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Batman Arkham Collections #1

Batman Arkham: The Riddler

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What wicked genius leaves clues for The World’s Greatest Detective to lead to his capture, only to arrogantly flaunt how he can cleverly elude it?

The Riddler.

The most madcap exploits of Gotham’s resident puzzling prodigy are collected here in BATMAN THE RIDDLER! As a criminal mastermind with a propensity for perplexity, Edward Nygma has historically been Batman’s utmost intellectually astute adversary. With a wayward acumen for wreaking havoc, his wits are unmatched. Almost.

BATMAN THE RIDDLER collects some of the villain's greatest stories by some of the industry's greatest creators, including Scott Snyder (BATMAN), Gardner Fox (JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA), Len Wein (SWAMP THING), Bill Finger (DETECTIVE COMICS), Jim Aparo (THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD), Paul Dini (GOTHAM CITY SIRENS) and many more! Collects DETECTIVE COMICS #140, #142, #377, #822, #837, BATMAN #171, #179, #292, #317, #362, THE RIDDLER #23.2, BRAVE AND THE BOLD #183, JOKERS ASYLUM THE RIDDLER #1 and LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT 100 PAGE SUPER SPECTACULAR #2.

296 pages, Paperback

First published April 14, 2015

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Rachel Pinnelas

6 books2 followers

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5 stars
95 (23%)
4 stars
128 (31%)
3 stars
160 (39%)
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21 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Stay Fetters.
2,507 reviews199 followers
July 19, 2015
Riddle me this, Riddle me that, Whos afraid of the big black bat?
Edward Nigma is up to his riddling again.
A compilation of stories new and old of the Riddler. You can see as time goes on, he doesnt try to stump Batman like he used to. Leaving hard to solve riddles for Batman to find. I enjoyed it at the beginning and didn't care much for the recent riddler stories.
The Riddler is so underrated and he needs his day in the spotlight.
With this you take the good and the bad. Definitely worth reading for fans new and old.
Profile Image for Shadowdenizen.
829 reviews45 followers
September 19, 2016
While, like the rest of these "Arkham" compilations, this is a solid collection of Riddler stories from various eras, I nonetheless found myself somewhat bored towards the middle of this. And my only reasoning can be that The Riddler, while fascinating in small doses, is someone who is also quite easy to overuse.

Also, with Batman villians, I generally tend to enjoy the older, Golden-Age stuff more than the newer stuff; it’s fun to see the older Batman writers/artists trying various things and seeing what stuck to the canon. (And, for the most part, there’s been more good than bad in the Batmans Rogue Gallery thru the decades.)

That said, I also enjoy the newer take on the Riddler, where he is able to overcome his “compulsion” to some degree, and actually play various other roles as needed in the stories. (I love his “Consulting Detective” stint that played out in the pages of the comics, and this volume fortuatnely collects quite a few of those stories.)

So, overall, this is a solid, aesthically pleasing addition to the “Arkham” editions, marred only a bit by some of the lesser stories within.
Profile Image for Patrick.
1,362 reviews6 followers
August 31, 2015
I wanted to love this, I just didn't. I enjoyed the older riddler stories more than I thought I would. But overall I felt bored reading this. Still worth checking it out for the first appearence of The Riddler.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,746 reviews35 followers
June 7, 2017
The Riddler has always been my favorite Batman baddie. The Joker might be the Dark Knight's most dangerous foe, but the Riddler is the Moriarty to Batman's Sherlock Holmes. He is just as insane as any other villain, but he's got more flair and wit than most. He can be crafty, whether he's playing on the side of the law or working against it. But what makes him particularly interesting is how, for E. Nigma, everything comes back to the challenge. This comic collection perfectly displays the intricacies of that complex and proves why the Riddler should not be underestimated. My particular favorite stories were the ones where Batman and The Riddler had to work together, though the newest ones were definitely the best, with more complex storytelling. Though, as always, it's interesting to see how the comics change in these decades-spanning collections. The writing, the artwork, the speaking styles....these are true time capsules, not just for comics, but, in many ways, of the periods in which they were written.
Profile Image for Matti Karjalainen.
3,218 reviews87 followers
September 16, 2025
Batmanin tunnetuimpiin vastustajiin kuuluva Edward Nigma alias Arvuuttaja on sarjakuvasankari sanan varsinaisessa merkityksessä. Supervihulainen ei nimittäin pysty tekemään rikoksia, ellei hän sitä ennen ole lähettänyt jonkinlaista epämääräistä arvoitusta, sanaleikkiä tai muuta pähkinää viittaritarillemme.

Vuonna 1948 ensiesiintymisensä tehneen Arvuuttajan vaiheita ja kehitystä seurataan kokoelmassa "Batman Arkham: The Riddler" (DC Comics, 2015) parinkymmenen tarinan verran. Sarjakuvat taitavat noudatella Batmanin yleisempää linjaa, eli alkupäässä meno on hupaisen pöhelöä, mutta myöhemmin heittäydytään synkeään ja veriseen menoon melkein itsetarkoituksellisella vimmalla.

Lopputulos on pykälää vaisumpi kuin aiemmin lukemani Arkham-kokoelmat, mutta aikuisempaan makuun suunnatut jutut eli Paul Dinin käsikirjoittama E. Nigma, Consulting Detective (2006) ja Peter Callowayn The House The Cards Built (2010) olivat molemmat sangen hyviä.
Profile Image for Jenna.
3,809 reviews49 followers
June 23, 2015
I enjoyed this, even though more than half is compiled of the old original Riddler. He's rather wordy, isn't he? Personally, I like the post-coma, suited Edward Nigma than the giggling, spandex-clad Riddler. But then, I also liked Jim Carrey's portrayal because it was so over the top and fit the campy Batman movies perfectly. It was also intriguing to see the character development and how his origin changed throughout the years. I prefer the mad genius to the cheater.
Profile Image for Monica.
263 reviews10 followers
March 20, 2022
The Riddler is the best Batman villain and I will not take questions at this time.

3.5⭐, kind of disappointing to see Batman become darker/less fun over time, but it do be like that 🤷🏻‍♀️
5,870 reviews146 followers
September 2, 2018
Batman Arkham: The Riddler is a compilation of some of the best representative of The Riddler stories over the years centering one of the most beloved Batman Rouges. This collection features The Riddler in all his many incarnations throughout the years.

This trade paperback collects Detective Comics #140, #142, #377, #822, #837, Batman #171, #179, #292, #317, #362, Batman #23.2: The Riddler, Brave and the Bold #183, Joker's Asylum: The Riddler, and Legends of the Dark Knight 100-Page Super Spectacular #2.

Edward Nigma as The Riddler is a fictional super-villain created by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang, he first appeared in Detective Comics #140 (October 1948). The Riddler is commonly depicted as a criminal mastermind in Gotham City who takes delight in incorporating riddles and puzzles into his schemes, leaving them as clues for the authorities to solve.

As a whole, Batman Arkham: The Riddler is a somewhat wonderful collection of The Riddler stories. Story selection must have been difficult to say the least. The Riddler has a long and varied history and has been featured or cameos in many stories over many titles and it is no easy feat to pick out the best or favorite from the masses.

The thing is those measuring sticks are subjective and will never reach perfect consensus. Actually, we all can agree that in an anniversary collection like this, we could all agree on one story: Detective Comics #140 – the first appearance of The Riddler – the rest is debatable. This anthology served its purpose – giving the reader a nice overview of The Riddler.

Regardless, I think the editors picked a somewhat nice selection, would I swapped some stories out for others – sure I have my favorites, but it is difficult if not impossible to please everyone, since everyone is different. Overall, I was happy of which stories were presented.

All in all, I think Batman Arkham: The Riddler is a wonderful selection of stories that gives a nice glimpse into the psyche of one of the most beloved villain in Batman's Rouge Gallery – The Riddler. It is a good anthology for both the avid and subdued fan alike. However, for the newly initiated I would recommend a collection that is more substantial and cohesive.
Profile Image for Jeff B..
325 reviews4 followers
March 24, 2022
Rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

I recently saw The Batman and being in the mood for more Riddler, I decided to finally read this collection I had picked up on one of those Comixology sales. This collection contains 14 Riddler-centric stories in chronological order, starting with his first appearance in 1948 and the most recent story being from 2014.

The 14 stories contain:
Two stories from the Golden Age (1938-1956) - His first appearances, both in 1948
Three stories from the Silver Age (1956-1970) - These were from around the time of Adam West's Batman with Frank Gorsham (and sometimes John Astin) playing the Riddler.
Four Stories from the Bronze Age (1970-1985)
Five Stories from the Modern Age (1985-Present) - These are pretty recent with the earliest of these being from 2006

The Golden and Silver Age stories are fine for what they are. They're kind of good. I especially enjoyed his origin story in his first appearance - He's only good at puzzles because he cheats. But the fact remains that these were made for 10-years olds. When you get to the Bronze Age, the stories start getting more interesting. And when you get to the Modern Age, they are really good. The stories have interesting takes on the Riddler, with him having to work with Batman or being a detective himself.

I would probably recommend not reading all these stories in quick succession, but read one here and there, and maybe flip around a bit if you have a physical copy. I did think I got my fill of Riddler, and would consider getting other supervillain-centric books in this series such as Batman Arkham: Scarecrow or Batman Arkham: Penguin.
Profile Image for Rob McMonigal.
Author 1 book34 followers
March 10, 2018
I love the Riddler, but somehow had never gotten to his first appearances. What's interesting to me is that while so many of Batman's rogues have been altered over the years, good old Eddie is pretty much the same character he's always been--a man obsessed with puzzles who's far more interested in them than he is in crime, but crime is how he gets to match wits with Batman.

There's really nothing about the first appearance of Riddler and the last in this book, separated by almost 70 years, other than the violence around them. Even the idea of Riddler as private investigator works, as he changes the game--now he'll try to outwit Batman at his own game.

Of course, the best stories are those from the era that I think sets Bats up best as a character--a person who is well known and works generally within the law, but not always. That's probably somewhere between the Batman TV show and Crisis. Murder happens, but not on the scale to make it criminal not to just execute every villain you see.

The illustrations vary wildly, as one might expect. Sprang's Riddler is typical of his other illustrations, one part Golden Age, one part newspaper strip. Frank Springer's Nigma looks entirely too much like Bill Clinton. Carmine Infanto is stiff. Don Newton is almost Vertigo house style, and then the modern artists come in, and well, I'm just not a fan of most of DC's 2000s house style. Dennis Calero's end art is strong, however, with a great Charles Soule story that, to some degree, finally gives Riddler the victory over Bruce he's been craving.

Overall, this is a great collection of stories, showing the ways in which various writers from Gardiner Fox to Doug Moench to Lein Win to Paul Dini have worked with the premiere prince of puzzles. Definitely grab this one if you have a chance.
996 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2020
It only took 2 issues for the Riddler to return after his debut in 1948. Yet, it was almost 20 years before the man born as Edward Nigma would return to perplex Batman and Robin. Just in time for being the first villain to appear on the live-action Batman series from 1966!

This is a fantastic collection of Riddler stories. Many of which I've never read before. A lot of folks think that The Joker is the best Batman villain. And while the Clown Prince of Crime is his most deadliest rival, I think that it's the Riddler who is Batman's most cunning, most cerebral and most infuriating.

I think that Batman looks at Joker as a side project. Someone to try and cure. I feel that it's Riddler who really gets up in Batman's crawl because the two are just so much alike. Both are detectives. Batman uses his brains to solve the crimes. It's Riddler who uses his intellect to craft those crimes. And for a very brief, but fun time, Riddler was also a real deal detective, playing private investigator for cash and glory.

There's two amazing stories in which Batman and Riddler are forced to team-up. While I thought that ending to both stories was contrived, the build-up was this awesome buddy-cop thing that had some great one-liners. (It's here where you really see E.Nigma rubbing the Dark Knight the wrong way, like a wedgie from Hell.)

I loved this collection of stories that feature art and stories from a fantastic line-up of talent including Bill Finger, Dick Sprang, Gardner Fox, Jim Aparo, Paul Dini and Scott Snyder. Featuring stories from every era of Batman comics, you get a perfect, yet incomplete glimpse into the psyche of one of the greatest Batman foes of all-time.
Profile Image for Dave Farrance.
185 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2022
A fantastic collection of Riddler tales through the different eras of Batman.
Really enjoyed reading this collection over a couple of nights across the month.

It took a little while to train my mind to the old school comic format once again at the beginning of this collection, but once you get into it it’s so lovely seeing how different comics and their stories were back at the beginning. The collection of stories here show how the comics and the characters changed and developed over the years as the rules changed, and drawing and printing techniques developed across the decades. It’s really quite a special collection, and I look forward to reading more in this series.

Scarecrow is lined up ready to go ASAP! Can’t wait!
Profile Image for a ☕︎.
696 reviews36 followers
May 11, 2025
it’s OK. not as good as ivy’s arkham collection, but it can’t all be. the early retro chapters center on glass mazes, funhouses, mirrored tricks rather than riddles, which i suppose summarizes my big problem w the riddler: his riddles aren’t actually that good. the gotham newspapers can write all they want about his quirky and ingenious mind, he never actually proves those brains to us. tom king’s demented neon-green riddler: one bad day is a much more worthwhile read imo.
Profile Image for Linda.
664 reviews35 followers
November 26, 2020
Well, I've accepted that I am truly terrible at riddles. *shrugs*

The Puzzle Prince of Cryptic Crime... Oddly enough, the Riddler's backstory seems to be the most consistent throughout the years. He has stayed the most constant compared to rest of rogues in Batman's gallery and his collection has been the most enjoyable to read. His obsessive need to leave clues no matter the cost led to some funny moments and I can't fault him for his compulsions as he is one of the less dangerous, or more accurately less deadly, villains of Gotham.
Profile Image for Ralph Wark.
345 reviews13 followers
February 25, 2022
When is Riddler too much?

When you do a 292 page volume on just him, it gets tiresome, except when Harley Quinn and the Joker get interjected later, Oh sure, it was fun seeing the original Bob Kane stories, and the artwork progress ( I believe the last artist was a big Gene Copan fan) but not enough to make the book interesting, I skimmed the last half of it. The Riddler is a character best taken in small bites...
Profile Image for Redwan Orittro.
420 reviews57 followers
October 16, 2020
Batman and his rogue gallery have been around for over 70yrs now and that means there's a lot of reading to cover.if anyone wants to read the essential villain story they can give this series a go.

This particular books showcases some of the best Riddler stories. A nice compact collection.
132 reviews
October 21, 2021
I love stories in which Batman and Riddler have to team up, this gave me a great selection of those as well as at least one PI Riddler story. Not all stories are the best in terms of Riddler, but a pretty solid collection in all.
Profile Image for Kelley Frank.
Author 3 books12 followers
September 6, 2023
a good collection overall!

There are a few stories missing that feel necessary for an omnibus of the character, but it’s a good collection overall. The chosen stories are all great.
Profile Image for Jim.
49 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2018
Fun compilation of Riddler stories ... once again, nice to see the evolution from the classic to the modern.
Profile Image for Ihor Kolesnyk.
637 reviews3 followers
June 24, 2019
Старіші випуски коміксів про Ріддлера не дуже прикольні)) але ближче до моєї епохи, постінформаційної випуски стають все чорніші і готичніші. Хороша підбірка.
Profile Image for Misandra Fondacci.
31 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2021
My love for this riddles genius is infinite and after reading this collection of stories about him I cam assure you that I feel blessed !
Profile Image for Lily .
253 reviews
February 11, 2022
Some stories were stronger than others. I was happy to see one of my personal favorites make this set. I really enjoyed the last story. lol
Profile Image for Ron Cruz.
132 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2023
I've been a huge Batman fan, but I've only read a couple of Riddler stories. It was fun to read his origin story and to experience the vintage-cool art and storytelling of the 1940s.
Profile Image for Dave.
993 reviews
October 10, 2016
I've been a Batman fan for over 40 years. The Riddler got a '2nd life', when the 1960's TV show used him. Until that time, he'd been in just two Batman comics, both in the 1940's. (Both of which are here)
Over all this is a good collection, but it reminds me that a little Riddler goes a long way.
It was nice to see how the take on him has changed, through the years.
340 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2022
A collection of Riddler stories, starting from his first appearance up to modern times. For me, the 40s and 60s stories were very hard to get through - wordy, slightly campy and low stakes, and although I can appreciate the historical value, I would not re-read them. The 70s and 80s were a little better, but still relatively forgettable. I enjoyed the modern times the most, with "The House the Cards Built" being by far my favourite of the book.

Overall, a good way to learn about Riddler without sifting through decades of Batman stories.
Profile Image for Tala.
116 reviews7 followers
June 30, 2015
This is a great compilation. I recommend this for any Riddler fans. Granted, most of the issues contained are from the golden or silver age of comics. It's great for those who want to see the character from its roots and transition through time. I'm glad it didn't include the issues where the Riddler first gets his amnesia or becomes a hobo for awhile. I was never a fan of that storyline.

I am disappointed no Riddler centric comics from Batman The Animated series wasn't included. I believe that would have fit in rather well but I understand it's not considered canon and more of an adaptation to the canon story line for children.

This comic is a great intro to the character for those first delving into Batman lore. I hope there are other rogue compilations like Scarecrow and Two-Face. <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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