Everything the Riddler should be
Warning: This review might contain some minor spoilers.
Last week, DC kicked off Batman’s Villains month with the Joker, a sensible first choice. However, this week the Riddler shows that he too is a worthy adversary for the World’s Greatest Detective. Set at the time of Zero Year, this story nicely fits into the current events in the Batman series and will have a direct impact on it's future. In fact, it was co-written by none other than Scott Snyder. So what does this comic add to what we have seen from Snyder’s Edward Nygma?
The Good
For one, we actually get to see a full-on Riddler instead of just the deranged Nygma. Some time has passed since Nygma walked out on Philip Kane and Batman is believed to be dead. However, Riddler has a feeling that this belief might be misplaced. Here, the comic briefly hints at the relationship between the two, with the Riddler thinking of Batman as his only worthy playmate. In his own words, he is “just killing time” until he sees him again. He does this by infiltrating Wayne Enterprises Tower and slowly working his way from outside the lobby to the top of the roof.
Right at the start we get two panels worth of flashback. Nothing as ‘substantial’ as in Joker’s Batman #23.1, but enough to contrast the weak and easily picked on Riddler of four years ago to the man who is now working his way through the best secured building of Gotham. Right at the start, Riddler gives us a series of five riddles, the answers to which are revealed throughout the issue. This gives the whole a very nice Riddler-feel. His general portrayal is very well-done, from his appearance, including the bowler hat and question mark-shaped cane, to his actions and words. This is a Riddler who can hold his own in a fight, but for the most part he has to rely on his brilliance and superior wits. Altogether, this makes for a Riddler that is everything he should be.
Also, the cover. What a masterpiece.
The Bad
Even though Edward Nygma confronted Bruce Wayne in Batman #22, there is no confrontation here. The whole comic was building towards the ultimate appearance of Batman, as the fifth riddle on the first page was a clear reference to Batman. When he does not show up at the end, I felt a little let down. However, this choice seems logical when the whole comic is taken into account, in which the leading role clearly befalls the Riddler. And boy does he steal the show.
The Verdict
This comic focuses on the Riddler and on him alone, but as such it is everything the Riddler should be. It shows an Edward Nygma who has stood up against being an outcast and an easy pick for bullies. Instead, it is a man who has a plan, but also knows how to handle a fight, relying on his wits and intelligence at all times. While it is a little disappointing that Batman never shows up, this ultimately makes sense from a story-telling perspective.
I would highly recommend picking up this comic as it is closely linked to the Zero Year story arc (but is perfectly accessible for those who aren't up to speed) and offers a classic, but never boring, take on the Riddler. You might even end up rooting for the guy...