Bob Harras has announced some details of the upcoming appearace of the Joker in October’s BATMAN #23.1. Here is an excerpt of what he had said in at the DC COMICS site:
I also told you that a classic and unexpected Batman villain will be appearing in the upcoming Villains Month one-shot, BATMAN #23.1: JOKER. Well today, I’m pleased to tell you that the villain I was talking about was none other than Jackanapes (who readers last saw in BATMAN, INCORPORATED #5). BATMAN #23.1: JOKER takes place many years ago – back when The Joker’s face was still intact. In fact, this unique one-shot marks one of the earliest appearances we’ve seen of this notorious villain so far in the New 52. While at a zoo, the Joker will have a flashback to a childhood memory that will trigger his need to take Jackanapes under his wing. It is here that Joker will take on a new, twisted role: that of a mentor. But why is he training Jackanapes to be a villain? What use will he have for him? –
And take a look at this Joker design from Andy Clarke:
See more at the DC COMICS BLOG