The Batman: 10 Ways The Riddler Parallels Batman
2. They Inspire Other People To Wear Masks To Fight Injustice
There has always been an idea that Batman is responsible for the number of costumed supervillains in Gotham City. Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight tells us that the mob has hired The Joker as they became desperate because of Batman and Harvey Dent being so effective at cleaning up the streets.
Matt Reeves’ The Batman becomes more direct when The Riddler himself tells Batman he is his inspiration for The Riddler’s identity. Batman has shown him, all someone needs is a mask and an ability to spread fear to enact widespread change in Gotham City.
Then it turns out The Riddler is a streamer with a niche audience. His followers on the stream became his literal followers in his mission of killing the corrupt rich. On the day of The Riddler’s grand plan, they all wear identical Riddler costumes and grab some guns to enact acts of terrorism.
To further run home Batman’s influence on the evils of his world, when the police asked one of The Riddler’s goons who he was, he replies, “Vengeance.” The same word Batman uses every time a criminal asks who he is.