DC Just Replaced the Joker as Batman’s Most Terrifying Villain

The Joker has long reigned supreme as Batman's most twisted and terrifying enemy of all time. That might be about to change as another Batman villain takes an unthinkably dark turn in a shocking new preview released by DC Comics.

DC released a four-page preview of Catwoman #88, which releases on June 17. The solicit teases that Black Mask is playing for keeps, with Catwoman's return to Gotham City getting more complicated thanks to the villain and his mysterious new benefactor. It turns out that the solicit isn't being overly dramatic at all — if anything, it's understating the terrors that Black Mask is ready to unleash upon Selina. The preview pages show Selina and her friend Holly Robinson reuniting, and Catwoman soon learns about the terrifying 'game' Black Mask was forcing her to play in previous issues.

Black Mask Does the Unthinkable to Catwoman's Closest Friend

In last month's issue of Catwoman, readers saw Black Mask setting up a special game for Catwoman to play, with the prize being Holly Robinson's life. As the clock ticked and Selina had to race against time to save her friend, she was only just now starting to learn about the terrible things Black Mask did. He kept Holly trapped in a padded room, teasing her that a gas would soon fill it — while also offering her a needle and drugs so that she could essentially end her own life more quickly and with less pain.

This level of mind games and sheer torture is right on par with the despicable acts that The Joker is known for, and Catwoman #88 makes this even clearer. "I was seconds away from..." Holly Robinson says to Selina, breaking down and explaining the situation.

As Catwoman looks around, she quickly spots the needle on the floor and realizes the 'out' Black Mask was offering. "Four years, Selina. I've been sober for — four years!" The revelation that Black Mask wasn't merely toying with Holly but also tempting her with addictions is enough to make Catwoman (and readers) feel sick to their stomachs.

Thankfully, the two friends were reunited in time, and Black Mask didn't emerge victorious this time. Seeing what he was doing to Holly only further invigorates Catwoman. "It's not over, Holly," she says. "I don't know what's coming, but this is not the end."

Black Mask's Ultimate Goal Will Soon Be Revealed

Black Mask's manipulation of Holly Robinson is likely to be only the beginning of the madness he's ready to unleash upon Catwoman and Gotham City. The solicit for Catwoman #89 teases that Selina will get caught in Alley Town as Black Mask's plan reaches its penultimate phase, and she must work quickly to figure out his ultimate goal.

It remains to be seen if Black Mask will go even darker than he already did in Catwoman #87, but DC is making one thing clear: Batman's most twisted villains are not to be messed with, and they will do just about anything they need to do to get their way. That could ultimately end in tragedy for Selina or Holly, with DC already teasing that Catwoman #90 is 'game over' and making it clear: not everyone is making it out alive.

Catwoman #88 goes on sale June 17 from DC Comics.