I'm glad this little mini-series is back. I really enjoyed the first one. I like the way that they frame the stories with the Joker in Arkham. It's cool to think that he's sitting in his cell driving everybody else crazy. This issue he tells a story about the Riddler. It's from a while ago . . before he decided to go legit. Basically, during a robbery, he sees and falls instantly in love with a woman. The problem is, she knows who he is . . what he does, and wants nothing to do with him. Which in turn drives him even more crazy. Basically she becomes the riddle that he can't solve. However, someone comes to his aid. Someone who's willing to help him get the girl, in return for his part of some master plan to take down Batman. He seems to be approached by many villains, all trying to get him on board. But he can't do anything until he solves the riddle of this woman. Finally someone steps up and does what needs to be done . . use some intimidation and threats on her . . they go after her father. She agrees to lie to Edward . . to allow him in. Or at least think that he's in. But it's in that moment that he realizes it wasn't really her he was after, but . . the unattainable. So then he goes and kills her father anyways. We never really find out who his benefactor is, but . . we're given clues. I'm leaning towards Black Mask, but . . it could also be Edwards own fractured personality. His shtick has always been riddles, but . . his own personality may be the biggest riddle of all. Anyways, it amuses the Joker that he's left the story with no ending. Or rather, one you have to figure out on your own. I thought Peter Calloway did a great job with this one. I thought that he really captured the characters of both the Riddler and the Joker. Plus, it was just a cool story. Andres Guinaldo does the art. I thought he also did a good job. I think there's either 4 or 6 of these altogether. I can't wait to read the rest.
I think you are right with Black Mask, I was leaning between him and Dead Shot, but DS wouldn't use a pistol, he would use that arm thing.
ReplyDeleteI just think that the Black Mask is a little to obvious. That's why I think Eddie did it to himself. A split personality . . or something. Plus, you've seen how Eddie's gained more of the spotlight in Streets of Gotham and Gotham City Sirens. I think they have a lot in store for this character.
ReplyDeleteThe Riddler just isn't that kind of crazy. This has happened before (split personality thing) with heroes and villains alike, but they all have a cause for it, like Superman kryptonite was above him so he would black out and wake up as someone else. They wouldn't permanently deface a character by making him by giving him a split personality, especially one as loved as the Riddler.
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