The Riddler is one of the most popular characters in comics and has been around for a long time. The character is also a big hit with fans of movies and the television show. But what is the story behind this character?
Early incarnation
Riddler is a criminal mastermind and one of Batman’s earliest nemeses. Originally introduced during the Golden Age of superhero comics, he became a recurring villain in television’s Gotham series. But he has since made numerous appearances in both live action and animated cartoon adaptations.
He was originally known as Edward Nigma, but later changed his name to Edward Nashton. After he was exposed as a fraud, he began to engage in puzzling crimes and took his revenge on Bruce Wayne.
He first appeared in Detective Comics #140. He is a computer geek and an expert puzzle maker. Although he has never been a true rogue, he is a master of technology, escapology, and mind games.
The Riddler was not a regular villain in the original Batman TV show, but he was brought back into the fold as a recurring villain in Legends of the Superheroes in 1979. In this series, he was played by Frank Gorshin.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Riddler’s character was his fascination with riddles. This obsession developed from his abusive childhood, where his father beat him and accused him of cheating. A chance meeting with an NSA codebreaker, however, helped the Riddler recover his mind.
New 52 era
Riddler is one of Batman’s earliest villains and a major player in the New 52 era. He was introduced in a series of Batman comics written by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo in the early 2010s.
The Riddler was initially a criminal informant for the mob. As he developed, he became a mastermind of crime. His obsession with riddles was a result of his childhood.
While the Riddler’s background changed after Crisis on Infinite Earths, his appearances in the New 52 era are mostly connected to the “Zero Year” story arc. This series is also one of his most prominent appearances in this era.
DC Comics’ “New 52” began in 2011 and lasted for half a decade. It was a controversial relaunch that tried to compress decades of continuity. Many classic characters were retconned. However, most of the backstories of the heroes and villains were left intact.
Throughout the relaunch, Riddler appeared as a major villain in the main Batman series and in many other Batman-related stories. He has also been featured in tie-ins and standalone projects.
Animated series
The Riddler was a super villain of the DC comic book world. He was first introduced in Detective Comics #140 in October 1948. He was created by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang.
The Riddler is the mastermind behind the crimes of Gotham City. His chief criminal motive is vengeance. Using a small army of henchmen, he commits daring robberies and outwits the police.
His most clever invention was a virtual reality simulation. He sent it to the Gotham Police Department. This trick was also used in video game trophies.
The Riddler has a knack for riddles. He leaves clues for Batman to find. Occasionally, he will use riddles to confuse the police and distract them from his crimes. Moreover, he is a genius when it comes to technology.
Another impressive feat is the Riddler’s ability to manipulate reality. In the episode, “What is Reality?”, he makes a fool of Commissioner Gordon by trapping him in a virtual reality simulator.
Movies
The Riddler is one of the most fearsome Batman villains of all time. The character first appeared in the comic book series Detective Comics #140 in 1948, and he has been portrayed in many different movies and TV shows. He has even inspired a few spinoffs.
Paul Dano plays the latest Riddler in the upcoming Batman film, and he has said he is excited to explore Batman. In fact, he wrote the first comic book for the character. His upcoming comic book, The Riddler: Year One, will be released as a DC Black Label limited series. It will function as a prequel to the movie.
When asked if he had any thoughts about being the next Batman, Dano answered, “I’m pretty interested in playing Batman. I’ve been a fan of Batman since I was a kid. And I love comic books. So, it’s an easy decision for me.”
In his comic book, Dano’s Riddler will be a nameless, yet highly intelligent and eccentric man. He wants to expose corruption. But, he has a difficult time with authority. He finds himself frustrated because he cannot defeat Batman with his intellect alone.