Gotham's take on Riddler was pretty great, it really played up his need to show he was superior, but didn't make him some kind of bumbling idiot, he was genuinely smart and cunning, and the outfit was pretty great once they introduced it.
I like Gotham's riddler because he was like the perfect actor to play him carrying the mannerisms and general weirdness but was actually really nice when the show first came out.
I'm like the only Gotham advocate nowadays, and the casting for absolutely everyone is really the best part of the show. Unfortunately, the worst part of the show is that romance arc with Ed and the clone who isn't a clone.
*Fun Fact:* The Riddler from 2004's The Batman cartoon was voiced by Robert Englund. The same man who played Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street.
@@ermacmacro7136 Note: There is a Skin option for Scarecrow that has a Freddy Krueger style glove, it's also a design used for him in Batman Arkham Asylum
Arkham City actually has a great part where Batman cheats Riddler's games: during the cup-swapping game with a hostage, you actually have to turn on Detective Vision so you can see the Riddler is cheating and moving the hostage behind the scenes. He actually freaks out if you guess correctly because you're not supposed to win. My favorite comic issue with Riddler was Batman: Black & White #5, written by Kieron Gillen. It's a choose-your-own adventure comic where every option seems to lead to Batman's death... until you realize you have to read AROUND the CYOA panels to see where the story is actually going, rather than following the normal rules of CYOA. It's a great twist and meta-narrative about how Batman beats Riddler every time.
@@ermacmacro7136 Again, just 'cause I feel the need -- DAMN that is cool. I'm going to try to scrounge up a copy for my younger sibling too, who loves artful writing👍
And I hate that the Riddler cheats. His entire MO is mental games, which are fair simply because of his motive: He wants to prove himself superior to Batman (and thus prove his father, who called him "stupid" his whole life, wrong). Edward Nygma would never Armageddon 2001 us.
My favorite part about Riddler in the Arkham series is that in Knight once Batman's identity is revealed he absolutely refuses to believe that he's actually Bruce Wayne because it's seemingly so obvious that someone as smart as him totally would have figured it out by then
Haven't played Knight yet but I have played the others & I recall there being one of those interview tapes that basically establishes how he can't think it's Bruce so that's a cool detail to bring to the forefront
You mentioned the brief moment how the Flash went against The Riddler and you thought it would be fun to see more mismatch hero/villain meetups, I think that would be a great video. Which villains from the same world would you want to go against which heroes?
I read this and thought about people who deal exclusively in film and TV (not comics readers) who saw Into the Spiderverse after watching all three seasons of Daredevil but not Spider-Man TAS, and how Kingpin is essentially accepted as shared between them. I’m sure the makers of the Hawkeye series knows its audience has this understanding, and that’s what made his reveal in that show all the more shocking “OH! You’re coming in a THIRD way?”
If you were to shuffle the DC's main 6 Heroes and their nemeses, I think this would be the ideal matchups. Superman vs Sinestro Batman vs Lex Luthor Wonder Woman vs Black Manta Aquaman vs Captain Cold Flash vs Cheetah Green Lantern vs Scarecrow/Joker
I remember him challenging Impulse not the Flash, daring him to find a bomb under a car and that he needed to solve a complicated...never mind, Impulse found the bomb after checking every car in the city.
I just recently finished Gotham. Riddler's origin was great in my personal opinion. Probably my favorite version of the character. His friendship/rivalry with Penguin was great.
I actually REALLY like 2004's The Batman version, because I actually learned some things from him, like how "boring", also means drilling. Also, I like that he looked Marylin Manson, but if he was voiced by freaking Robert Englund. DCAU Riddler gets marks for being voiced by John Glover, Lionel Luthor himself. Wirh Arkham's Riddler, who starts out well dressed and clean in Origins and Asylum, but by City he's starts losing his flair. In Knight, he's lost it, and looks like a ratty David Tennant in some angles lol
He also wore lipstick? And his suit showed midriff? And he made his own costume, which is skintight? And he shows off and highlights his body type despite it not being ‘manly’? Like the long hair is great too but 2004 riddler could’ve rolled up in a miniskirt and it’d be in character tbh Also the inherent refusal to confine himself to what his abusive father considered ‘manly’ enough to partake in, the obvious love for theatrics and genuine shows of emotion, the awesome Marilyn Manson look overall- he’s great bro. It’s not just about long hair
I’m dumb it doesn’t show midriff it shows his back and arms in a style reminiscent of a low hung feminine reserved shirt cut around the front and dips into his shoulder blades at the back
Honestly they shoudl've had the Riddler Reformed arc last far longer than it did. Nygma being a freelance detective is a genuinely great angle for the guy.
Honestly Gotham is so weird to me because the plot could get so wacky and nonsensical and hard to follow but at the same time you had some of the best performances within the genre. I could never stop watching Gotham because of the performances, it was in a way a neat character study for these comic book characters and their personalities.
Frank Gorshin's portrayal has always been my favorite. He rides the line of serious and campy at the same time and has so much charisma. Honestly, he made the Riddler my favorite Batman villain and I wish you would have mentioned him more.
Same. His Riddler was so great because he perfected the art of switching from serious and sinister to campy and hysterical without seeming incongruous. I’d argue all of the following live action Jokers cribbed from Gorshin’s notes.
Call me campy, I adored the penguin/nigma in Gotham. I felt like it was a great platform to go wild from. I think those two characters got served a fantastic plate to play from if it even continued. Definitely worth building off of, and I liked the grounded yet soap opera approach between the two
My favorite Riddler is by far the Riddler from Harley Quinn. The way that Jim Rash voices him is SO GOOD and I just love the way that he's represented on s2. Can't wait to see more of him and Clock King (Not to be confused with Cock King) on s3
Riddlers origin from 2004 The Batman cartoon is my favorite, when Batman said “when is a villain not THE villain” and then that tear streaming in the shape of a question mark. So good!
Personally, one of my favorite Riddler incarnations is from The Enemy Within. He captures the sadism and menace of his Earth-One counterpart without losing his clever puzzle making and over-the-top flashiness. 'Tis a shame he died in the first episode.
Thank you! I'm glad someone else mentioned The Enemy Within! That game certainly gave him a much deadlier edge, in-line with Jigsaw from the Saw franchise with all those death traps and contraptions. I wish we got more of him! Enemy Within is also my favorite depiction of Harley Quinn. She really puts that psych degree to work, manipulating the likes of Bain and Freeze to work for her, being a mastermind. She's really at her best when she's completely independent from Joker.
Earth One Riddler was a great change to the regular one. As not the definitive Riddler but still a new take. One that uses riddles and deaths to distract people and kills them regardless of if they win because it's all just a publicity stunt. What was he really after? shame he never got an ending
Frank Gorshin deserved a spot on this list. He was the first Batman 66 villain and everyone else was modeled after him. He was actually pretty dark and crazy in the first episode. The show got more campy later when it became popular and mainstream.
I love the riddler as a villain and would've loved to see your opinion on The BATMAN's 2004 version of the character who's heavily inspired by Marilyn Manson, carrying the whole goth atheistic of the musician with a darker depiction of his classic skin-tight suit (he also uses a staff as a controller for his traps/games and as a weapon for fighting). I also think BATMAN 2004's Riddler has one of the best episodes of the series involving the character's saddest backstory, which is a must-watch if you're a riddler fan.
Probably my favorite hero version of Riddler is his one appearance in Justice League Action, where Joker actually uses his need to solve riddles against him, and the fact that he stayed good at the end was nice. Also want to mention my favorite knockoff of the Riddler, Ms. Question from WordGirl, who doesn't use riddles but can incapacitate people by literally causing them to question everything.
I really love how grounded the Riddler in The Batman was, the choice to make him a cryptic, sinister serial killer was a new take and was genuinely terrifying. The incel influences made sense for his attention seeking behaviour and because it was something that people are unfortunately familiar with. It made him even more scary, like this guy could be anyone. He wasn’t traditional comic Riddler but it was a new fresh take which felt relevant, impactful and memorable. If he returns in the later movies, I hope they go the campier route as we saw a bit of that in the prison scene especially, and inch a wee bit more towards the traditional comic Riddler. Paul Dano defiantly has the acting and comedy skills to pull it off! Would also love to hear your thoughts on Riddler Year One when that comes out! The sneak peaks we saw at SDCC looked sick as hell and Paul Dano seems really excited about the project. Can’t wait for October!
@@ItsButterBean1020 there's a hundred ways to implement question marks into the design and make it clever. I can make a few designs at least and link them. But I get that in real life people that angry aren't gonna inctricately design stuff. Even still though it could've been drawn with sharpie. Eh whatever, not a fan of the look. Also Riddler can be interesting when he doesn't kill
The riddler from the batman is largely the same as other versions. He is still the bombastic showoff, he straight up live streams himself murdering. It's shown by the end that he's more concerned with the game of it all over his "ideals". You can't get more bombastic than blowing up a sea wall and watching everyone die in one place as batman tries to solve everything. The only thing missing is him showing up in a green suit and bowler hat. Which he really can't do due to his plan and need for secrecy. But he definitely showed the capability to do something like that. He's still the same "I'm smarter than you" guy who completely broke down when he lost. All the pieces are there, just assembled a bit different. And now that he doesn't have to hide anymore, he can be as stylish as he pleases.
Thank you i'm sick of people telling he is not accurate just because he doesnt have the classic suit or is a copy paste from the comics. It's still a really accurate take on the riddler
I absolutely adored Hasan Minhaj's portrayal of the Riddler in Batman Unburied! Of course, being a podcast, we're missing some the over the top camp that can come from costumes, but he was so much fun even without that. But still definitely managed to get in my top favorites for the character.
i was scouring the comics for the Batman Unburied Riddler and yes! as a very VERRRYY casual dc fan it was nice re-introduction to batman and Hasan was very very perfect.
he has the closest to perfect riddler voice next to corey michael smith, sometimes I’ll play the podcast back just because of the way he delivers those lines
I was a big fan of detective Riddler. That was such a great use of the character, and his interactions not just with Batman, but with the rest of the rogues gallery were always interesting. And of course there was always the "reformed or not?" hanging over all of the proceedings.
I personally think that Paul Dano is probably going to become more like the actual Riddler over time. I'm pretty sure Matt Reeves stated that his movies are more orgins stories for the villains than Batman.
For me everyone is disturbed by this version of the character because of the mask, because the character is supposed to be a big narcissist who will never hide behind a full mask. Yet Paul Dano has the physique of Edward "Nashton" Nygma (we even find this almost feverish side of the comics version of Tim Sale). Even his costume (if we forget the mask like in the funeral scene and that of the Dinner) although more urban and less chic costume + bowler hat brings him closer to his dirtier version of the game Arkham Knight with his hooded coat that can be seen in the Teltale universe. But in terms of personality we totally recognize the Riddler: egocentric, showman in his way of speaking, hysterical, bad player and of course a pathological obsession with Batman and Bruce Wayne (the secret of which he does not yet know) For me there is not much to change to make this incarnation of the Riddler the best in live action. All you have to do is remove the mask definitively (which could even be a logical evolution of the character who above all wanted to be like his idol Batman. Finding his "real self" through the mask but after this disillusionment and his friendship with the future Joker, he could very well give up the mask showing that unlike Batman he fully accepts what he has become.) And perhaps put more emphasis on the question marks on his coat.
My favorite is Frank Gorshan's from the '66 show. He may not be the best Riddler, but he is the best villain in the entire show. Every other villain fails because they just slip up or are plain outwitted, the Riddler always fails because he has to show off with his riddles. He is always so shocked and demoralized whenever Batman figures out that he tried to pull a two solution riddle only to be caught anyway. He also just has so much fun with what he's doing, flipping back and forth from bouncing like a toddler to giving a Shakespearian monolog.
One I think deserved a spot here is Riddler from 2004's "The Batman" show. He's not the same campy Riddler that we usually see, but he arguably has the most style out of any Riddler. He's cold and calculating, and that was the first time I was ever actually scared of the Riddler. Hell, he's voiced by Freddy Krueger! So, yeah, 2004's Riddler deserved a spot here, simply because he's a fresh take on the character while still keeping true to the comic's integrity.
I am surprised that "The Riddle" comic wasn't mentioned. It is probably one of his best outtings and it not only tests batman it makes the reader think as well. It uses the choose your own adventure style to perfection
The Riddler is really the most interesting villain for Batman. Most of his other villains target Batmans weaknesses or try to work around Batman to target Gotham. Edward Nigma directly challenges Batmans strong point, his intelligence. It's like a more sublte version of Daredevil vs Bullseye or Hal Jordan vs Sinestro.
Gotham version of the penguin and The Riddler are my favorite I just love playing back the Riddler's descent into madness and I love watching the penguin go from this mole to the king of Gotham I'm only like at season 3 I believe no spoilers
15:16 the reason Riddler isn’t a diva in The Batman is Joker’s line: “he’s a nobody who wants to be somebody.” He’s bad at his job. He enjoys setting up riddles and duct-taping corpses, but when he gets in front of the camera, he isn’t as intimidating as he thinks he is. He’s not supposed to be the true comics green suit camping trip because he just isn’t good at doing that. He’s just a sad lonely weirdo who lashes out because he wants to be special but he isn’t.
A bit disappointed 60's Riddler wasn't mentioned. Frank Gorshin's masterful performance was what skyrocketed Riddler from an obscure and almost forgotten villain to a mainstay. Also, that show is where the green suit first originated. Oh, and have you seen Justice League Action? If so, you might like their take on Riddler, since they actually took after his smug private detective version.
I think an aspect not touched enough upon with the Riddler is the tragedy of it all. Ed is genuinely really intelligent, and he absolutely *could* outsmart Bruce if he decided not to leave clues. Or if he just decided to be a good guy. But his compulsion drives him to continually fall back into his worst tendencies, even when he makes progress. I'd love a story where somebody, be it Bruce, Dick, or even someone unexpected like Booster Gold, realize just how lonely Ed is and make an effort to be his friend, only for Ed to believe it's some sort of sabotage and ruin it.
i remember hearing about a story where Riddler tries to prove he ISN'T insane and thus shouldn't be forced into an asylum of all places, and so tries to commit crimes without leaving any clues, to prove he's just a criminal and not 'crazy'. Also so he could beat batman but ensuring batman has no clues to beat him with. And then its revealed he DID leave clues without realising it, despite his best efforts, he still couldn't help but leave riddles to show off. And he is HORRIFIED when he finds out. "Maybe I DO belong here. Maybe...I really AM crazy..."
I was once paid to dress up as the hamburglar for a McDonald’s themed event to “steal” some prop burgers. Someone thought I was actually stealing food from kids and tackled me. 😅
I really like the Riddler's depiction in Batman: the Audio Adventures He's voiced by John Leguiziamo, and it's a really fun version of the character, and he has a great ending to his story
No love for Riddler from The Batman (2004)? His debut episode was peak Riddler goodness! Even to the point where he can't help but seed clues into his monologues as to his real plans. Also, from that series and tangentially related, Cluemaster is a tragic take on what could have been a version of Riddler. A child quiz master cheated out of his streak by the producers and driven by revenge (while also being morbidly obese due to a lifetime supply of candy)
For me it's hands down the Batman '66 Riddler all day every day. He has a *musical number.* And the suit and bowler looks that much more glorious in live-action than even the comics can depict.
There are a few riddles in City that Riddler designs to be literally impossible to win at. And Batman “cheats” by using one of his gadgets to survive. Which I found funny
Riddler is kind of the opposite of the Joker in that while the clown will fail but still laugh since he got his point across, the Riddler will be extremely successful but ruin everything because he didn’t get exactly what he wanted.
My favorite version is from the War of Jokes and Riddles. Sure, he doesn't actually appear that much in it, but he orchestrates THE ENTIRE thing, to an extent that is just ridicilous, and then completely loses it when discovering that after everything he still failed to find the answer to the riddle he was trying to solve. But, that might just be because that's the only Riddler story (aside from Hush, but that one's debatable) Comic pop has covered, and as someone that doesn't actually read western comics that is the only way I even get the full story of most of them; so I'm just like... Kite Man? HELL YEAH!
I think The Riddler would have been amazing if they'd made him a more regular Green Arrow villain. He had a great story there and could have been a great recurring villain who wouldn't be so overshadowed by the Joker in the "let me toy with Batman" sense or the otherwise oversaturated mixture of the Batman exclusive rogues gallery.
Good to see you back to making random vids that are a little less effort, and obviously coming from a more personal and opinionated place. It makes me feel like I’m watching you relax and passionate, not chasing the TH-cam analytics encouraging MCU relevant videos or other bs. Keeping making that paper, we’ll always be here, but like I said it’s good to see you doing a vid that’s more organic like this
@@ComicDrakeI actually read that before I watched the Hugbees video! It was when I first got DC universe infinite and my friend suggested the story to me
You have to remember that "The Batman" is set early into Batman's career as a vigilante so his villains are still developing into the over the top antagonists that are seen in traditional media set later in Batman's career.
Arkham games Riddler; no other incarnation quite embodies so well that feeling of oozing smug, arrogant superiority that makes you just want to punch him in the mouth a few words into interacting with him.
Wait wait wait wait; you like the trophies? Huh; I'm the opposite. I prayed for an Arkham game that prelude opened with Batman dropping in on Riddler before he could scatter the trophies, and left him beaten, cuffed and unconscious, laying in wait for a police pickup atop an uncomfortable pile of his gaudy glowing green baubles.
I need to check Zero Year, i didn't read enough comics with Riddler for how much i like him. I really enjoyed his role in Hush story tho. From versions that werent mentioned in the video, i also really enjoyed Riddler from Justice League Action episode "E. Nigma, Consulting Detective", as title suggests, its have Edward in his private detective role, fun little story (as most Justice League Action episodes are)
One thing I loved about Ed's PI stint is the Intergang arc where the Rogues are shunning Ed as a traitor except Penguin who keeps inviting him over for drinks. When questioned about it he says that Ed is the only one he can have intellectual conversations with. Their friendship in those issues was really fun. I wish more adaptations would have them team up, and I appreciated Gotham for doing so even if it was a little campy.
The new riddler in The Batman was also pulling on Hush pretty hard, mainly his mask and coat, the hate for Bruce instead of The Batman, and the bait-and-switch where you think he knows his secret identity for a moment
I think the version of the Riddler from The Batman was a good version for his first out before his comeback that hopefully results in his obsession with being the smartest guy in the world, just like how Joker wasn't always about being the antithesis to Batman but at first just wanted to show how much of a joke society is before coming into contact with the Batman properly thus starting his obsession that makes him who he is today... Humble beginnings just feels more real & I love that Also though as much as I love The Batman's version of Riddler I can't help but think that the way Andrew Scott played Moriarty in the modern Sherlock series with is how the Riddler should be played, it's not Batman but Sherlock is great & that version of Moriarty is hands down the best character
Cory Michael Smith from Gotham is my personal favorite. Paul Dano from The Batman, Frank Gorshin from Batman 66, and John Glover from Batman: The Animated Series are all very good and I like parts of Jim Carrey from Batman Forever, but everything about Smith's performance and the writing for his character was just fantastic.
Frank gorshin was my introduction to my character so and he still my favorite. Cory Michael Smith was also very good. But I also enjoyed the version on superfriends voiced my Michael Bell
my favourite riddler story is from batman black and white titled the riddle. its such a smart story told by way of choose your own adventure. its a really fun gimmick with a great twist that makes so much sense once you get it.
My personal favorite is the 2004 Riddler from The Batman. I mean his origin the suit and the flare he has is just 👌 I really like the Arkham Riddler but it gets pulled back from being my favorite just cuz the overwhelming amount of riddler trophies just drag out the games
I liked the Riddler's single appearance in Justice League Action, just because of how unusual it was. It was based on his reformed phase from the comics, and he helped Wonder Woman and Green Arrow.
One of my favorite version of riddler And this’ll sound odd Is John Leguizamo’s version from Batman the audio adventure. He’s pitch perfect, he’s arrogant, smart and theatrical.
I've always liked The Riddler. It's just a shame he gets mishandled so much. I think this often comes from the fact that many writers, while certainly skilled in many ways, will always have trouble laying down good riddles over the long term. Still, my hope is that DC will keep trying to improve how he is utilized. Also, I think it's fascinating how there's always been something of an counter dynamic with him and The Joker. Order and chaos. Meticulous and spontaneous. Plus both jokes and riddles can be either funny or dead serious. Also, I think it might be about time to have someone come out of left field and challenge The Riddler.
something i love from the Riddler in Hush is the idea of Riddler outsourcing plans to other villains, Eddy is here to Challenge Bruce's brain let everyone else do the boring crime part. But also while he has an one up on knowing Bruce is Batman, but on the other hand Batman knows he stole a Lazarus Pit from Ras
also the version in 2004's The Batman while more Emo forth Edgy, i love the over the top Pizzaz he got & honestly his motivation made a lot of sense for someone like the Riddler: Information is more valuable than raw money & only he's smart enough to bribe all of Gotham. Also Batman being the cheat code instead of the player made for some fun episodes
The conversation scene was the moment I thought Paul Dano’s take was accurate, the moment his thinking is proven wrong he freaks out as his fragile ego shatters.
Fun Fact: The Riddler is one of the few characters whose Golden-Age (Earth-2) depiction/characterization is virtually indistinguishable from his Silver-Age (Earth-1) counterpart. That was before the Crisis on Infinite Earths, of course.
A one of like 10 people who grew up and love The Batman cartoon, I also loved him in there. While he’s more calm than the normal depiction but I love how joyous and creepy he is. Plus he’s played by Freddy Kruger and that’s just dope.
Finally! Someone else who says The Riddler trophies are his favorite side mission in the Arkham games! I…..I love you man. So many people harp on the quantity in Knight and I’m (usually) the lone person going “give me more!” They are the most fun, and they’re filled to the brim with Easter eggs! I love getting to find all these eggs as part of the story and not just in my free time outside of it. I know the making the final, true ending something you have to complete them all to get is cumbersome but it’s often overlooked that it’s great motivation. It gives you something to keep you going! And the excess totally fits Nygma’s style! Best side mission ever! (All 3 games included!)
My favorite Riddler story is his appearance in the almost too on the nose The Question series. Like the Arkham games, the crux is Riddler getting frustrated at someone, if not smarter, then, more clever than he is. To stop the Riddler, The Question threw metaphysical questions at him that frustrated Riddler so much, The Question was able to just knock him out. I get that it may not make The Riddler come across as that great, but it does highlight his gimmick and his frustration at someone who shows him up. The confrontation even ends with The Question offering to let the Riddler go if he can answer one of The Question's riddles.
One thing that i think it's important to note.. i like that they didn't kill him off in The Batman, the fact that we already know who he is will be awesome to see him without his mask going forward.
I think the best Riddler is the one who talks during this video. Seriously though, one of my favorite Official Riddlers right now is the one from Harley Quinn voiced by Jim Rash. I don't know what it is about Mr. Rash but whenever I see or hear him in something, he steals the scene. Whether it's The Dean in Community, Gyro Gearlose from Ducktales 2017, or, the Riddler from Harley Quinn, he knows how to steal a scene.
The riddler and the joker are like two sides of a coin, their villains inherent to Batman as a detective hero. One which tests his abilities as such and another that subverts them. They would've been joke villains for anyone else
I’ve always been curious to know your thoughts on the Batman the tv show it was animated and it was one in the mid 2000, probably had some of the funniest versions of Batman characters
Frank Gorshin will always be the best Riddler,the maniac energy he put into the character popularized a villain that was considered second rate for decades.
Not only is this now one of my favourite videos because it's about The Riddler, a fantastic and campy character, but because it gives me proof that at least one other person has the DC Deckbuilder game. VINDICATION
I knew of you before but only recently started watching your channel and I'll have to say I'm really enjoying your content (and not just as background noise). It's like a steady cruise of comic book history, it reminds me of one of those Disney rides where you're drifting along peacefully sucking in every sight, or much like a guided tour. Edit: I completely agree with Gotham, I only watched it for the Penguin then stopped once it started getting cyclical and dumb.
BTAS has some of the best incarnations of Batman’s rogue gallery, and the Riddler is no exception. Using him sparingly just made his appearances more special, just like Mr. Freeze.
What I love of DCAU's Riddler is his last hit. In the comics he tries one last time to win over the Batman, does his routine, but Batman is too busy with other criminals to notice the riddles and accidentally bumps into the Riddler when he's exiting the jewelry. "How did you solved my complex riddle" "I didn't, I didn't even no-" "You didn't solve it!? I WIN! I FINALLY BESTED BATMAN!" And goes to prison singing with joy and gives up crime. All that... for ONE unsolved riddle.
I don't know if it's nostalgia talking but I really really like 2004 The Batman Riddler. I also really like Batman Unburied Riddler, it took me by surprise positivaly.
The riddler is also my favorite Batman Villain, but I couldn't help but notice you left off Frank Gorshin and John Astin. I understand this is a "comic book" channel, but I notice you mentioned other movie and television Riddlers. Just as Jim Carrey was your Riddler when you were a kid, Gorshin and once Astin, were mine. I especially liked Gorshin's Riddler-like cameo at the MTV movie awards (1995). Thank you so very much for the video.
I liked his debut in "The Batman" cartoon from 2004. His character design wasn't great but the writing was solid because his seemingly off-hand comments between his riddles were also riddles, especially when recited together. Led to that ah-ha moment for Batman when he realized that the riddles were a compulsion, not a gimmick. Also loved one of the comic adaptations of TAS where the Riddler was publishing riddles in the lead up to a heist, but feeling discouraged because he figured Batman would solve them. Turned out Batman had ignored the riddles in favor of capturing some other villains whose objectives were more obvious and only busted Riddler by happenstance (like bumping into him on the street). Although he arrested Riddler and returned him to Arkham, he admitted that he hadn't solved the riddles, which was close enough to outsmarting Bats for Ed to literally sing a happy song as they locked him away, his confidence and enthusiasm restored.
It’s still all about Gorshin in adaptation for me. Every single version of The Riddler lives in his shadow. He was both goofy and dangerous. He could do that maniacal cackle, but he could also flip to deadly serious at the drop of a hat. I genuinely don’t think we give Gorshin enough credit.
I really wish there was a Batman show where throughout the season while Batman is solving other crime, riddler butts in and throws in a tedious riddle for Batman to solve while he’s in the middle of something dire. It would be a reoccurring gag. Where towards the end Batman dispatches him once and for all.
I honestly love the racing moments from Arkham Knight, just because when I played it with my brothers and sister, we kept acting like he was a new Villain called the Racist, and he hadn't figured out why the name is bad.
Gotham's take on Riddler was pretty great, it really played up his need to show he was superior, but didn't make him some kind of bumbling idiot, he was genuinely smart and cunning, and the outfit was pretty great once they introduced it.
He also, in the early seasons, had a compulsion to leave clues, which I really liked. The downside to his high intelligence.
100% agree
I like Gotham's riddler because he was like the perfect actor to play him carrying the mannerisms and general weirdness but was actually really nice when the show first came out.
I'm like the only Gotham advocate nowadays, and the casting for absolutely everyone is really the best part of the show. Unfortunately, the worst part of the show is that romance arc with Ed and the clone who isn't a clone.
@@pokkiheart yeah Gotham had some great stuff, but a LOT of bad stuff too.
W comment also his costume was awesome even if it was simple
@@pokkiheart and the ending was rushed.
Yeah Gotham has my favourite Penguin and Riddler
Not like anyone else is bad; I just think those guys are the peak
*Fun Fact:* The Riddler from 2004's The Batman cartoon was voiced by Robert Englund. The same man who played Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street.
Who'd also later play Scarecrow in Injustice 2.
How appropriate for one of the masters of fear
Welp it's about time that I rewatch it
2004’s Riddler was another of my favorites
@@ermacmacro7136
Note: There is a Skin option for Scarecrow that has a Freddy Krueger style glove, it's also a design used for him in Batman Arkham Asylum
Robert englund is also victor creel from season 4 of stranger things
Arkham City actually has a great part where Batman cheats Riddler's games: during the cup-swapping game with a hostage, you actually have to turn on Detective Vision so you can see the Riddler is cheating and moving the hostage behind the scenes. He actually freaks out if you guess correctly because you're not supposed to win.
My favorite comic issue with Riddler was Batman: Black & White #5, written by Kieron Gillen. It's a choose-your-own adventure comic where every option seems to lead to Batman's death... until you realize you have to read AROUND the CYOA panels to see where the story is actually going, rather than following the normal rules of CYOA. It's a great twist and meta-narrative about how Batman beats Riddler every time.
That is the coolest $&@# I have ever heard. I'm going to look for that issue
I wish more people understood that to defeat the riddler, you don't play the riddler's game.
There's a quote from a video anout that Black and White issue.
"The moment you start following the rules of the book. The Riddler wins"
@@ermacmacro7136 Again, just 'cause I feel the need -- DAMN that is cool. I'm going to try to scrounge up a copy for my younger sibling too, who loves artful writing👍
And I hate that the Riddler cheats. His entire MO is mental games, which are fair simply because of his motive: He wants to prove himself superior to Batman (and thus prove his father, who called him "stupid" his whole life, wrong).
Edward Nygma would never Armageddon 2001 us.
My favorite part about Riddler in the Arkham series is that in Knight once Batman's identity is revealed he absolutely refuses to believe that he's actually Bruce Wayne because it's seemingly so obvious that someone as smart as him totally would have figured it out by then
Haven't played Knight yet but I have played the others & I recall there being one of those interview tapes that basically establishes how he can't think it's Bruce so that's a cool detail to bring to the forefront
@@Triforce_of_Doom I remember this tape! It was such an interesting tidbit of his psychology while also giving an explanation.
You mentioned the brief moment how the Flash went against The Riddler and you thought it would be fun to see more mismatch hero/villain meetups, I think that would be a great video. Which villains from the same world would you want to go against which heroes?
I read this and thought about people who deal exclusively in film and TV (not comics readers) who saw Into the Spiderverse after watching all three seasons of Daredevil but not Spider-Man TAS, and how Kingpin is essentially accepted as shared between them.
I’m sure the makers of the Hawkeye series knows its audience has this understanding, and that’s what made his reveal in that show all the more shocking “OH! You’re coming in a THIRD way?”
If you were to shuffle the DC's main 6 Heroes and their nemeses, I think this would be the ideal matchups.
Superman vs Sinestro
Batman vs Lex Luthor
Wonder Woman vs Black Manta
Aquaman vs Captain Cold
Flash vs Cheetah
Green Lantern vs Scarecrow/Joker
Would love to see Aquaman fight Mr. Freeze.
I remember him challenging Impulse not the Flash, daring him to find a bomb under a car and that he needed to solve a complicated...never mind, Impulse found the bomb after checking every car in the city.
@@maninthetrenchcoat5603 Yellow Lantern Scarecrow is genuinely terrifying when you think about it
I just recently finished Gotham. Riddler's origin was great in my personal opinion. Probably my favorite version of the character. His friendship/rivalry with Penguin was great.
their "middle-aged couple that bicker and argue" relationship is great
"friendship".
Isn’t enigma literally on the verge of confessing his feelings to the penguin at one point like what?
@@youri7229 nah I think it was just a one way streak and Penguin was going to confess
@@darthsidious3274 ah my bad!
I actually REALLY like 2004's The Batman version, because I actually learned some things from him, like how "boring", also means drilling. Also, I like that he looked Marylin Manson, but if he was voiced by freaking Robert Englund.
DCAU Riddler gets marks for being voiced by John Glover, Lionel Luthor himself. Wirh Arkham's Riddler, who starts out well dressed and clean in Origins and Asylum, but by City he's starts losing his flair. In Knight, he's lost it, and looks like a ratty David Tennant in some angles lol
I loved the personality of the 2004 one. He did great establishing himself as a threat
Literally the best riddler. A gender norm breaking king voiced by Freddy Krueger
@@ablackdovedraws a yes long hair totally destroying those gender norms
He also wore lipstick? And his suit showed midriff? And he made his own costume, which is skintight? And he shows off and highlights his body type despite it not being ‘manly’? Like the long hair is great too but 2004 riddler could’ve rolled up in a miniskirt and it’d be in character tbh
Also the inherent refusal to confine himself to what his abusive father considered ‘manly’ enough to partake in, the obvious love for theatrics and genuine shows of emotion, the awesome Marilyn Manson look overall- he’s great bro. It’s not just about long hair
I’m dumb it doesn’t show midriff it shows his back and arms in a style reminiscent of a low hung feminine reserved shirt cut around the front and dips into his shoulder blades at the back
Honestly they shoudl've had the Riddler Reformed arc last far longer than it did. Nygma being a freelance detective is a genuinely great angle for the guy.
Gotham’s riddler was amazing. Honestly, Gotham did Batman’s villains better than most live action adaptations.
I dont know if Gotham Mr freeze is better or worse than Schwarzenegger's.
WHAT KILLED THE DINOSAURS?
Honestly Gotham is so weird to me because the plot could get so wacky and nonsensical and hard to follow but at the same time you had some of the best performances within the genre. I could never stop watching Gotham because of the performances, it was in a way a neat character study for these comic book characters and their personalities.
@@carlblaskovich2812 *sighs*....the ice age
@@lou626 cute profile picture, btw :D I'm glad terrible media like schumakers batman has a habit of bringing people together.
@@carlblaskovich2812 yeah haha i'm a BIG Batman fan since My childhood (Edward is My fav!) thanks ^^
Frank Gorshin's portrayal has always been my favorite. He rides the line of serious and campy at the same time and has so much charisma. Honestly, he made the Riddler my favorite Batman villain and I wish you would have mentioned him more.
Same. His Riddler was so great because he perfected the art of switching from serious and sinister to campy and hysterical without seeming incongruous. I’d argue all of the following live action Jokers cribbed from Gorshin’s notes.
There is Frank Gorshin.
And then there are all the other Riddler actors that WISH they were Frank Gorshin.
Call me campy, I adored the penguin/nigma in Gotham. I felt like it was a great platform to go wild from. I think those two characters got served a fantastic plate to play from if it even continued. Definitely worth building off of, and I liked the grounded yet soap opera approach between the two
Truee their friendship was cute the scene where he helps penguin escape Arkham and they start talking about Zsasz that was funny
Goth Riddler from The Batman (2004) cartoon is underrated
Agreed.
My favorite Riddler is by far the Riddler from Harley Quinn. The way that Jim Rash voices him is SO GOOD and I just love the way that he's represented on s2. Can't wait to see more of him and Clock King (Not to be confused with Cock King) on s3
This
And he is an advocate of the LGBTQ + community because he is a part of it and I love that. It’s was fun and unexpected
Yes!
The Harley Quinn series is the gift that keeps on giving, god bless that show
I can't with his design though he's so ugly
In my headcanon Riddler needs to talk like Ned Flanders.
"Riddledi diddle di diddle me this, Batman?"
Batman: The Animated Series and Arkham Riddler ate still my favorites. Justice League Action has a really good comedic Riddler, though.
I can’t believe they still ate your favorites. How evil!!
Riddlers origin from 2004 The Batman cartoon is my favorite, when Batman said “when is a villain not THE villain” and then that tear streaming in the shape of a question mark. So good!
I really liked the portrayal of Nigma in the Gotham series...he was JUST the right amount of crazy and calculating
Personally, one of my favorite Riddler incarnations is from The Enemy Within. He captures the sadism and menace of his Earth-One counterpart without losing his clever puzzle making and over-the-top flashiness. 'Tis a shame he died in the first episode.
Thank you! I'm glad someone else mentioned The Enemy Within! That game certainly gave him a much deadlier edge, in-line with Jigsaw from the Saw franchise with all those death traps and contraptions. I wish we got more of him!
Enemy Within is also my favorite depiction of Harley Quinn. She really puts that psych degree to work, manipulating the likes of Bain and Freeze to work for her, being a mastermind. She's really at her best when she's completely independent from Joker.
He’s amazing, I love the mix of camp and Jigsaw Killer that we got in the game and he’s got a really dope design.
Earth One Riddler was a great change to the regular one. As not the definitive Riddler but still a new take. One that uses riddles and deaths to distract people and kills them regardless of if they win because it's all just a publicity stunt. What was he really after? shame he never got an ending
Frank Gorshin deserved a spot on this list. He was the first Batman 66 villain and everyone else was modeled after him. He was actually pretty dark and crazy in the first episode. The show got more campy later when it became popular and mainstream.
I love the riddler as a villain and would've loved to see your opinion on The BATMAN's 2004 version of the character who's heavily inspired by Marilyn Manson, carrying the whole goth atheistic of the musician with a darker depiction of his classic skin-tight suit (he also uses a staff as a controller for his traps/games and as a weapon for fighting). I also think BATMAN 2004's Riddler has one of the best episodes of the series involving the character's saddest backstory, which is a must-watch if you're a riddler fan.
This.
Probably my favorite hero version of Riddler is his one appearance in Justice League Action, where Joker actually uses his need to solve riddles against him, and the fact that he stayed good at the end was nice.
Also want to mention my favorite knockoff of the Riddler, Ms. Question from WordGirl, who doesn't use riddles but can incapacitate people by literally causing them to question everything.
I really love how grounded the Riddler in The Batman was, the choice to make him a cryptic, sinister serial killer was a new take and was genuinely terrifying. The incel influences made sense for his attention seeking behaviour and because it was something that people are unfortunately familiar with. It made him even more scary, like this guy could be anyone. He wasn’t traditional comic Riddler but it was a new fresh take which felt relevant, impactful and memorable.
If he returns in the later movies, I hope they go the campier route as we saw a bit of that in the prison scene especially, and inch a wee bit more towards the traditional comic Riddler. Paul Dano defiantly has the acting and comedy skills to pull it off!
Would also love to hear your thoughts on Riddler Year One when that comes out! The sneak peaks we saw at SDCC looked sick as hell and Paul Dano seems really excited about the project. Can’t wait for October!
NGL I kinda wish he had a more conventional suit but with a mask on.
@@ItsButterBean1020 there's a hundred ways to implement question marks into the design and make it clever. I can make a few designs at least and link them. But I get that in real life people that angry aren't gonna inctricately design stuff. Even still though it could've been drawn with sharpie. Eh whatever, not a fan of the look. Also Riddler can be interesting when he doesn't kill
It was good but it felt less like Riddler and more like Zodiac + Jigsaw
I love the Riddler in Gotham.
The riddler from the batman is largely the same as other versions. He is still the bombastic showoff, he straight up live streams himself murdering. It's shown by the end that he's more concerned with the game of it all over his "ideals". You can't get more bombastic than blowing up a sea wall and watching everyone die in one place as batman tries to solve everything. The only thing missing is him showing up in a green suit and bowler hat. Which he really can't do due to his plan and need for secrecy. But he definitely showed the capability to do something like that. He's still the same "I'm smarter than you" guy who completely broke down when he lost. All the pieces are there, just assembled a bit different. And now that he doesn't have to hide anymore, he can be as stylish as he pleases.
Thank you i'm sick of people telling he is not accurate just because he doesnt have the classic suit or is a copy paste from the comics. It's still a really accurate take on the riddler
I liked the Gotham interpretation despite barely wearing the green
I absolutely adored Hasan Minhaj's portrayal of the Riddler in Batman Unburied! Of course, being a podcast, we're missing some the over the top camp that can come from costumes, but he was so much fun even without that. But still definitely managed to get in my top favorites for the character.
i was scouring the comics for the Batman Unburied Riddler and yes! as a very VERRRYY casual dc fan it was nice re-introduction to batman and Hasan was very very perfect.
he has the closest to perfect riddler voice next to corey michael smith, sometimes I’ll play the podcast back just because of the way he delivers those lines
I was a big fan of detective Riddler. That was such a great use of the character, and his interactions not just with Batman, but with the rest of the rogues gallery were always interesting. And of course there was always the "reformed or not?" hanging over all of the proceedings.
I personally think that Paul Dano is probably going to become more like the actual Riddler over time. I'm pretty sure Matt Reeves stated that his movies are more orgins stories for the villains than Batman.
well personally im okay with it. i like the dark riddler. he was a literaly psycho. and mysterious
For me everyone is disturbed by this version of the character because of the mask, because the character is supposed to be a big narcissist who will never hide behind a full mask. Yet Paul Dano has the physique of Edward "Nashton" Nygma (we even find this almost feverish side of the comics version of Tim Sale). Even his costume (if we forget the mask like in the funeral scene and that of the Dinner) although more urban and less chic costume + bowler hat brings him closer to his dirtier version of the game Arkham Knight with his hooded coat that can be seen in the Teltale universe. But in terms of personality we totally recognize the Riddler: egocentric, showman in his way of speaking, hysterical, bad player and of course a pathological obsession with Batman and Bruce Wayne (the secret of which he does not yet know)
For me there is not much to change to make this incarnation of the Riddler the best in live action. All you have to do is remove the mask definitively (which could even be a logical evolution of the character who above all wanted to be like his idol Batman. Finding his "real self" through the mask but after this disillusionment and his friendship with the future Joker, he could very well give up the mask showing that unlike Batman he fully accepts what he has become.) And perhaps put more emphasis on the question marks on his coat.
My favorite is Frank Gorshan's from the '66 show. He may not be the best Riddler, but he is the best villain in the entire show. Every other villain fails because they just slip up or are plain outwitted, the Riddler always fails because he has to show off with his riddles. He is always so shocked and demoralized whenever Batman figures out that he tried to pull a two solution riddle only to be caught anyway. He also just has so much fun with what he's doing, flipping back and forth from bouncing like a toddler to giving a Shakespearian monolog.
Slight mistake:
Gorshin IS the best Riddler.
One I think deserved a spot here is Riddler from 2004's "The Batman" show. He's not the same campy Riddler that we usually see, but he arguably has the most style out of any Riddler. He's cold and calculating, and that was the first time I was ever actually scared of the Riddler. Hell, he's voiced by Freddy Krueger! So, yeah, 2004's Riddler deserved a spot here, simply because he's a fresh take on the character while still keeping true to the comic's integrity.
I am surprised that "The Riddle" comic wasn't mentioned. It is probably one of his best outtings and it not only tests batman it makes the reader think as well.
It uses the choose your own adventure style to perfection
The Riddler is really the most interesting villain for Batman. Most of his other villains target Batmans weaknesses or try to work around Batman to target Gotham. Edward Nigma directly challenges Batmans strong point, his intelligence.
It's like a more sublte version of Daredevil vs Bullseye or Hal Jordan vs Sinestro.
Gotham version of the penguin and The Riddler are my favorite I just love playing back the Riddler's descent into madness and I love watching the penguin go from this mole to the king of Gotham I'm only like at season 3 I believe no spoilers
15:16 the reason Riddler isn’t a diva in The Batman is Joker’s line: “he’s a nobody who wants to be somebody.” He’s bad at his job. He enjoys setting up riddles and duct-taping corpses, but when he gets in front of the camera, he isn’t as intimidating as he thinks he is. He’s not supposed to be the true comics green suit camping trip because he just isn’t good at doing that. He’s just a sad lonely weirdo who lashes out because he wants to be special but he isn’t.
A bit disappointed 60's Riddler wasn't mentioned. Frank Gorshin's masterful performance was what skyrocketed Riddler from an obscure and almost forgotten villain to a mainstay. Also, that show is where the green suit first originated.
Oh, and have you seen Justice League Action? If so, you might like their take on Riddler, since they actually took after his smug private detective version.
I think an aspect not touched enough upon with the Riddler is the tragedy of it all. Ed is genuinely really intelligent, and he absolutely *could* outsmart Bruce if he decided not to leave clues. Or if he just decided to be a good guy. But his compulsion drives him to continually fall back into his worst tendencies, even when he makes progress. I'd love a story where somebody, be it Bruce, Dick, or even someone unexpected like Booster Gold, realize just how lonely Ed is and make an effort to be his friend, only for Ed to believe it's some sort of sabotage and ruin it.
i remember hearing about a story where Riddler tries to prove he ISN'T insane and thus shouldn't be forced into an asylum of all places, and so tries to commit crimes without leaving any clues, to prove he's just a criminal and not 'crazy'. Also so he could beat batman but ensuring batman has no clues to beat him with.
And then its revealed he DID leave clues without realising it, despite his best efforts, he still couldn't help but leave riddles to show off. And he is HORRIFIED when he finds out.
"Maybe I DO belong here. Maybe...I really AM crazy..."
I was once paid to dress up as the hamburglar for a McDonald’s themed event to “steal” some prop burgers. Someone thought I was actually stealing food from kids and tackled me. 😅
I really like the Riddler's depiction in Batman: the Audio Adventures
He's voiced by John Leguiziamo, and it's a really fun version of the character, and he has a great ending to his story
No love for Riddler from The Batman (2004)?
His debut episode was peak Riddler goodness! Even to the point where he can't help but seed clues into his monologues as to his real plans.
Also, from that series and tangentially related, Cluemaster is a tragic take on what could have been a version of Riddler. A child quiz master cheated out of his streak by the producers and driven by revenge (while also being morbidly obese due to a lifetime supply of candy)
For me it's hands down the Batman '66 Riddler all day every day. He has a *musical number.* And the suit and bowler looks that much more glorious in live-action than even the comics can depict.
There are a few riddles in City that Riddler designs to be literally impossible to win at. And Batman “cheats” by using one of his gadgets to survive. Which I found funny
Riddler is kind of the opposite of the Joker in that while the clown will fail but still laugh since he got his point across, the Riddler will be extremely successful but ruin everything because he didn’t get exactly what he wanted.
My favorite version is from the War of Jokes and Riddles. Sure, he doesn't actually appear that much in it, but he orchestrates THE ENTIRE thing, to an extent that is just ridicilous, and then completely loses it when discovering that after everything he still failed to find the answer to the riddle he was trying to solve.
But, that might just be because that's the only Riddler story (aside from Hush, but that one's debatable) Comic pop has covered, and as someone that doesn't actually read western comics that is the only way I even get the full story of most of them; so I'm just like... Kite Man? HELL YEAH!
I think The Riddler would have been amazing if they'd made him a more regular Green Arrow villain. He had a great story there and could have been a great recurring villain who wouldn't be so overshadowed by the Joker in the "let me toy with Batman" sense or the otherwise oversaturated mixture of the Batman exclusive rogues gallery.
I remember hearing that the Riddler compulsively gives hints and I also remember seeing a panel of an emaciated, hunched-over riddler
I really enjoyed The Batman animated show from 2004 where they gave him a goth style and i loved his voice.
Fun fact: he's voiced by Robert Englund, who played Freddy Krueger.
Good to see you back to making random vids that are a little less effort, and obviously coming from a more personal and opinionated place. It makes me feel like I’m watching you relax and passionate, not chasing the TH-cam analytics encouraging MCU relevant videos or other bs. Keeping making that paper, we’ll always be here, but like I said it’s good to see you doing a vid that’s more organic like this
The choose your own adventure story in Batman Black and White absolutely blew my mind when I read it
I too watch Hugbees. 😎👉👉
@@ComicDrakeI actually read that before I watched the Hugbees video! It was when I first got DC universe infinite and my friend suggested the story to me
You have to remember that "The Batman" is set early into Batman's career as a vigilante so his villains are still developing into the over the top antagonists that are seen in traditional media set later in Batman's career.
You know you can't keep using "the early years" excuse so much, makes it unoriginal.
@@shevthegreb757
what are you on about
LOL
@@shevthegreb757 how is that an excuse?? Wtf else are you to expect in early years lmaooo
You’re rocking that purple tie.
Arkham games Riddler; no other incarnation quite embodies so well that feeling of oozing smug, arrogant superiority that makes you just want to punch him in the mouth a few words into interacting with him.
Wait wait wait wait; you like the trophies? Huh; I'm the opposite. I prayed for an Arkham game that prelude opened with Batman dropping in on Riddler before he could scatter the trophies, and left him beaten, cuffed and unconscious, laying in wait for a police pickup atop an uncomfortable pile of his gaudy glowing green baubles.
Riddler's my favourite Batman villain too! I really love how he's getting shown more in shows and movies recently.
Edward nygma did a great job acting as Jim Carrey 🙏
I need to check Zero Year, i didn't read enough comics with Riddler for how much i like him. I really enjoyed his role in Hush story tho.
From versions that werent mentioned in the video, i also really enjoyed Riddler from Justice League Action episode "E. Nigma, Consulting Detective", as title suggests, its have Edward in his private detective role, fun little story (as most Justice League Action episodes are)
Riddler also kind of appeared in The Dark Knight. Instead of being named Edward Nigma (enigma) he’s named Mr. Reese (mysteries).
was patiently waiting for you to talk about the riddler in gotham i freaking loved him and he kept me going on that show asweellll sooo gooodddd
Drake looks like the down on his luck Riddler from the long halloween
Frank Gorshin hands down. Like a manic leprechaun whose crimes were more like baffling pranks or performance art..
One thing I loved about Ed's PI stint is the Intergang arc where the Rogues are shunning Ed as a traitor except Penguin who keeps inviting him over for drinks. When questioned about it he says that Ed is the only one he can have intellectual conversations with. Their friendship in those issues was really fun. I wish more adaptations would have them team up, and I appreciated Gotham for doing so even if it was a little campy.
The new riddler in The Batman was also pulling on Hush pretty hard, mainly his mask and coat, the hate for Bruce instead of The Batman, and the bait-and-switch where you think he knows his secret identity for a moment
I think the version of the Riddler from The Batman was a good version for his first out before his comeback that hopefully results in his obsession with being the smartest guy in the world, just like how Joker wasn't always about being the antithesis to Batman but at first just wanted to show how much of a joke society is before coming into contact with the Batman properly thus starting his obsession that makes him who he is today... Humble beginnings just feels more real & I love that
Also though as much as I love The Batman's version of Riddler I can't help but think that the way Andrew Scott played Moriarty in the modern Sherlock series with is how the Riddler should be played, it's not Batman but Sherlock is great & that version of Moriarty is hands down the best character
Cory Michael Smith from Gotham is my personal favorite.
Paul Dano from The Batman, Frank Gorshin from Batman 66, and John Glover from Batman: The Animated Series are all very good and I like parts of Jim Carrey from Batman Forever, but everything about Smith's performance and the writing for his character was just fantastic.
Frank gorshin was my introduction to my character so and he still my favorite. Cory Michael Smith was also very good. But I also enjoyed the version on superfriends voiced my Michael Bell
my favourite riddler story is from batman black and white titled the riddle. its such a smart story told by way of choose your own adventure. its a really fun gimmick with a great twist that makes so much sense once you get it.
My personal favorite is the 2004 Riddler from The Batman. I mean his origin the suit and the flare he has is just 👌
I really like the Arkham Riddler but it gets pulled back from being my favorite just cuz the overwhelming amount of riddler trophies just drag out the games
I liked the Riddler's single appearance in Justice League Action, just because of how unusual it was. It was based on his reformed phase from the comics, and he helped Wonder Woman and Green Arrow.
One of my favorite version of riddler
And this’ll sound odd
Is John Leguizamo’s version from Batman the audio adventure. He’s pitch perfect, he’s arrogant, smart and theatrical.
I've always liked The Riddler. It's just a shame he gets mishandled so much. I think this often comes from the fact that many writers, while certainly skilled in many ways, will always have trouble laying down good riddles over the long term. Still, my hope is that DC will keep trying to improve how he is utilized.
Also, I think it's fascinating how there's always been something of an counter dynamic with him and The Joker. Order and chaos. Meticulous and spontaneous. Plus both jokes and riddles can be either funny or dead serious.
Also, I think it might be about time to have someone come out of left field and challenge The Riddler.
something i love from the Riddler in Hush is the idea of Riddler outsourcing plans to other villains, Eddy is here to Challenge Bruce's brain let everyone else do the boring crime part.
But also while he has an one up on knowing Bruce is Batman, but on the other hand Batman knows he stole a Lazarus Pit from Ras
also the version in 2004's The Batman while more Emo forth Edgy, i love the over the top Pizzaz he got & honestly his motivation made a lot of sense for someone like the Riddler: Information is more valuable than raw money & only he's smart enough to bribe all of Gotham. Also Batman being the cheat code instead of the player made for some fun episodes
So glad you mentioned Dark knight, Dark city. I've read that one so many times, and it's my favorite depiction of Riddler.
The conversation scene was the moment I thought Paul Dano’s take was accurate, the moment his thinking is proven wrong he freaks out as his fragile ego shatters.
Fun Fact: The Riddler is one of the few characters whose Golden-Age (Earth-2) depiction/characterization is virtually indistinguishable from his Silver-Age (Earth-1) counterpart.
That was before the Crisis on Infinite Earths, of course.
A one of like 10 people who grew up and love The Batman cartoon, I also loved him in there. While he’s more calm than the normal depiction but I love how joyous and creepy he is. Plus he’s played by Freddy Kruger and that’s just dope.
Finally! Someone else who says The Riddler trophies are his favorite side mission in the Arkham games!
I…..I love you man.
So many people harp on the quantity in Knight and I’m (usually) the lone person going “give me more!” They are the most fun, and they’re filled to the brim with Easter eggs! I love getting to find all these eggs as part of the story and not just in my free time outside of it. I know the making the final, true ending something you have to complete them all to get is cumbersome but it’s often overlooked that it’s great motivation. It gives you something to keep you going! And the excess totally fits Nygma’s style!
Best side mission ever! (All 3 games included!)
My favorite Riddler story is his appearance in the almost too on the nose The Question series. Like the Arkham games, the crux is Riddler getting frustrated at someone, if not smarter, then, more clever than he is.
To stop the Riddler, The Question threw metaphysical questions at him that frustrated Riddler so much, The Question was able to just knock him out.
I get that it may not make The Riddler come across as that great, but it does highlight his gimmick and his frustration at someone who shows him up.
The confrontation even ends with The Question offering to let the Riddler go if he can answer one of The Question's riddles.
Arkham Knight Riddler for sure. Hearing him break down during the final race mission is so satisfying
One thing that i think it's important to note.. i like that they didn't kill him off in The Batman, the fact that we already know who he is will be awesome to see him without his mask going forward.
I think the best Riddler is the one who talks during this video.
Seriously though, one of my favorite Official Riddlers right now is the one from Harley Quinn voiced by Jim Rash. I don't know what it is about Mr. Rash but whenever I see or hear him in something, he steals the scene. Whether it's The Dean in Community, Gyro Gearlose from Ducktales 2017, or, the Riddler from Harley Quinn, he knows how to steal a scene.
The Riddler from Zero Year and the one from Catwoman Lonely City are my favourites right now.
The riddler and the joker are like two sides of a coin, their villains inherent to Batman as a detective hero. One which tests his abilities as such and another that subverts them. They would've been joke villains for anyone else
I’ve always been curious to know your thoughts on the Batman the tv show it was animated and it was one in the mid 2000, probably had some of the funniest versions of Batman characters
The Adam West & The Batman (2004) cartoon versions of the Riddler are also great
Frank Gorshin will always be the best Riddler,the maniac energy he put into the character popularized a villain that was considered second rate for decades.
The Deck Building part really caught me off guard and I've BEEN SAYING THIS FROM THE BEGINNING THE ORIGINAL SET OF DC DECK BUILDING IS OVER POWERED
Not only is this now one of my favourite videos because it's about The Riddler, a fantastic and campy character, but because it gives me proof that at least one other person has the DC Deckbuilder game. VINDICATION
I knew of you before but only recently started watching your channel and I'll have to say I'm really enjoying your content (and not just as background noise). It's like a steady cruise of comic book history, it reminds me of one of those Disney rides where you're drifting along peacefully sucking in every sight, or much like a guided tour.
Edit: I completely agree with Gotham, I only watched it for the Penguin then stopped once it started getting cyclical and dumb.
BTAS has some of the best incarnations of Batman’s rogue gallery, and the Riddler is no exception. Using him sparingly just made his appearances more special, just like Mr. Freeze.
What I love of DCAU's Riddler is his last hit. In the comics he tries one last time to win over the Batman, does his routine, but Batman is too busy with other criminals to notice the riddles and accidentally bumps into the Riddler when he's exiting the jewelry.
"How did you solved my complex riddle"
"I didn't, I didn't even no-"
"You didn't solve it!? I WIN! I FINALLY BESTED BATMAN!"
And goes to prison singing with joy and gives up crime. All that... for ONE unsolved riddle.
I don't know if it's nostalgia talking but I really really like 2004 The Batman Riddler. I also really like Batman Unburied Riddler, it took me by surprise positivaly.
The riddler is also my favorite Batman Villain, but I couldn't help but notice you left off Frank Gorshin and John Astin. I understand this is a "comic book" channel, but I notice you mentioned other movie and television Riddlers. Just as Jim Carrey was your Riddler when you were a kid, Gorshin and once Astin, were mine. I especially liked Gorshin's Riddler-like cameo at the MTV movie awards (1995).
Thank you so very much for the video.
I liked his debut in "The Batman" cartoon from 2004. His character design wasn't great but the writing was solid because his seemingly off-hand comments between his riddles were also riddles, especially when recited together. Led to that ah-ha moment for Batman when he realized that the riddles were a compulsion, not a gimmick. Also loved one of the comic adaptations of TAS where the Riddler was publishing riddles in the lead up to a heist, but feeling discouraged because he figured Batman would solve them. Turned out Batman had ignored the riddles in favor of capturing some other villains whose objectives were more obvious and only busted Riddler by happenstance (like bumping into him on the street). Although he arrested Riddler and returned him to Arkham, he admitted that he hadn't solved the riddles, which was close enough to outsmarting Bats for Ed to literally sing a happy song as they locked him away, his confidence and enthusiasm restored.
I like how you removed the head at the end before putting it back on and throwing it down on the ground off course
It’s still all about Gorshin in adaptation for me. Every single version of The Riddler lives in his shadow. He was both goofy and dangerous. He could do that maniacal cackle, but he could also flip to deadly serious at the drop of a hat. I genuinely don’t think we give Gorshin enough credit.
I really wish there was a Batman show where throughout the season while Batman is solving other crime, riddler butts in and throws in a tedious riddle for Batman to solve while he’s in the middle of something dire. It would be a reoccurring gag. Where towards the end Batman dispatches him once and for all.
I honestly love the racing moments from Arkham Knight, just because when I played it with my brothers and sister, we kept acting like he was a new Villain called the Racist, and he hadn't figured out why the name is bad.
I appreciated the deck building side quest you went on
can't believe Mr. Question Mark tried to sell me cereal 😭
(also drake crushing cereal straight out of the box is the best thing I've seen all night)
DC Deck-building Riddler is soooo fun! I played a game with a player who would rack up a massive combo...then spend it ALL on the Riddler's effect.
I’m having a major batman fase last 2 years, watched all your batman vids, loved them and this 16 minute one is a lovely surprise, thank you.