9. The Riddler Was Behind Hush
One of the more recent Batman stories that has gone on to be considered classic was the 2002-2003 storyline Hush, written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by the always fantastic Jim Lee. This story saw Batman fighting everyone from new villain Hush, to old villains like The Joker, Riddler, Clayface, and even a Poison Ivy-controlled Superman. The whole premise of the storyline was that there was bandage-faced, trench-coat wearing murderer named Hush loose in Gotham who wanted to destroy Batman. In typical Batman fashion, there are never enough cooks in the kitchen so the entire Rogues Gallery gets involved. In one of the key moments, The Joker appears to kill Dr. Thomas Elliot, a childhood friend of Bruce Wayne. But wait, this isnt another Joker triumph is it? Nope, turns out, Dr. Thomas Elliot faked his death (Clayface took his appearance) and actually was Hush. His entire motivation was that Bruce Waynes father had helped save Elliots parents, who had been in a car accident set up by a young Thomas. Thomas Elliot wanted his parents dead so he could have his inheritance. Essentially, he was jealous that Bruce Wayne had gotten the life that he wanted. But wait, how did Thomas Elliot figure out that Batman was Bruce Wayne? Leave that to The Riddler, who was behind the entire plot. He had figured out who Batman really was and contacted Elliot. Lazarus Pits and other complicated things occurred, but The Riddler, who wasnt seen as much of a threat, not only figured out who Batman was, but put in motion a plan that almost destroyed everything. This story also marked the first return appearance of the long deceased Jason Todd. While Batman assumed Clayface had taken his form, Todds grave remained empty, leaving only The Riddler to know his whereabouts. This is a triumph because Batman never suspected The Riddler was the one behind-the-scenes making everything happen. Anytime a villain is able to outsmart The Worlds Greatest Detective that can only go in the Win column.