The
Riddler (
Edward Nigma,
Nygma, or
Nashton) is a
fictional characterA character is the representation of a person in a narrative or dramatic work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr through its Latin transcription character, the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its...
, a
comic bookA comic book is a magazine made up of narrative artwork, often accompanied by dialog and often including brief descriptive prose...
characterCharacter may refer to:*Character , an agent in a work of art, including literature, drama, cinema, opera, etc.*Character , the abstraction of an observable physical or biochemical trait of an organism...
and
supervillainA supervillain or supervillainess is a variant of the villain character type, commonly found in comic books, action movies and science fiction in various mediums.They are often used as foils to superheroes and other fictional heroes...
published by
DC ComicsDC Comics is one of the largest and most popular American comic book and related media companies, along with Marvel Comics. It is the publishing division of DC Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary company of Warner Bros. Entertainment...
, and an
enemyEnemy or Enemies may refer to:Literature* "The Enemy", a short story by Damon Knight* The Enemy, a novel by Lee Child* The Enemy, a novel by Charlie Higson...
of
BatmanThe Batman, originally referred to as the Bat-Man, is a fictional character, a comic book superhero co-created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger , appearing in publications by DC Comics...
. Created by
Bill FingerWilliam "Bill" Finger was an American comic strip and comic book writer best known as the uncredited co-creator, with Bob Kane, of the DC Comics character Batman, as well as the co-architect of the series' development. In later years, Kane acknowledged Finger as "a contributing force" in the...
and
Dick SprangRichard W. "Dick" Sprang was an American comic book artist and penciller, best known for his work on the superhero Batman during the period fans and historians call Golden Age of Comic Books...
, the character first appeared in
Detective ComicsDetective Comics is an American comic book published monthly by DC Comics since 1937, best-known for introducing the iconic superhero Batman. It is, along with Action Comics, the book that launched with the debut of Superman, one of the medium's signature series, and the source of its company's name...
#140 (1948).
The character has appeared in many Batman media. In live action, he was portrayed by
Frank GorshinFrank John Gorshin, Jr. was an American actor and comedian. He was perhaps best known as an impressionist, with many guest appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show...
and once by
John AstinJohn Allen Astin is an American actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, and is best known for the role of Gomez Addams on The Addams Family, and other similarly eccentric comedic characters.-Early years:...
in the
1960s television seriesBatman is a 1960s American television series, based on the DC comic book character of the same name, which starred Adam West and Burt Ward as Batman and Robin, two crime-fighting heroes who defended "Gotham City". It aired on the American Broadcasting Company network for two and a half seasons...
, as well as by
Jim CarreyJames Eugene "Jim" Carrey is a Canadian-American actor and stand-up comedian. Carrey is best known for his performances as multiple characters in the sketch comedy show In Living Color, as the title character in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, as the unlucky TV...
in the film
Batman ForeverBatman Forever is a 1995 superhero film directed by Joel Schumacher and produced by Tim Burton. It is the third installment of the Batman film series and stars Val Kilmer as Batman. The plot focuses on Batman trying to stop Two-Face and the Riddler in their villainous scheme to drain information...
. In animation, he has been portrayed by Michael Bell,
John GloverJohn Soursby Glover, Jr. is an American award-winning actor, perhaps best known for a range of villainous roles in films and television, including Lionel Luthor in the TV series Smallville.-Personal life:...
, and
Robert EnglundRobert Barton Englund is an American actor, best known for playing the fictional serial killer Freddy Krueger, in the Nightmare on Elm Street film series. He received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors in 1987 and A Nightmare on Elm...
. In 2009, The Riddler was ranked as
IGNIGN is a multimedia news and reviews website that focuses heavily on video games...
's 59th Greatest Comic Book Villain of All Time.
Character overview
The Riddler is obsessed with
riddleA riddle is a statement or question or phrase having a double or veiled meaning, put forth as a puzzle to be solved. Riddles are of two types: enigmas, which are problems generally expressed in metaphorical or allegorical language that require ingenuity and careful thinking for their solution, and...
s,
puzzleA puzzle is a problem or enigma that tests the ingenuity of the solver. In a basic puzzle, one is intended to piece together objects in a logical way in order to come up with the desired shape, picture or solution...
s, and
word gameWord games and puzzles are spoken or board games often designed to test ability with language or to explore its properties.Word games are generally engaged as a source of entertainment, but have been found to serve an educational purpose as well...
s. He delights in forewarning both Batman and the police of his capers by sending them complex clues. With this self-conscious use of a
gimmickIn marketing language, a gimmick is a quirky feature that distinguishes a product or service without adding any obvious function or value. Thus, a gimmick sells solely on the basis of distinctiveness and may not appeal to the more savvy or shrewd customer....
, the Riddler's crimes are flamboyant and ostentatious. The character is often depicted as wearing a
domino maskA domino mask is a small, rounded mask covering only the eyes and the space between them. Since the 18th century, the domino mask is worn during carnival, especially in Venice, where its origin lies...
either with a green suit and
bowler hatThe bowler hat, also known as a coke hat, derby or billycock, is a hard felt hat with a rounded crown originally created in 1849 for Edward Coke, the younger brother of the 2nd Earl of Leicester.- History :...
, or a green
jumpsuitJumpsuit originally referred to the utilitarian one-piece garments used by parachuters and skydivers, but has come to be used as a common term for any one-piece garment with sleeves and legs.-Use:...
. A black or purple
question markThe question mark , also known as an interrogation point, interrogation mark, question point, query, or eroteme, is a punctuation mark that replaces the period at the end of an interrogative sentence...
serves as his visual motif. Since the animated series and the film
Batman ForeverBatman Forever is a 1995 superhero film directed by Joel Schumacher and produced by Tim Burton. It is the third installment of the Batman film series and stars Val Kilmer as Batman. The plot focuses on Batman trying to stop Two-Face and the Riddler in their villainous scheme to drain information...
, Riddler often carries a trick "question mark" cane.
The Riddler is typically portrayed as a smooth-talking, yet quirky, victim of an intense obsessive compulsion. This was first introduced in the 1965 issue of
Batman (titled, "The Remarkable Ruse of The Riddler") in which he tries to refrain from leaving a riddle, but fails. This compulsion has been a recurring theme, as shown in a 1999 issue of
Gotham AdventuresThe Batman Adventures was a DC comic book series featuring Batman. It is different from other Batman titles in that it is set in the continuity of Batman: The Animated Series as opposed to the regular DC Universe.-Overview:...
, in which he tried to commit a crime without leaving a riddle, but fails: "You don't understand. .. I
really didn't want to leave you any clues. I really planned
never to go back to
Arkham AsylumThe Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane, commonly referred to simply as Arkham Asylum, is a fictional psychiatric hospital in the DC Comics Universe, usually appearing in stories featuring Batman...
. But I left you a clue anyway. So I... I have to go back there. Because I might need help. I... I might actually be crazy."
The Riddler was popularized by
Frank GorshinFrank John Gorshin, Jr. was an American actor and comedian. He was perhaps best known as an impressionist, with many guest appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show...
’s
EmmyThe Emmy Award, often referred to simply as the Emmy, is a television production award, similar in nature to the Peabody Awards but more focused on entertainment, and is considered the television equivalent to the Academy Awards , Grammy Awards and Tony Awards .They are presented in various...
-nominated portrayal in the 1960s
BatmanBatman is a 1960s American television series, based on the DC comic book character of the same name, which starred Adam West and Burt Ward as Batman and Robin, two crime-fighting heroes who defended "Gotham City". It aired on the American Broadcasting Company network for two and a half seasons...
television series.
Jim CarreyJames Eugene "Jim" Carrey is a Canadian-American actor and stand-up comedian. Carrey is best known for his performances as multiple characters in the sketch comedy show In Living Color, as the title character in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, as the unlucky TV...
played the Riddler in the 1995 film
Batman ForeverBatman Forever is a 1995 superhero film directed by Joel Schumacher and produced by Tim Burton. It is the third installment of the Batman film series and stars Val Kilmer as Batman. The plot focuses on Batman trying to stop Two-Face and the Riddler in their villainous scheme to drain information...
with Gorshin as his inspiration. The character was also featured in
Batman: The Animated SeriesBatman: The Animated Series is an American animated series adaptation of the comic book series starring the DC Comics superhero, Batman. The series is noted for being the first to take place in the DC Animated Universe. It was produced by Warner Bros. Animation.The visual style of the series is...
and
The Batman The Batman is an Emmy Award-winning American animated television series produced by Warner Bros. Animation based on the DC Comics superhero Batman. It ran from 2004 to 2008, on the Saturday morning television block Kids WB...
, where in the former, he was portrayed as a smooth-talking intellectual who presented genuinely challenging riddles.
Unlike most of the other prominent members of Batman's
rogues galleryA rogues gallery is a police collection of pictures or photographs of criminals and suspects kept for identification purposes...
, the Riddler is not a psychopathic murderer; a large portion of Riddler's crimes are non-violent in nature. Batman's direct conflicts with the Riddler are typically more cerebral than physical and usually involve defeating him non-violently.
Fictional character biography
The Riddler's criminal
modus operandiModus operandi is a Latin phrase, approximately translated as "method of operating". The plural is modi operandi...
is so deeply ingrained into his personality that he is virtually powerless to stop himself from acting it out (as shown in his third comic book appearance). He cannot simply kill his opponents when he has the upper hand; he
has to put them in a
deathtrapA deathtrap is a literary and dramatic plot device in which a villain, who has captured the hero or another sympathetic character, attempts to use an elaborate and usually sadistic method of murdering him/her....
to see if he can devise a life and death intellectual challenge that the hero cannot solve and escape. However, unlike many of Batman's
themeIn marketing language, a gimmick is a quirky feature that distinguishes a product or service without adding any obvious function or value. Thus, a gimmick sells solely on the basis of distinctiveness and may not appeal to the more savvy or shrewd customer....
d enemies, Riddler's compulsion is quite flexible, allowing him to commit any crime as long as he can describe it in a riddle or puzzle.
After a teacher announces that a contest will be held over who can solve a puzzle the fastest, a young Edward Nigma sets his sights on winning this, craving the glory and satisfaction that will come with the victory. He sneaks into the school one night, takes the puzzle out of the teacher's desk, and practices it until he is able to solve it in under a minute. As predicted, he wins the contest and is given a book about riddles as a prize. His cheating rewarded, Edward embraced the mastery of puzzles of all kinds, eventually becoming a carnival employee who excelled at cheating his customers out of their money with his bizarre puzzles and mindgames. He soon finds himself longing for greater challenges and thrills, and dons the guise of the Riddler to challenge Batman, who he believes could possibly be a worthy adversary for him.
Some writers have suggested that the Riddler's compulsion stems from parental abuse that he endured as a child. After Edward got high scores on some important tests in school, his father, unable to grasp the fact that his son was brilliant and believing he had cheated, beat him out of envy. This, in theory, left him with a strong internal desire to tell the truth, and prove his innocence. This desire manifests itself in the form of his obsession with riddles. Other writers have suggested that his madness, as well as his descent into crime in general, have roots in a yearning to rise above the anonymity that he possessed in his youth.
In
Batman: The Long HalloweenBatman: The Long Halloween is a 13-issue comic book limited series written by Jeph Loeb with art by Tim Sale. It was originally published by DC Comics in 1996 and 1997. It was inspired by the three Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Halloween Specials by the same creative team...
, the Riddler appears as a smooth-talking, yet odd, informant. He first appears when
Carmine "The Roman" FalconeCarmine "The Roman" Falcone is a fictional character in DC Comics' shared universe, the DC Universe, who made his debut in the four part story Batman: Year One written by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli in 1987.- Publication history :...
hires him to figure out who the
Holiday KillerHoliday or the Holiday Killer is a fictional character appearing in the Batman story The Long Halloween by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Tim Sale...
is. Despite giving several reasonable theories as to who is behind the killer's identity, the Roman eventually loses his patience. Carmine orders his daughter, Sophia, to force the Riddler to leave. Upon exiting Falcone's office, the Riddler is attacked, but for some reason left alive, by Holiday. The attack was planned to coincide with the holiday of
April Fool'sApril Fools' Day or All Fools' Day is a day celebrated in many countries on April 1. The day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, enemies, and neighbors, or sending them on a fool's errand, the aim of which is to...
, and several items pertaining to it were left at the scene. This may be why the Riddler was left alive, as matters are traditionally reversed on the holiday. He appeared again in the same chapter of the story that
Harvey DentTwo-Face is a fictional comic book supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #66 , and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger....
gets disfigured in, when Batman comes to him for information about the attack. He plays a slightly larger role in the story's sequel,
Batman: Dark VictoryBatman: Dark Victory is a 13-part comic book limited series written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Tim Sale. The series is a sequel to Batman: The Long Halloween and was originally published from 1999 to 2000 by DC Comics. The series takes place primarily during the third/fourth year of Batman's career...
, in which Batman turns to him to figure out the significance of the lost games of hangman that are left at the scenes of the
HangmanThe Hangman is a fictional character, a supervillain in the DC Universe and an early enemy of Batman featured in Batman: Dark Victory. The Hangman's identity was Sofia Gigante-Falcone...
killer's crimes. He later showed up as a member of Two-Face's jury during the Hangman's trial.
In
Catwoman: When in RomeCatwoman: When in Rome is a DC Comics six-issue miniseries written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Tim Sale. Sale took inspiration for his art from Rene Gruau, French/Italian fashion illustrator....
, he joins
Selina KyleCatwoman is a fictional character associated with DC Comics' Batman franchise. The supervillainess was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, partially inspired by Kane's second cousin by marriage, Ruth Steel ....
on a trip to Italy in search of his fellow rogue's origins. It is there that he manipulates her into believing that some of Batman's most dangerous foes are after her. He has his henchmen employ several gimmicks and weapons used by
ScarecrowA scarecrow is a device – traditionally a human figure or mannequin dressed in old clothes – placed in fields by farmers to discourage birds such as crows from disturbing and feeding on recently cast seed and growing crops.-History:...
,
Mr. FreezeMr. Freeze, real name Dr. Victor Fries , Ph.D, is a DC Comics supervillain, an enemy of Batman...
, and
the JokerThe Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics and appearing as the archenemy of Batman. Created by Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger and Bob Kane, the character first appeared in Batman #1 ....
to achieve this. He hoped to extract Batman's real identity from her, but to his dismay, she actually didn't know or care.
The Riddler appeared in Vertigo's
The QuestionThe Question is the name used by a number of comic book superheroes in the DC Comics universe. The original one was created by Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Blue Beetle #1 . Originally created for Charlton Comics, he was acquired by DC Comics in the early 1980s and incorporated into the DC...
series, being convinced to become a "big-time villain" by a
prostituteProstitution is the act or practice of engaging in sex acts for hire. In most cultures, prostitution is viewed by many as a deviant profession, either illegal or socially discouraged...
met on a bus. He hijacked it and began asking riddles, killing and robbing anyone that got them wrong. The Question quickly subdues him by asking him
philosophical riddlesA kōan is a story, dialogue, question, or statement in the history and lore of Zen Buddhism, generally containing aspects that are inaccessible to rational understanding, yet may be accessible to intuition...
in return. He is outwitted and has a nervous breakdown before being set free as a reward for getting one last riddle right.
In the one-shot "Riddler and the Riddle Factory", the Riddler becomes the host of an underground gameshow that focuses on digging up dirt on celebrities. Many of the famous people that he humiliates end up committing suicide shortly afterwards, suggesting that perhaps the Riddler did more than just inspire their deaths. In the end, his actions turn out to be a front for his attempts to find the hidden treasures of "Scarface" Scarelli, a
Gotham CityGotham City, another name for New York city appearing in DC Comics, and is best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 .- Origin of name :...
gangster who lived long before Batman's reign of crimefighting.
In the three-part
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight storyline "The Primal Riddle", the Riddler engineers what could possibly be called one of his greatest deathtraps: Batman is thrown into a narrow pit that is slowly filling up with water. The walls are electrically wired, and a set of bumpers are the only thing that prevents the water from touching the walls and causing Batman to die by electrocution. The only options Batman appears to have are death by electrocution and death by drowning, but as always, Batman manages to tamper with the trap's design and develop a route of escape.
The Riddler had a working relationship with
The CluemasterThe Cluemaster is a fictional character, a DC Comics supervillain and enemy of Batman. A failed game show host, he became a criminal who left clues to his crimes, though unlike the Riddler's, they were not riddles....
, although he initially resented the villain for seemingly copying his modus operandi. In their first encounter, he set his fellow rogue up with a bomb and sent Batman off chasing riddles that would lead to its defusal, as well as away from his real plan: to steal a vast amount of priceless
baseballBaseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The goal is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot square, or diamond...
merchandise. The two teamed up on a few occasions afterwards, and were working together on a big scheme shortly before Cluemaster's apparent death in the pages of
The Suicide SquadThe Suicide Squad is a name for two fictional organizations in DC Comics Universe. The first version debuted in The Brave and the Bold #25 , the second, also known as Task Force X, in Legends #3 . An "original" Suicide Squad was retconned into continuity in Secret Origins vol...
.
After
Harley QuinnHarley Quinn is a fictional character, a supervillainess, in the animated series Batman: The Animated Series, later adapted into DC Comics' Batman comic books. As suggested by her name , she is clad in the manner of a traditional harlequin jester...
briefly breaks free of her devotion to the
JokerThe Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics and appearing as the archenemy of Batman. Created by Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger and Bob Kane, the character first appeared in Batman #1 ....
, she attempts to hold up a large party at
Wayne ManorIn DC Comics, Wayne Manor is a fictional setting, the personal residence of Bruce Wayne, who is also Batman. The residence is typically depicted as a huge stately mansion on grounds outside Gotham City, maintained by the Wayne family's servant, Alfred Pennyworth...
, only to find that Nigma was targeting the building also. The two gangs engage in a firefight, but Harley gains the upperhand when
Big BardaBig Barda is a fictional superhero and New God in the DC Comics universe. She first appeared in Mister Miracle vol. 1 #4 , and was created by Jack Kirby....
(who was secretly allied with her at the time) interrupts the conflict and captures the Riddler and his men. During the storyline, the Riddler makes constant allusions to a 'mystery' that is hidden within the mansion, and after his apprehension, damage done to the building causes the entrance to the Batcave to open. The Riddler sees this, and then declares that he has 'solved the riddle of Wayne Manor'.
He seems to be more rational and cautious than his fellow rogues. During the Batman crossover storyline
No Man's Land, after Gotham City is ravaged by an earthquake and Arkham Asylum frees its inmates, Riddler elects to flee Gotham rather than stay behind in the lawless chaos that ensues.
It is during this period that he makes the poor choice of attacking
Black CanaryBlack Canary is a fictional character, a DC Comics superheroine. Created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Carmine Infantino, the character first appeared in Flash Comics #86 ....
and
Green ArrowGreen Arrow is a fictional character, published by DC Comics. Created by Mort Weisinger and George Papp, he first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 in 1941...
in
Star CityStar City is a fictional city that appears in stories published by DC Comics, best known as the traditional home of the superheroes known by, or affiliated with, the shared alias of the Green Arrow. Beyond that, it is also known to other characters of the DC Universe as both a port city and a haven...
, where he is easily defeated. This event helps lay the foundations for Riddler's future confrontations with Green Arrow (see below).
Hush
In the 12-part storyline
HushHush is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics and appearing as an enemy of Batman. Created by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Jim Lee, the character first appears in Batman #609 . Following his 12-issue debut arc , Hush resurfaced in Batman: Gotham Knights.-Origin:Dr...
, it is revealed that Riddler suffers from
cancerCancer is a class of diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled growth , invasion , and sometimes metastasis...
, which also afflicted Dr. Thomas Elliot's mother. Riddler uses one of
Ra's al GhulRa's al Ghul, sometimes written Rā's al Ghūl , is a DC Comics supervillain and is one of Batman's greatest enemies. His name is Arabic for "The Demon's Head," and references the name of the star Algol. Created by writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Neal Adams, he was introduced in Batman #232's...
's
Lazarus PitA Lazarus Pit is a fictional natural phenomenon in the DC Comics universe. They are primarily found in the Batman titles and are commonly used by Ra's al Ghul for their restorative powers.- Fictional history :...
s to rid himself of the disease, and offers Elliot the chance to cure his mother as well, provided he pays a large sum of money. However, Elliott is in fact eager for his mother to die in order to inherit her fortune. Elliott, who goes on to secretly become the masked criminal Hush, explains he wants to get revenge on his childhood friend Bruce Wayne. The two of them agree to work together and the Riddler sets
Killer CrocKiller Croc is a fictional character in the DC Universe, an enemy of Batman. Created by writer Gerry Conway and artist Gene Colan, he first appeared in Detective Comics #523 .-Fictional character biography:...
, Poison Ivy,
Harley QuinnHarley Quinn is a fictional character, a supervillainess, in the animated series Batman: The Animated Series, later adapted into DC Comics' Batman comic books. As suggested by her name , she is clad in the manner of a traditional harlequin jester...
,
JokerThe Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics and appearing as the archenemy of Batman. Created by Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger and Bob Kane, the character first appeared in Batman #1 ....
,
ClayfaceClayface is a name used by several DC Comics fictional characters, most of them possessing clay-like bodies and shapeshifting abilities. All of them have been enemies of Batman...
, and
ScarecrowThe Scarecrow is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in World's Finest Comics #3 and was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane....
out to destroy Batman, with Ra's and
Talia al GhulTalia al Ghul is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe, the now-estranged daughter of the supervillain Ra's al Ghul, and a love interest of Batman...
,
Lady ShivaLady Shiva is a fictional comic book character co-created by Dennis O'Neil and Ric Estrada, and published by DC Comics. She first appeared in Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Master as an antagonist of Richard Dragon...
, and
SupermanSuperman is a fictional character, a comic book superhero widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective Comics, Inc...
being temporarily drawn into the scheme as well.
During the
psychoticPsychosis literally means abnormal condition of the mind, and is a generic psychiatric term for a mental state often described as involving a "loss of contact with reality"...
break that follows exposure to the Lazarus Pit, Riddler deduces Batman's
secret identityA secret identity is an element of fiction wherein a character develops a separate persona , while keeping their true identity hidden. The character also may wear a disguise...
, and that the late
Jason ToddJason Peter Todd is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Jason Todd first appeared in Batman #357 and became the second Robin, sidekick to the superhero Batman, when the previous Robin Dick Grayson went on to star in The New Teen Titans under the moniker of...
was once Robin. He then tells Clayface to
shapeshiftShapeshifting is a common theme in mythology and folklore, as well as in science fiction and fantasy. In its broadest sense, it is when a being undergoes a transformation. Commonly the transformation is purposeful, and not a curse or spell...
into a replica of Jason in order to torment Batman, who is haunted by the former Robin's death. Batman first thinks that Riddler had stolen Jason's corpse and hid it outside of Gotham Cemetery, but it turns out that Jason is alive the whole time. When the Riddler threatens to expose Batman's secret identity, however, the Caped Crusader mockingly labels it an empty threat, pointing out that if Riddler revealed the answer to the riddle "who is Batman?", it would become worthless, something Riddler wouldn't be able to stand. In addition, Batman warns him that if he reveals the secret, it would give Ra's al Ghul a vital clue that he used a Lazarus Pit without his permission, and the
League of AssassinsThe League of Assassins is a group of fictional comic book villains, an organization of killers formerly led by Ra's al Ghul, an enemy of Batman in the DC Comics Universe.-Doctor Ebeneezer Darrk:...
would subsequently retaliate against him.
Aftermath
The fallout from Riddler's failed scheme is played out in
Batman: Gotham KnightsBatman: Gotham Knights was a monthly comic book series published by DC Comics. The original intent of this book was to feature the exploits of Batman and his extended family - Alfred Pennyworth, Batgirl, Nightwing, Robin, Oracle, Catwoman, etc...
#50-53. In the story "Pushback,"
HushHush is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics and appearing as an enemy of Batman. Created by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Jim Lee, the character first appears in Batman #609 . Following his 12-issue debut arc , Hush resurfaced in Batman: Gotham Knights.-Origin:Dr...
reappears and beats Riddler senseless across a rooftop. Seeking refuge, Riddler goes to the Joker and
the PenguinThe Penguin is a DC Comics supervillain and one of Batman's oldest, most persistent archenemies. The Penguin was introduced by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, making his debut in Detective Comics #58 .The Penguin is a short, rotund man known for his love of birds and his specialized...
. He offers to tell the Joker who had killed his
pregnantPregnancy is the carrying of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, inside the uterus of a female. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets. Human pregnancy is the most studied of all mammalian pregnancies. Obstetrics is the surgical field...
wife, Jeannie, if the Clown Prince of Crime would protect him from Hush. The Joker immediately agrees, but eventually Hush, with the help of
PrometheusPrometheus is the name of three fictional supervillains published by DC Comics. The first Prometheus debuted in New Teen Titans #24, , and was created by Marv Wolfman and Eduardo Barreto. The second Prometheus debuted in New Year's Evil: "Prometheus", , and was created by Grant Morrison and Arnie...
, defeats him, forcing the Riddler to flee for his life.
In
Detective Comics #797-799, the Riddler faces a great humiliation at the hands of Poison Ivy. In this encounter, the Riddler seeks shelter from Ivy only to be humiliated. Riddler and Ivy then face off in a physical duel, which Ivy wins easily.
Riddler is stripped of his deductive powers and left to rot as a member of
Gotham CityGotham City, another name for New York city appearing in DC Comics, and is best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 .- Origin of name :...
's vast and invisible
homelessHomelessness is the condition and social category of people who don't have a regular house or dwelling because they cannot afford, pay for, or are otherwise unable to maintain regular, safe, and adequate housing, or they lack "fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence" The actual legal...
population. A chance encounter with an ex-
NSAThe National Security Agency/Central Security Service is a cryptologic intelligence agency of the United States government, administered as part of the United States Department of Defense. Created on November 4, 1952 by President Harry S...
codebreaker gives him a positive environment in which to recover his mind. During that stay, he experiences an induced
flashbackA flashback is a psychological phenomenon in which an individual has a sudden, usually powerful, re-experiencing of a past experience or elements of a past experience...
that leads him to realize that his father had abused him many years ago. Envious of his son's academic achievements in school, and unable to understand his brilliance, his father believed he had cheated in his accomplishments, and beat him out of jealousy. Once Riddler discovers this, he also realizes that his compulsion is born out of a strong desire to tell the truth to prove his innocence of deception.
Having made this connection, the Riddler spends some of his vast fortune, acquired over many years of crime, to get minor
plastic surgeryPlastic surgery is a medical specialty concerned with the correction or restoration of form and function. While famous for aesthetic surgery, plastic surgery also includes two main fields: body modification and reconstructive surgery...
and extensive
tattooA tattoo is a marking made by inserting ink into the layers of skin to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification or branding.Tattooing has been practiced...
ing, covering most of his torso with his trademark question insignia. He returns and kills the codebreaker- who had pieced together his identity but couldn't act on it- then promptly steals a priceless scroll out from under Batman's nose. Since then, the Riddler has spent most of his time either legally amassing a huge fortune or attacking various heroes in order to prove his newfound power.
After orchestrating a brutal series of assaults on
Green ArrowGreen Arrow is a fictional character, published by DC Comics. Created by Mort Weisinger and George Papp, he first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 in 1941...
, as revenge against his defeat at his hands during the No Man's Land era, Riddler gravely injures and almost kills both
Green ArrowGreen Arrow is a fictional character, published by DC Comics. Created by Mort Weisinger and George Papp, he first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 in 1941...
and
ArsenalRoy Harper is a fictional superhero in the DC Comics Universe. He was known for over fifty years as Green Arrow's teenage sidekick Speedy. He first appeared alongside his mentor in More Fun Comics #73...
. He once again escapes before the
OutsidersThe Outsiders are fictional characters, a DC Comics superhero team. As its name suggests, the team consists of superheroes who allegedly do not fit the norms of the mainstream superhero community, namely the Justice League....
arrive to save them. Sometime between this incident and the events of
HushHush is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics and appearing as an enemy of Batman. Created by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Jim Lee, the character first appears in Batman #609 . Following his 12-issue debut arc , Hush resurfaced in Batman: Gotham Knights.-Origin:Dr...
, the Riddler was hired to steal artifacts imbued with mystical powers from one of Star City's museums, and then distract the authorities so that the related rituals could be commenced. He sends Team Arrow on a wild goose chase around the City, and then reveals that he has an atomic bomb housed in the stadium where the Star City Rockets play. However, as a side effect of the ritual performed with the artifacts, the city is plunged into complete darkness, and Green Arrow uses this to his advantage, moving in and apprehending the Riddler.
Riddler later shows up in
Infinite CrisisInfinite Crisis is a seven-issue limited series of comic books written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Phil Jimenez, George Pérez, Ivan Reis, and Jerry Ordway. The series was published by DC Comics, beginning in October of 2005...
#1, with a group of villains, which includes the
FishermanThe Fisherman is a fictional character, a DC Comics supervillain who is primarily an enemy of Aquaman. He first appeared in Aquaman v2, #21 .-Fictional character biography:...
and
MurmurMurmur is a supervillain in the DC Comics universe. He is one of the new Rogues to threaten the Flash, first appearing in the prestige format one-shot The Flash: Iron Heights .-Fictional character biography:...
, attacking the
Gotham City Police DepartmentThe Gotham City Police Department is a fictional police department servicing Gotham City, as depicted in comic books published by DC Comics, in particular those tied into the Batman books.-History of GCPD:...
. He is next seen escaping
Arkham AsylumThe Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane, commonly referred to simply as Arkham Asylum, is a fictional psychiatric hospital in the DC Comics Universe, usually appearing in stories featuring Batman...
during the worldwide supervillain breakout engineered by the
Secret Society of Super VillainsThe Secret Society of Super Villains is a group of comic book supervillains that exist in the DC Universe...
in
Villains UnitedVillains United is a six-issue comic book limited series, written by Gail Simone with art by Dale Eaglesham and Wade von Grawbadger, published by DC Comics in 2005...
: Infinite Crisis Special #1, which takes place only days after the prior supernatural disaster. Riddler reappears as part of the Society's "Phase Three" attack on
MetropolisMetropolis is a fictional city that appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and is the home of Superman. Metropolis first appeared by name in Action Comics #16, in 1939....
. He is defeated by the
Shining KnightShining Knight is the name of three fictional superheroes in the DC Comics universe.-Sir Justin:Created by writer-artist Creig Flessel in Adventure Comics #66 Shining Knight is the name of three fictional superheroes in the DC Comics universe.-Sir Justin:Created by writer-artist Creig Flessel in...
and is struck in the head by the Knight's mace.
Riddler reformed
In
Detective Comics #822, The Riddler returns, having spent much of the
previous year52 was a weekly American comic book limited series published by DC Comics that debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. The series was written by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid with layouts by Keith Giffen...
in a
comaIn medicine, a coma is a profound state of unconsciousness. A comatose person cannot be awakened, fails to respond normally to pain or light, does not have sleep-wake cycles, and does not take voluntary actions....
due to the one-sided fight against the Knight. He has seemingly reformed, and is now a private consultant on the murder of a wealthy socialite. Hired by the socialite's father, he proves that a photo of Bruce Wayne apparently implicating him in the crime depicts an impostor and briefly works with Batman to investigate the crime. As a result of his coma, The Riddler has apparently cured his compulsion for riddles, although still enjoying them in an abstract sense, but he retains both his intellect and his mammoth ego. Furthermore, he suffered severe memory loss while unconscious; upon emerging from his coma, he barely remembers his own name. He does not appear to remember that Bruce Wayne and Batman are one and the same, although he does harbor some suspicions of once knowing something amazing about Bruce Wayne.
In
Detective Comics #828, Riddler is a guest along with Bruce Wayne on board a ship during a party. During the party, an old friend of Bruce's falls overboard and is mauled to death by sharks. The Riddler appears to solve the case with the
suicideSuicide is the intentional killing of one's self. Many dictionaries also note the metaphorical sense of "willful destruction of one's self-interest"...
of the apparent murderer, and quickly takes the credit. However, Batman finds evidence that the suicide was a setup to divert attention away from the real killer. Bruce suspects foul play, and eventually tracks down the killer, whom Riddler is also close to catching before Nigma is bludgeoned over the head by a shark-tooth club. The killer pushes Batman out the window, and is about to drop him to his death, when Nigma wraps his tie around an arrow, lights it on fire, and shoots it into the killer's back. As the assailant rolls around screaming, Nigma taunts him, refusing to douse the flames. Batman extinguishes the flame and responds to Nigma's assertion that they're now allies with hostile dismissal.
In
Detective Comics #837, Riddler is hired by Bruce Wayne to track down an experimental drug developed by
Wayne EnterprisesWayne Enterprises is a fictional company in the DC Universe. Wayne Enterprises is owned by billionaire Bruce Wayne and run by his business manager Lucius Fox...
currently being tested for muscle stamina and cellular regeneration which has been stolen by a lab assistant named Lisa Newman. He discovers that Newman is staying at the same Athenian Women's Help Shelter as
Harley QuinnHarley Quinn is a fictional character, a supervillainess, in the animated series Batman: The Animated Series, later adapted into DC Comics' Batman comic books. As suggested by her name , she is clad in the manner of a traditional harlequin jester...
. With Harley's help, he defeats Newman and returns the drug to Wayne Enterprises, earning Batman's trust for the time being.
In
CountdownCountdown to Final Crisis, known as Countdown for its first 25 issues, is a comic book limited series published by DC Comics. It debuted on May 9, 2007, directly following the conclusion of the last issue of 52...
#42, Riddler claims to
Mary MarvelMary Marvel is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine, originally published by Fawcett Comics and now owned by DC Comics. Created by Otto Binder and Marc Swayze, she first appeared in Captain Marvel Adventures #18 in...
that he has gone straight and is now a detective. The two join forces to defeat
ClayfaceClayface is a name used by several DC Comics fictional characters, most of them possessing clay-like bodies and shapeshifting abilities. All of them have been enemies of Batman...
, and after witnessing Mary's new malicious approach to crime fighting, suggests that she consider finding a mentor to help her control her powers or at the very least get some anger management.
After a grisly serial killer surfaces on the streets of Gotham City, the Riddler homes in on closing the case, only to find that the killer is actually an old victim of his out for revenge. The young man, whose girlfriend got caught in the crossfire of a gunfight between Nigma's gang and security guards, captured Nigma and attempted to kill him, but Batman intervened just in time and saved his former enemy's life.
In the 2008 miniseries
Gotham UndergroundGotham Underground is a nine-issue limited series from DC Comics, written by Frank Tieri, with art by Jim Califiore.The series looked at the repercussions of Countdown to Final Crisis and focuses on the Batman Family banding together to prevent a gang war to find out who will occupy the territory...
, Riddler investigates the
PenguinThe Penguin is a DC Comics supervillain and one of Batman's oldest, most persistent archenemies. The Penguin was introduced by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, making his debut in Detective Comics #58 .The Penguin is a short, rotund man known for his love of birds and his specialized...
's involvement with the events of
Salvation RunSalvation Run is a seven-issue 2007-2008 DC Comics limited series which was designed to tie in to the company's major event series Final Crisis in 2008.-Premise:The premise of the series, which is based on a pitch by George R. R...
. He saves
Dick GraysonRichard John "Dick" Grayson is a fictional superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and illustrator Jerry Robinson, he first appeared in Detective Comics #38 on April 1940....
, who was undercover during the Gotham Gang War between Penguin and
Tobias WhaleTobias Whale is a comic book villain, a fictional character created by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden as Black Lightning's nemesis. He first appeared in Black Lightning #1 .-Fictional character biography:...
and deduces that Grayson is
NightwingNightwing is a name that has been used by several fictional characters in the DC Comics Universe. It was conceived as a Kryptonian analogue to the character of Batman, with Nightwing's frequent partner Flamebird based on Robin...
.
He appeared in
Battle for the CowlBatman: Battle for the Cowl is a three issue comic book limited series published by DC Comics. Written and penciled by Tony Daniel, the story details the chaos in Gotham City after Batman R.I.P. and Final Crisis due to Batman's perceived absence and abandonment by the public...
: The Underground, where he was hired by The Penguin to find Black Mask. To that end, he tracks down Selina Kyle, meeting up with Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy in the process.
In
Gotham City Sirens #1, Poison Ivy is controlling the Riddler, keeping him in a nearly vegetative state so she can move into his house. When a villain named Boneblaster decides to make a name for himself by killing Catwoman, the fight ends up there. The house is severely damaged, but the Riddler is freed from Ivy's control in the process. Seeing his house in shambles, he takes his question mark cane off of the wall and begins to savagely beat the already downed Boneblaster.
In the third issue, Riddler is attempting to solve a duo of unlikely suicides, the first being the second best female tennis player in the world, the second an ace race car driver. During his re-enactment of one of the deaths, he is visted by both Catwoman and Poison Ivy, seeking his help for locating Harley after her abduction. Due to the events of the first issue, and Harley's mental state, he quickly declines, and brushes off Poison Ivy's threats.
In his efforts, he uncovers that these deaths are in fact homicides orchestrated by a serial killer who leaves subtle clues to the next victim within the body and time of death of the current victim. While attempting to alert the media, he provokes Dick Grayson as Batman. Almost instantly, Riddler deduces that the Batman before him is a new one. Nevertheless, Riddler reveals that the next victim will be the sister of the second victim, a young romance writer. Something that Dick needed Alfred and the Batcave computer to figure out.
In the end, Batman goes off to confront the killer, whereas Riddler agrees to look after the intended victim. After a brief, but expected misunderstanding about Riddler's intentions with the young woman, Batman phones in to announce that he has apprehended and questioned not one, but three killers about their intentions, but gets no answers. Riddler almost leaves the woman to her life, when the lights go out unexpectedly. Riddler immediately concludes that Batman has not captured all of the killers, and pulls the woman out of harms way when a bomb goes off in front of her bookstore.
While Riddler and the writer hide as the smoke clears, three costumed assailants enter the wreckage, looking for their victim to mark with their next riddle. The two men are led by a woman going by Conundrum, and their costumes sport black and green colour schemes along with disturbingly similar question mark emblazoned on their outfits. As Riddler stealthily disposes of the two grunts via use of his cane, Conundrum manages to take the writer hostage at gunpoint. At which point, Riddler deduces that Conundrum and her men are all college students, who specialize in Police Sciences. Due to his famous rehabilitation, Conundrum's group decided to fill the void with their debut murders. Conundrum even admits that Riddler was her idol, and that it would be a shame to kill him.
At this point, Riddler announces that Batman is enroute to their very location, something both Conundrum and the writer have difficulty believing. Riddler claims that since his reform, he and Batman have become close, and that his cane now has its own GPS that alerts Batman to his location whenever the question mark is twisted. Still unbelieving of his claim, Riddler calmly asks Conundrum with a smirk "Why is this man smiling?"
After his question has been delivered, Batman shows up and knocks out Conundrum. Riddler then admits that he is completely baffled that Batman is indeed there, since he was only stalling for time until he thought of something, leading him to wonder if there truly is a Batsignal in his cane (a panel during Riddler's "bluff" shows that there is indeed a Batsignal in his cane, as a green question mark alongside a map shows up inside the Batmobile's window).
After the ordeal is over, the young writer hugs Riddler, thanking him for saving her life. After which, she and Riddler go out to dinner at a fancy restaurant, with Batman looking over them. Dick admits that Riddler is indeed on a path of recovery, but must still be watched. After washing up in the men's room, Riddler sees a gossip show on a circuit television, showcasing a plainclothes Harley getting into car with Hush disguised as Bruce Wayne. He then calls Selina and tells her to turn on her television.
Powers and abilities
The Riddler possesses extreme ingenuity in decoding and formulating puzzles of all kinds. His deductive ability has perfused his new role of private detective, in which he is shown to have investigative skills that rival those of the Dark Knight. The Riddler has no superhuman abilities, but is a highly cunning criminal strategist. He is not especially talented in fisticuffs (although his endurance has grown from having to engage in them over the years), but sometimes employs weaponry that exploits his gimmick, such as exploding jigsaw pieces, his infamous question mark cane and question mark shaped pistols. He is shown to be skilled with engineering and technology, confronting Batman and Robin with unique and elaborate deathtraps.
Other versions
As one of Batman's most famed and popular adversaries, the Riddler has been featured in several comics which are not part of the official DC continuity.
- A radically different hipster style interpretation was featured in Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo's Joker
Joker is an original graphic novel written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Lee Bermejo. It was published in 2008 by DC Comics. It is based on characters from DC's Batman series, focusing primarily on the title character...
. In this version he wears a solid green jacket with question marks on the very back of it and a spiral of question mark tattoos around his abdomen. His cane serves the purpose of helping to prop him up, due to a disabled leg. In the story, he sells an unknown substance to the Joker. He is identified by the Joker as "Edward".
- In the Elseworlds
Elseworlds is the publication imprint for a group of comic books produced by DC Comics that take place outside the company's canon. According to its tagline: "In Elseworlds, heroes are taken from their usual settings and put into strange times and places — some that have existed, and others that...
miniseries Thrillkiller, Nygma is a psychiatristA psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in psychiatry and is certified in treating mental disorders. All psychiatrists are trained in diagnostic evaluation and in psychotherapy...
who counsels Barbara GordonBarbara "Babs" Gordon is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics and in related media, created by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino. From 1967 to 1988, she was the superheroine Batgirl; since 1989 she has been known as Oracle...
. Doctor Edward Nygma, author of Riddle Me This — What Do We Really Mean?, keeps Barbara dosed with increasing amounts of valiumDiazepam , first marketed as Valium by Hoffmann-La Roche, is a benzodiazepine derivative drug. It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative, skeletal muscle relaxant, and amnestic properties. It is commonly used for treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures, muscle spasms, restless legs...
and encourages her to mix with people she actually loathes. Edward wears a green suit and the cushions of his couch bear the pattern of the Riddler's outfit. AlfredAlfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics The character first appears in Batman #16 , and was created by writer Bob Kane and artist Jerry Robinson...
, her butler, takes the drugs away from her at the request of her father Commissioner GordonJames Worthington "Jim" Gordon is a fictional character, an ally of Batman that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane...
who regards Edward as a quack.
- In the Batman/Judge Dredd
Judge Joe Dredd is a comics character whose strip in the British science fiction anthology 2000 AD is the magazine's longest running . Dredd is a law enforcement officer in a violent city of the future where uniformed Judges combine the powers of police, judge, jury and executioner...
crossover The Ultimate Riddle, the Riddler uses a reality-manipulating wand-like device he acquired during the Zero Hour crisis to pull Batman, Dredd, and six alien warriors together, intending to pit Batman against the other warriors and get him killed. However, Batman and Dredd are able to work together to overcome their opponents, culminating in Dredd shooting Riddler in the shoulder and Batman claiming the device, subsequently using it to return the survivors home.
- The Riddler has a heroic counterpart in the antimatter universe
Qward is a fictional world existing within an antimatter universe that is part of the . It was first mentioned in Green Lantern # 2 .-History:...
called the Quizmaster, who is a member of Lex LuthorLex Luthor is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Superman and first appeared in Action Comics #23 , and was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Luthor is described as "a power-mad, evil scientist" of incredible...
's Justice Underground (that Earth's version of the Injustice GangThe Injustice Gang is a group of fictional supervillains in the DC Comics universe. They are antagonists of the Justice League.-First Formation:The original Injustice Gang's membership consisted of:...
) which opposes the evil Crime Syndicate of Amerika. He first appeared in JLA Secret Files 2004 #1. He later has the right half of his face burned by UltramanUltraman is the name of several fictional characters, who are supervillains that appear in stories published by DC Comics. The characters are all evil criminal counterparts of Superman. Ultraman first appeared in Justice League of America #29 .-Publication history:Ultraman first appeared as the...
, leading him to don a half-face and temporarily take on the name "Enigma". He is currently appearing in the Trinity seriesTrinity is the title of an American weekly comic book limited series published by DC Comics that debuted during the first week of June, 2008.-Conception and production:...
. Similarly, on Earth-3Earth-Three is a fictional alternate universe set in the . It is the Earth of an alternate reality in the DC Multiverse. It first appeared in Justice League of America #29 .-Pre-Crisis:Its history is a mirror image to the Earth we know...
, the Riddler's heroic counterpart (simply Riddler) is married to Three-Face (Evelyn Dent)Two-Face is a fictional comic book supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #66 , and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger....
and is the stepfather to the JokesterThe Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics and appearing as the archenemy of Batman. Created by Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger and Bob Kane, the character first appeared in Batman #1 ....
's daughter, Duela DentDuela Dent is a fictional character in the DC Universe. She is a former member of both the Teen Titans and Titans East. Introduced under the alias of Joker's Daughter, she has also used the aliases "Catgirl", "Scarecrone", "Riddler's Daughter", "Penguin's Daughter", "Card Queen", and...
.
- The character was featured in several issues of Batman and Robin Adventures. In his first appearance, he holds an entire Christmas party hostage, convinced that Batman and Robin are amongst the crowd. This issue is also the debut of his two assistants, Query and Echo
Query and Echo are fictional characters featured in DC Comics, most commonly known as The Riddler's two henchwomen.Query and Echo are well-trained with firearms and boast impressive combat skills. The costumes they wear are catsuit-like clothings with black net stockings and a big question mark...
, in the DCAUThe DC Animated Universe is a fan term that refers to a series of popular animated television series and related spin-offs produced by Warner Bros. Animation which share the same continuity. Most of these series are adapted from DC Comics properties...
continuity. In a later issue, he kidnaps Commissioner Gordon and threatens Gotham City with a deadly nerve gas. Since Batman and Robin fail to show up, Batgirl is forced to take on the Riddler alone and save her father.
- The Riddler was featured quite prominently in Batman: Gotham Adventures
The Batman Adventures was a DC comic book series featuring Batman. It is different from other Batman titles in that it is set in the continuity of Batman: The Animated Series as opposed to the regular DC Universe.-Overview:...
, a spin-off of the TNBA series.
- In The Batman Adventures
The Batman Adventures was a DC comic book series featuring Batman. It is different from other Batman titles in that it is set in the continuity of Batman: The Animated Series as opposed to the regular DC Universe.-Overview:...
series, The Riddler makes yet another attempt to go straight in issue #2. Issue #11 shows that while reformed, The Riddler struggles to avoid the temptation of crime as well as planting riddles. To remedy that, Batman recruits The Riddler to answer a great riddle: How did the Penguin succeed in becoming mayor of Gotham City? In the process, he is heavily injured in #12 by the Clock KingClock King is a title used by two fictional characters, supervillains published by DC Comics. The first Clock King debuted in World's Finest Comics #111 , and was created by France Herron and Lee Elias.-Publication history:...
. At the end of the issue, he ends up in a coma. The series was canceled before The Riddler's fate could be resolved. The story planned for the Riddler would have him emerging from his coma stricken with amnesia, allowing him to solve the greatest riddle, "Who Am I?"
- In the Emperor Joker
The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics and appearing as the archenemy of Batman. Created by Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger and Bob Kane, the character first appeared in Batman #1 ....
storyline, the all-powerful Joker creates an alternate Riddler, known as Enigma, to be a member of the Joker's Justice League along with alternate versions of Poison Ivy and BizarroBizarro is a fictional supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Superboy #68 , and was created by writer Otto Binder and artist George Papp....
. After learning of the Joker's plans to destroy the universe, he leads the League in an uprising against him. The Joker's vast and amazing powers cause the plan to fail, and the entire League is destroyed as a result.
- The Riddler also appeared three times in Justice League
The Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics....
, working alongside ParasiteThe Parasite is the name of several fictional characters that appears in Superman comic book stories published by DC Comics. A supervillain, Parasite has the ability to temporarily absorb the energy, knowledge, as well the super-powers of another being by touch, making him a formidable foe for the...
to battle SupermanSuperman is a fictional character, a comic book superhero widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective Comics, Inc...
in various bombing conspiracies, most likely to be led by the coalition of The Riddler and Parasite.
- He can be heard saying "ruh-riddle me this" in Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again
Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again is a Batman mini-series by Frank Miller with Lynn Varley. It is a sequel to Miller's 1986 miniseries, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.-Overview:...
- The Riddler appeared alongside Selena Kyle
Catwoman is a fictional character associated with DC Comics' Batman franchise. The supervillainess was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, partially inspired by Kane's second cousin by marriage, Ruth Steel ....
in the miniseries Kingdom ComeKingdom Come is a four-issue comic book mini-series published in 1996 by DC Comics. It was written by Mark Waid and painted in gouache by Alex Ross, who also developed the concept from an original idea...
, having been invited to a meeting of the Mankind Liberation Front by Lex Luthor. In this alternate future the Riddler has become an old, bald man wearing glasses with question mark shaped rims. He still indulges in his habitual riddling, asking "Who is the Riddler?" when Luthor referred to him by his real name. He appears to have been invited to the meeting only upon the insistence of Selena Kyle, as Luthor does not appear enthused by his presence.
Batman (TV series)
Frank GorshinFrank John Gorshin, Jr. was an American actor and comedian. He was perhaps best known as an impressionist, with many guest appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show...
played the Riddler in the 1960s
BatmanBatman is a 1960s American television series, based on the DC comic book character of the same name, which starred Adam West and Burt Ward as Batman and Robin, two crime-fighting heroes who defended "Gotham City". It aired on the American Broadcasting Company network for two and a half seasons...
television series and
spin-off movieBatman, often promoted as Batman: The Movie, is a 1966 film and the first full-length theatrical adaptation of the DC Comics character of the same name. Released by 20th Century Fox, the film starred Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin....
, with
John AstinJohn Allen Astin is an American actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, and is best known for the role of Gomez Addams on The Addams Family, and other similarly eccentric comedic characters.-Early years:...
substituting once on the series. The popular television series was inspired by the first
Silver AgeThe Silver Age of Comic Books was a period of artistic advancement and commercial success in mainstream American comic books, predominantly those in the superhero genre. Following the Golden Age of Comic Books and the interregnum the Atomic Age, the Silver Age is considered to cover the period from...
appearance of the Riddler, with the premiere episode being an adaptation of this issue (Batman #171). Before the television series, the character was a minor villain with only three appearances in two decades, but the exposure of the series - especially with Gorshin's extremely popular interpretation - elevated the character in the comics to a major enemy. The Riddler's real name was never mentioned in the TV show. Gorshin also portrayed the Riddler in
Legends of the SuperheroesLegends of the Superheroes is a NBC live-action version of Super Friends and was an umbrella title for two one-hour Hanna-Barbera TV specials based on the Super Friends cartoon show that aired on NBC in January 1979...
in 1979.
OnStar commercial
In one of the
Batman OnStar commercialsIn 2000, OnStar, DC Comics and Warner Bros. teamed up to promote the new OnStar onboard guiding system in a series of six television commercials featuring comic book superhero Batman, created by ad-agency Campbell-Ewald and aired from 2000 to the beginning of 2002....
, the Riddler was portrayed by
Brian StepanekBrian Stepanek is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Arwin Hawkhauser in the Disney Channel sitcom The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.-Career:...
.
The Batman/Superman Hour
The Riddler made his first appearance in animated form in the
FilmationFilmation Associates was an American production company that produced animation and live action programming for television during the latter half of the 20th century. Located in Reseda, California, the animation studio was founded in 1963...
Batman installments first seen on
CBS Saturday Morning in 1968 as part of
The Batman/Superman HourThe Batman/Superman Hour was a Filmation animated series that was broadcast on CBS from 1968 to 1969. Premiering on September 14 1968, this 60-minute program featured new adventures of the DC Comics superheroes Batman, Robin and Batgirl alongside shorts from The New Adventures of Superman and The...
with
Ted KnightTed Knight was an American actor best known for playing the comedic role of Ted Baxter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Henry Rush on Too Close for Comfort, and Judge Smails in Caddyshack...
providing his voice, but the Riddler did not appear in
The New Adventures of BatmanThe New Adventures of Batman is an animated series produced by Filmation in 1977 featuring the DC Comics superheroes Batman and Robin, and Batgirl. The current distributor is Warner Bros. Television due to parent company Warner Bros's ownership of DC Comics, which publishes the Batman titles...
episodes.
Super Friends
The Riddler appeared in
Hanna-BarberaHanna-Barbera Productions, Inc. , was an American animation studio that dominated North American television animation during the second half of the 20th century...
's
Challenge of the Super FriendsChallenge of the Super Friends is an American animated television series about a team of superheroes which ran from September 9, 1978, to December 23, 1978, on ABC. The complete series was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions for Warner Bros. Television and is based on the Justice League and...
as a member of the Legion of Doom. He was voiced by Michael Bell. He made his only solo appearance in a
Super Friends short episode, "Around The World In 80 Riddles."
Batman: The Animated Series
In
Batman: The Animated SeriesBatman: The Animated Series is an American animated series adaptation of the comic book series starring the DC Comics superhero, Batman. The series is noted for being the first to take place in the DC Animated Universe. It was produced by Warner Bros. Animation.The visual style of the series is...
,
John GloverJohn Soursby Glover, Jr. is an American award-winning actor, perhaps best known for a range of villainous roles in films and television, including Lionel Luthor in the TV series Smallville.-Personal life:...
voiced the Riddler. He made his debut in "If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?", and has also appeared in "What Is Reality?", and "Riddler's Reform."
The series' creators admit they didn't use him very much because his character often made story plots too long, too complex, or too bizarre. It was also very hard to come up with the riddles.
The New Batman Adventures
John Glover returns as The Riddler for cameo appearances in
The New Batman AdventuresThe New Batman Adventures is the successor to the Emmy Award-winning Batman: The Animated Series produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Although bearing different character designs and animation styles, both shows take place in the same continuity, with TNBA set a few years after Batman: TAS...
episodes "Over the Edge" and "Judgement Day". His design is completely different from his early appearance, bearing a closer resemblance to his traditional comics appearance.
Superman: The Animated Series
John Glover reprised his role as the Riddler in the
Superman: The Animated SeriesSuperman: The Animated Series was an American animated television series starring DC Comics' flagship character, Superman. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on The WB from September 6, 1996 to February 12, 2000. Warner Bros...
episode "Knight Time," where he is in league with
BaneBane is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 , and was created by Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench and Graham Nolan. Bane has been one of Batman's most intelligent and physically powerful foes...
and the
Mad HatterThe Mad Hatter is a fictional supervillain in the Batman comics, published by DC Comics. His real name is Jervis Tetch, and he is modeled after The Mad Hatter from Lewis Carroll's book, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. He made his first appearance in Batman #49 in October 1948...
.
Batman Beyond
A Riddler Drone, along with
Two-FaceTwo-Face is a fictional comic book supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #66 , and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger....
and
Killer CrocKiller Croc is a fictional character in the DC Universe, an enemy of Batman. Created by writer Gerry Conway and artist Gene Colan, he first appeared in Detective Comics #523 .-Fictional character biography:...
, fights Batman in the opening of the
Batman BeyondBatman Beyond, also known as Batman of the Future, is an American animated television series created by The WB Television Network in collaboration with DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation as a continuation of the Batman legacy. It began airing on January 10, 1999, and ended its run on December18,...
episode "Terry's Friend Dates A Robot." The Riddler's appearance is that of his
New Batman AdventuresThe New Batman Adventures is the successor to the Emmy Award-winning Batman: The Animated Series produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Although bearing different character designs and animation styles, both shows take place in the same continuity, with TNBA set a few years after Batman: TAS...
appearance in this episode.
The Batman
In 2005, a new interpretation of the Riddler debuted in
The Batman The Batman is an Emmy Award-winning American animated television series produced by Warner Bros. Animation based on the DC Comics superhero Batman. It ran from 2004 to 2008, on the Saturday morning television block Kids WB...
animated series episode “Riddled”. In this version, the Riddler returns with a
Gothic lookGothic fashion is a clothing style worn by members of the Goth subculture; a dark, sometimes morbid, eroticized fashion and style of dress. Typical Gothic fashion includes black dyed and crimped hair, bright lips and black clothes. Both male and female goths sometimes wear dark eyeliner and dark...
, voiced by
Robert EnglundRobert Barton Englund is an American actor, best known for playing the fictional serial killer Freddy Krueger, in the Nightmare on Elm Street film series. He received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors in 1987 and A Nightmare on Elm...
and by
Hiroaki Hiratais a male seiyū from Tokyo. He stands at 175 centimeters , and is a member of Gekidan Subaru.He is most known for the roles of Sanji , Sha Gojyo , and the Narrator of Digimon Adventure.- Television animation :...
in the
Japaneseis a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities. It is a member of the Japonic language family. There are a number of proposed relationships with other languages, but none have gained general acceptance...
dub. The Riddler also appeared in the episodes “Night and the City,” “Riddler’s Revenge,” and “Rumors”.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold
The Riddler is referenced in the series
Batman: The Brave and the BoldBatman: The Brave and the Bold is an American animated television series based in part on the DC Comics "team-up" series The Brave and the Bold...
episode "Deep Cover for Batman!" He also appears in the episode "Legends of the Dark Mite!" In it, he catches
Bat-MiteBat-Mite is a character appearing in stories published by DC Comics. Bat-Mite is an Imp similar to the Superman villain Mister Mxyzptlk. Appearing as a small childlike man in an ill-fitting costume, Bat-Mite possesses what appears to be near-infinite magical power, but in reality is highly...
in the same trap that Batman and Robin are seen in on the cover of his first comic. He is found in the same pose next to the trap as well.
Batman (1966)
Frank Gorshin reprised his role as the Riddler in the 1966 film
BatmanBatman, often promoted as Batman: The Movie, is a 1966 film and the first full-length theatrical adaptation of the DC Comics character of the same name. Released by 20th Century Fox, the film starred Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin....
, alongside three other villains from the TV series. As in the series, Gorshin's Riddler is calm and calculating at one moment, then wild and unstable the next. He compulsively sends Batman and Robin clues, which in the film leads to some minor tension with his fellow criminals.
Batman Forever
Jim CarreyJames Eugene "Jim" Carrey is a Canadian-American actor and stand-up comedian. Carrey is best known for his performances as multiple characters in the sketch comedy show In Living Color, as the title character in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, as the unlucky TV...
portrays Edward Nygma/The Riddler in
Batman ForeverBatman Forever is a 1995 superhero film directed by Joel Schumacher and produced by Tim Burton. It is the third installment of the Batman film series and stars Val Kilmer as Batman. The plot focuses on Batman trying to stop Two-Face and the Riddler in their villainous scheme to drain information...
, and is one of two primary antagonists (the other being
Two-FaceTwo-Face is a fictional comic book supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #66 , and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger....
). Here, Edward Nygma is an employee of
Wayne EnterprisesWayne Enterprises is a fictional company in the DC Universe. Wayne Enterprises is owned by billionaire Bruce Wayne and run by his business manager Lucius Fox...
, who invents a mind-manipulation device called The Box, which Bruce Wayne rejects. He ultimately discovers that his device increases his own intelligence, and allows him access to simulated
telepathicTelepathy is supposed to be the transfer of information on thoughts or feelings between individuals by means other than the five senses . The term was coined in 1882 by the classical scholar Fredric W. H...
powers. He perfects his brain-manipulation device into a system which beams signals to and from the human brain in order to simulate an immersive television viewing experience. After being inspired by a televised raid on a circus by Two-Face, Nygma adopts his own alter ego in the form of the Riddler, and approaches Two-Face with a deal: if he helps Nygma fund major production for his device, he will use his ill-gotten knowledge to tell him Batman's secret identity, which Two-Face accepts after a toss of his coin. Throughout the film, Nygma obsesses over Wayne, copying Wayne's appearance down to a
facial moleA melanocytic nevus is a type of lesion that contains nevus cells.Some sources equate the term "mole" with "melanocytic nevus"...
, and he prevents Two-Face from killing him (so that Batman can solve a riddle). The Riddler's uniform also appears in the sequel film
Batman and Robin.
Carrey was nominated for the
MTV AwardThe MTV Video Music Awards, also called the VMAs, were established at the end of the summer of 1984 by MTV to celebrate the top music videos of the year...
for "Best Villain" for his performance, as was
Tommy Lee JonesTommy Lee Jones is an American actor and director.His film roles include federal marshal Samuel Gerard in The Fugitive and U.S. Marshals, the villain "Two-Face" in Batman Forever, the mysterious Agent K in the Men in Black films, Western peace officers Woodrow F. Call in Lonesome Dove and Ed Tom...
for his portrayal of Two-Face.
When
Michael KeatonMichael John Douglas , better known as Michael Keaton, is an American actor, well known for his early comedic roles in films such as Night Shift, Mr...
was still attached to the film, director
Joel SchumacherJoel Schumacher is an American film director, screenwriter and producer.-Early life and career:Schumacher was born in New York City, the son of Marian and Francis Schumacher. His mother was a Swedish Jew, and his father was a Baptist from Knoxville, Tennessee who died when Joel was four years old...
was considering
Robin WilliamsRobin McLaurin Williams is an American actor and comedian.Rising to fame with his role as the alien Mork in the TV series Mork and Mindy, and later stand up comedy work, Williams has performed in many feature films since 1980. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance...
for the role of the Riddler. Williams turned down the role, and when Keaton left the project and was replaced with
Val KilmerVal Edward Kilmer is an American actor. Originally a stage actor, Kilmer became popular in the mid-1980s after a string of appearances in comedy films, starting with Top Secret! , then the cult classic Real Genius , as well as blockbuster action films, including a role in Top Gun and a lead role...
, Jim Carrey was cast. Carrey had stated that he was attracted to the "
stalkerStalking is a term used to describe unwanted attention by individuals to others. Stalking behaviors are related to harassment and intimidation. The word "stalking" is used, with some differing meanings, in psychology and psychiatry and also in some legal jurisdictions as a term for a criminal...
" angle added to the character in the script.
The Riddler's riddles in this film were written by
Will ShortzWill Shortz is an American puzzle creator and editor.-Early life:Will Shortz was born and raised on an Arabian horse farm in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Graduating from Indiana University in 1974, he is the only person known to hold a college degree in enigmatology, the study of puzzles, after...
, the editor of the New York Times' daily
crossword puzzleFor the common puzzle, see CrosswordCrossword Puzzle was the second to last album made by The Partridge Family and was not one of the most popular albums. It was released in 1973 and did not produce a U.S. single. This album was finally released on CD in 2003 on Arista's BMG Heritage label...
.
Nolan series
Director
Christopher NolanChristopher Jonathan James Nolan is a British-American filmmaker, writer and producer. The son of an English father and American mother, Nolan is a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and the United States. He is married to Emma Thomas, his longtime producer...
took the helm as director of the new Batman franchise with the 2005 film
Batman BeginsBatman Begins is a superhero film based on the fictional DC Comics character Batman, directed by Christopher Nolan. It stars Christian Bale as Batman, along with Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Cillian Murphy, Morgan Freeman, Ken Watanabe, Tom Wilkinson, and Rutger Hauer...
. In
The Gotham Times, a viral marketing website promoting the 2008 film
The Dark KnightThe Dark Knight is a superhero crime thriller film directed and co-written by Christopher Nolan. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, the film is part of Nolan's Batman film series and a sequel to 2005's Batman Begins. Christian Bale reprises the lead role...
, Edward Nashton, an alias of The Riddler, is credited for a
letter to the editorA letter to the editor is a letter sent to a publication about issues of concern to its readers. Usually, letters are intended for publication....
titled "Dent Cannot Be Believed" in Issue 2 page 2. Although
Anthony Michael HallMichael Anthony Hall , known professionally as Anthony Michael Hall, is an American actor, producer and director who starred in several successful teen-oriented films of the 1980s. Hall began his career in commercials and on stage as a child, and made his screen debut in 1980...
was rumored to be playing the Riddler, he actually played a reporter named Mike Engel. While doing press for
The Dark KnightThe Dark Knight is a superhero crime thriller film directed and co-written by Christopher Nolan. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, the film is part of Nolan's Batman film series and a sequel to 2005's Batman Begins. Christian Bale reprises the lead role...
,
Gary OldmanGary Leonard Oldman is an English actor and filmmaker .He found fame in roles such as Sid Vicious in Sid & Nancy, Lee Harvey Oswald in JFK, Count Dracula in Dracula and Ludwig Van Beethoven in Immortal Beloved...
alluded that the Riddler would be the villain in the proposed third film.
Rumors quickly circulated that
Johnny DeppJohn Christopher "Johnny" Depp II is an American actor and musician known for his portrayals of offbeat, eccentric characters such as Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, Raoul Duke in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and Sam in Benny & Joon.Depp rose to prominence in a lead...
had been cast to play the Riddler in the next Batman movie. On a radio interview about his band The Kids, Depp responded to the question saying "Oh yeah... I heard about that. Not that I know of. It seems like it'd be a fun gig for a while, yeah."
Video games
The Riddler has also appeared in several video games based on Batman.
- He was a boss in Batman: The Animated Series
Batman: The Animated Series is the first video game to be released based on the actual Batman animated series which was broadcast at the same time...
for the Game BoyThe is an 8-bit handheld video game device developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on , in North America on , and in Europe on . In Southern Asia, it is known as the "Tata Game Boy" It is the first handheld console in the Game Boy line...
, The Adventures of Batman & Robin for the SNESThe Super Nintendo Entertainment System or Super NES is a 16-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia , and South America between 1990 and 1993. In Japan and Southeast Asia, the system is called the , or SFC for short...
, The Adventures of Batman & Robin for the Sega CD and various video game adaptations of Batman ForeverBatman Forever is a beat 'em up game based on the movie of the same name.-Developers:The Super NES, Genesis, and Game Boy versions were developed by Acclaim Studios London and published by Acclaim Entertainment. the Sega Game Gear and PC versions were developed by Probe Entertainment.-Gameplay:The...
. The SNES game had Riddler reusing the Riddle of the Minotaur Maze from "If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?" and the chess board from "What Is Reality?". In the Sega CD game, which had fully-animated cut scenes, John Glover reprised his role as the Riddler. In the PC game Toxic Chill, Riddler teams up with Mr. Freeze.
- The Riddler is a character in Lego Batman: The Video Game
Lego Batman: The Videogame is a action-adventure video game, created for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Playstation Portable, Nintendo DS, and Wii. The game is based on the comic book character Batman and the Lego Batman toy line. It was developed by Traveller's Tales and published by Warner Bros.,...
. He is one of the three masterminds of the Arkham breakout in the game; and leads Two-FaceTwo-Face is a fictional comic book supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #66 , and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger....
, Mr. FreezeMr. Freeze, real name Dr. Victor Fries , Ph.D, is a DC Comics supervillain, an enemy of Batman...
, Poison Ivy, and ClayfaceClayface is a name used by several DC Comics fictional characters, most of them possessing clay-like bodies and shapeshifting abilities. All of them have been enemies of Batman...
, with the goal of stealing the contents of the Gotham Gold Reserve.
- Riddler is in the 2009 game Batman: Arkham Asylum
Batman: Arkham Asylum is an action-adventure stealth video game based on DC Comics' Batman for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. It was developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Eidos Interactive in conjunction with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Comics...
. Voiced by Wally WingertWallace E. "Wally" Wingert is an American actor and voice actor. He is originally from Des Moines, Iowa.-Anime:* Astroboy - Dr...
, although the Riddler is never actually seen in person, he is heard throughout the game, leading the Batman to different parts of the story via various riddles.
- Riddler will appear in the upcoming DC Universe Online
DC Universe Online or DCUO is a MMORPG being developed by Sony Online Austin. Jim Lee serves as the game's Executive Creative Director, along with Carlos D'Anda, JJ Kirby, Oliver Nome, Eddie Nunez, Livio Ramondelli, and Michael Lopez. EverQuest developers Chris Cao and Shawn Lord are also involved...
.
Spoofs and Parodies
- The Riddler appears in the Robot Chicken
Robot Chicken is an American stop motion animated television series created and executive produced by Seth Green and Matthew Senreich along with co-Head Writers Douglas Goldstein and Tom Root...
episode "Endless Breadsticks" voiced by Patrick WarburtonPatrick John Warburton is an American television and voice actor. He is best known for the TV roles of David Puddy on Seinfeld, the title role of The Tick, the evil Johnny Johnson on NewsRadio, and anchorman Jeb Denton on Less Than Perfect...
. When the Riddler gives a riddle at the dinner table, his wife tells him to just ask for the salt. Zeb WellsZeb Wells is a comic book writer known for his work on Marvel's Heroes For Hire and Civil War: Young Avengers/Runaways and various Spider-Man titles.He is currently writing New Mutants with artist Diogenes Neves....
voices Riddler in the episode "But Not In That Way." In a segment that parodies Arkham Asylum in the style of The Shawshank RedemptionThe Shawshank Redemption is a American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, loosely based on the Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption...
, Riddler writes a request to Joker to play "Who Let The Dogs Out" on "Arkham's Top 40."
Action figures
Riddler has made several appearances as an action figure as part of
KennerKenner Products was a toy company founded in 1947 by three brothers, Albert, Phillip, and Joseph L. Steiner, in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, and was named after the street where the original corporate offices were located....
's
Batman: The Animated SeriesBatman: The Animated Series is an American animated series adaptation of the comic book series starring the DC Comics superhero, Batman. The series is noted for being the first to take place in the DC Animated Universe. It was produced by Warner Bros. Animation.The visual style of the series is...
, Legends of Batman, and Batman: Knight Force Ninjas lines;
MattelMattel Inc. is the world's largest toy importing company based on revenue. The products it produces include Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars, Masters of the Universe, American Girl dolls, board games, and, in the early 1980s, video game consoles. It was founded in 1945 by Harold "Matt"...
's
The Batman The Batman is an Emmy Award-winning American animated television series produced by Warner Bros. Animation based on the DC Comics superhero Batman. It ran from 2004 to 2008, on the Saturday morning television block Kids WB...
line; and
Art AsylumArt Asylum is a New York City based design studio and toy company.Originally started by Digger Mesch and Donna Soldano in 1996, Art Asylum was initially just a work-for-hire sculpting studio which designed various action figures, busts and statues for numerous toy companies such as ToyCom and...
's
minimatesMinimates are a block-styled miniature action figure originally created by Art Asylum and now released by Diamond Select Toys. The basic Minimate figure design has a 2" tall body that resembles an extremely simplified human form with 14 points of articulation, higher than average for block figures...
line. He has also been produced as a
HeroClixHeroClix is a collectible miniatures game produced by WizKids, Inc. Players construct teams of heroes and villains and play out a battle between the teams turn-by-turn on a grid map.-History:...
. Five different Riddler figures were produced for the 1995
Batman Forever line, including a
TargetTarget Corporation, usually known simply as Target, is an American retailing company that was founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1902 as the Dayton Dry Goods Company. In 1962, the company opened its first Target store in nearby Roseville...
exclusive and one that says phrases from the film.
The Riddler is one of the rarest of Pacipa's Super Amigos line, the
ArgentinianArgentina, officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America, constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires. It is the eighth largest country in the world by land area and the largest among Spanish-speaking nations, though Mexico,...
version of
KennerKenner Products was a toy company founded in 1947 by three brothers, Albert, Phillip, and Joseph L. Steiner, in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, and was named after the street where the original corporate offices were located....
's
Super Powers CollectionThe Super Powers Collection was a line of action figures based on DC Comics superheroes and supervillains that was created by Kenner Toys in the 1980s.-Origin of the line:...
. He is a repainted
Green LanternGreen Lantern is the name of several fictional characters, superheroes appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The first was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Martin Nodell in All-American Comics #16 ....
figure that was only released in
South AmericaSouth America is the southern continent of the Americas, situated entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere...
. He was also part of the line of action figures called the DC Comics SuperHeroes from
Toy BizMarvel Toys is the toy division of Marvel Entertainment. Originally, the company held a license with DC and produced toys based on their characters. Later, they acquired an exclusive contract with Marvel and produced an X-Men specific line as well as a Marvel Superheroes line.Later, the company...
.
Three versions of the Riddler have appeared in the DC Direct line, two based on his first appearance and one based on his look in the "
HushHush is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics and appearing as an enemy of Batman. Created by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Jim Lee, the character first appears in Batman #609 . Following his 12-issue debut arc , Hush resurfaced in Batman: Gotham Knights.-Origin:Dr...
" storyline. The
Japanis an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, People's Republic of China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese toy company Yamato has also produced a figure of him.
MattelMattel Inc. is the world's largest toy importing company based on revenue. The products it produces include Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars, Masters of the Universe, American Girl dolls, board games, and, in the early 1980s, video game consoles. It was founded in 1945 by Harold "Matt"...
has included a figure based on
Paul DiniPaul Dini is an American television producer of animated cartoons. He is best known as a producer and writer for several Warner Bros./DC Comics series, including Star Wars: Ewoks, Tiny Toon Adventures, Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, The New Batman/Superman Adventures,...
's current incarnation of the character in its
DC UniverseThe DC Universe is the shared universe where most of the comic stories published by DC Comics take place. The fictional characters Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman are well-known superheroes from this universe. Note that in context, "DC Universe" is usually used to refer to the main DC continuity...
toyline.
Music
A song based on the character titled "
The Riddler"The Riddler" is a single by Method Man from the Batman Forever soundtrack based on the character of the same name. It was released on October 24, 1995 for Atlantic Records and produced by fellow Wu-Tang Clan member, RZA...
" was performed by rapper,
Method ManClifford Smith , better known by his stage name Method Man or Meth is an American hip hop artist, record producer, actor and member of the hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. He took his stage name from the 1979 film The Fearless Young Boxer, also known as Method Man. He is one half of the rap duo...
and was featured on the
Batman Forever soundtrackBatman Forever: Music from the Motion Picture is the 1995 soundtrack to the motion picture Batman Forever.-Background:Only five of the songs are actually featured in the movie. Hit singles from the soundtrack include "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me" by U2 and "Kiss from a Rose" by Seal, both...
.
There is also a song by Frank Gorshin in which he sings about riddles and his obsession with them.
The Riddler makes an appearance in the
videoA music video is a short film or video that accompanies a complete piece of music/song. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings. Although the origins of music videos go back much further, they came into their own in the...
of the
Nik KershawNik Kershaw is an English singer-songwriter. The one time jazz-funk guitarist was a mid 1980s teen idol. His 50 weeks on the UK Singles Chart in 1984 beat all other soloists...
1984 song, "
The Riddle"The Riddle" was a hit single for the popular music artist Nik Kershaw in 1984/1985. It reached number three on the UK Singles chart.-Lyrics:...
."
Roller coasters
Riddler's Revenge, the world's tallest and fastest
stand-up roller coasterA stand-up roller coaster is a roller coaster designed to have the passengers stand through the course of the ride. These roller coasters are very intense, and generally carry taller height restrictions than other rides.-History:...
is themed after the Riddler. It is located in
Six Flags Magic MountainSix Flags Magic Mountain is an amusement park located in Valencia, California north of Los Angeles. It opened on Memorial Day weekend on May 29, 1971 as Magic Mountain, by the Newhall Land and Farming Company...
in Valencia, California.
Mind BenderMind Bender is a steel roller coaster located at Six Flags Over Georgia near Atlanta, Georgia. Billed as "the world's first triple-loop roller coaster" when it opened on March 31, 1978, Mind Bender maintains its popularity some three decades after it opened...
, is a roller-coaster at
Six Flags Over GeorgiaSix Flags Over Georgia is a theme park located west of Atlanta, in unincorporated Cobb County. Opened in 1967, it is the second park in the Six Flags chain, after the original opening in 1961 in Texas....
outside Atlanta. The coaster was originally silver then later painted brown. In 1997, the park built
Batman: The RideBatman: The Ride is a steel inverted roller coaster found in many Six Flags theme parks, as well as other parks around the world, including Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Fiesta Texas , Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags St. Louis, Six Flags...
next to MindBender. MindBender was then given a green paint scheme and its trains were painted black and covered with question marks.
External links