Thinks The Clown Is in Love With Batman
“Pagliacci” is an Italian opera that tells the story of Canio, an actor and leader of a commedia dell’arte troupe, who, consumed by jealousy, murders his wife and her lover onstage during a performance.The central plot revolving around a comedic actor whose toxic love manifests as destructiveness is a clear parallel toJoker’s obsessive behavior towards Batman, and considering this opera is a romantic tragedy, I can only interpret Selina referring to Joker “Pagliacci” as her calling the clown out on his romantic feelings for Batman.
The context of Catwoman referring to the Joker as “Pagliacci” only reinforces my belief that she is making a deliberate statement about the clown’s feelings for Batman. Selina openly acknowledges to the Joker that she sought him out because she believes Batman will fail without his intervention. Even though she doesn’t outright ask for his help, I am convinced she was trying to appeal to his feelings for Batman. However, Joker’s reaction is even more telling to me, ashe gets extremely defensive at what Catwoman may or may not be suggesting—a clear confirmation ofhis love for Batman.
Catwoman Is Banking on Joker’s Love For Batman, Hoping It Saves Bruce Wayne From a Fight He Can’t Win
I was genuinely surprised when Catwoman chose the Joker as her first option for seeking help for Batman. Initially confused and even skeptical of Ram V.’s writing, I pondered why Selina, who professes her love for Batman, would turn to his greatest enemy for help. Then it struck me: her love for Bruce Wayne is precisely why she sought out the Joker. She wouldn’t entrust Batman’s life to just anyone; rather, she would seek out someone she genuinely believes loves him as deeply as she does, if not more. In turning to theJoker,Catwomandemonstrates her conviction that he harbors genuine feelings of love forBatman.
Joker Confirmed His Biggest Fan Theory With 1 Sentence
The intricate and intense dynamic between Batman and the Joker has captivated fans, inspiring a multitude of theories, and one was just confirmed.
DETECTIVE COMICS #1085 (2024)
The Joker
The Joker is a psychopathic criminal mastermind with a warped sense of humor. Initially introduced as a remorseless serial killer, the character evolved over time, often oscillating between a prankster and a homicidal maniac. His relationship with Batman is one of the most complex in comic book history, defined by their mutual obsession. Over the decades, the Joker has become an enduring icon of chaos and madness, embodying the antithesis of Batman’s order and justice.
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
