The Riddler: Year One has been nothing short of absorbing as we get inside the mind of Edward Nashton. The sixth and final issue comes out this week in comic shops, featuring some of the most disturbed and intriguing art by Stevan Subic. Over the course of this series, we’ve learned more about the character while slowly seeing his transformation into the Riddler. With his plans set, can Nasthon pull off his first twisted strike on crime to save Gotham?
Once again, while reading this series, I keep thinking to myself, “Subic deserves an Eisner for this work.” This series continues to be visceral thanks to the creative, dark, and detailed art. Over the course of this series, we’ve seen Edward spiral into a kind of monster, but at its core, it’s almost a defense mechanism to exist in a world that has mistreated him since he was born. The series has done a fantastic job establishing how he is pretty similar to Batman, but his journey to fulfilling the role of savior is far different. And far more violent and dark.
The issue opens with Edward telling a woman that she will be safe soon. He will save her from a crime family that won’t let her or her child escape. As the story plays out, it is reiterated that Riddler sees the world differently, like a politician as a vampiric monster. He also sees himself, quite literally, as Batman. He looks up to the hero and wants to be him, and the case is made that maybe Riddler is just as effective, albeit he’s far more immoral and evil in his delivery of justice.
The plan he enacts requires smarts but also manipulation. He understands to gain justice, he must enact real violence but also psychologically break a key figure to ensure operations end. It plays out in an exciting way that dovetails into The Batman movie nicely.
Edward truly wants to save Gotham.
Credit: DC Comics
Paul Dano’s scripting is strong, keeping the mission of Riddler clear while allowing Subic to draw us into deeply atmospheric scenes. The captions keep us inside Riddler’s head, creating a sense of loneliness and confusion. The Riddler is not well, and Dano doesn’t let us forget it till the bitter end.
Since this is a serial story, the issue doesn’t stand alone. You’ll feel lost without reading previous issues, and I could argue the miniseries could have been an issue shorter. Visually speaking, the darkness steeping every page can make following Edward’s plan a little less clear, especially since Edward is pretty hands-off with actual violence. He is a planner, though, not a man of action like Batman.
Batman fans will want to pick this up as well, with plenty of Batman sightings in this issue. Subic draws him so well you’ll be wishing he took on a Batman miniseries next. Batman is caked in shadow, with his armor peeking out like a statue or gargoyle. He’s a force of nature, which plays nicely off the humanity the movie brought to the character.
The Riddler: Year One #6 is a great ending to a visual miniseries that has been wildly creative while enhancing The Batman film. I can’t get enough of what Dano and Subic have done with this series and hope they can team up again soon. This series has been a one-of-a-kind read that comics fans should not miss.
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