Edward Nygma, aka The Riddler, is one of Batman's most iconic villains. Unlike Joker, Two-Face, Catwoman or Ra's al Ghul, Batman's battles with Riddler are purely intellectual. Most writers often avoid using The Riddler in a story because of a belief he's too hard to write because one would have to use challenging riddles or create their own. As he's also not a physical threat and commonly attempts robberies, there isn't much of a challenge facing Batman. Scott Snyder has done a marvelous job reinvigorating The Riddler. His interpretation of Riddler has been the best in years. Not only is he smart and charismatic, but also is very intimidating for such a lanky man. Every word is carefully chosen and spoken and, though Philip Kane does his best to order him around, he is clearly in control. That is, until, he meets Bruce Wayne for the first time. Nygma gives subtle hints to Bruce about what Philip is really up to; hints which, much to Nygma's surprise, Bruce understands and correctly guesses. His wordplay continues to have no effect on Bruce as he deftly solves Nygma's little riddle about how to escape the museum. The look on his face as Bruce exits is one of admiration as he seemingly met a man worth his time, but also doesn't care as he's recently put a hit on Bruce. Capullo's art once again shines as he shows this, but it is the page of the oroboro board that shines the most as each panel displays dialogue or close up shots of Bruce and Nygma, following it around like a board game. It is a very unique display for a comic book and will definitely be remembered as a standout piece of Snyder and Capullo's entire Batman run.
Richard Church has a Bachelor of Arts in English and a diploma in Television Writing and Producing. He is an aspiring writer for short stories, novels and screenplays. He is also an avid fan of comic books and graphic novels.
