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The Riddler: Year One (2022-) #1
The Riddler: Year One (2022-) #1
Actor and writer Paul Dano understands the Riddler’s every motivation… As depicted in Matt Reeves’s hit movie The Batman, the Riddler wasn’t simply an amusing eccentric with an affinity for wordplay and baffling clues, but as terrifying a villain as any in the annals of the Dark Knight. Here you can see Edward Nashton evolve into the menace known as the Riddler. How did an unknown forensic accountant uncover the dark secrets of Gotham’s underworld and come so close to bringing down the entire city? This six-issue miniseries is an immediate prequel to The Batman-the detailed, disturbing, and at times shocking story of a man with nothing to lose. Artist Stevan Subic makes his American comics debut, collaborating with Dano to deliver a shadowy and gritty tale of a society’s forgotten man who refuses to go unnoticed any longer. Subic’s recent Conan the Cimmerian for French publisher Glénat has brought him great acclaim in Europe, and he’s about to break out globally with a Batman series unlike any you’ve seen before.
39 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2022
21 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Paul Dano
12 books77 followersPaul Franklin Dano is an American actor. He began his career on Broadway. He won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance for his role in L.I.E. (2001) and gained wider recognition for playing a troubled teenager in Little Miss Sunshine (2006). For playing identical twins in Paul Thomas Anderson's period drama There Will Be Blood (2007), he was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Dano had critically acclaimed roles in 12 Years a Slave and Prisoners (both 2013). For his portrayal of Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson in Love & Mercy (2014), he earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He played The Riddler in The Batman and a caring father in The Fabelmans (both 2022), receiving a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for the latter.
Dano made his directorial debut with the drama film Wildlife (2018), based on the novel by Richard Ford; he co-wrote its screenplay with his partner, Zoe Kazan. Also in 2018, he starred as a convicted murderer in the Showtime miniseries Escape at Dannemora, for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Dano has also written the comic book The Riddler: Year One (2022).
Dano had critically acclaimed roles in 12 Years a Slave and Prisoners (both 2013). For his portrayal of Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson in Love & Mercy (2014), he earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He played The Riddler in The Batman and a caring father in The Fabelmans (both 2022), receiving a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for the latter.
Dano made his directorial debut with the drama film Wildlife (2018), based on the novel by Richard Ford; he co-wrote its screenplay with his partner, Zoe Kazan. Also in 2018, he starred as a convicted murderer in the Showtime miniseries Escape at Dannemora, for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Dano has also written the comic book The Riddler: Year One (2022).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
November 15, 2022
Edward Nashton is a desperately unhappy forensic accountant who uncovers a shady account - that his boss then tells him to ignore, unless he wants to lose his job. Something’s rotten in the state of Gotham… but, to Edward’s delight, a bat-shaped beacon seems to signal change in the blighted city. He and the Batman - they’re gonna be besties right???
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised given the preponderance of Hollywood actors dipping their (John) wicks into comics these days, but the most notable thing about The Riddler’s own Year One arc is that it’s written by Paul Dano, the actor who played Riddler in the recent R-Patz Batman movie. And to be fair to Dano, The Riddler: Year One #1 isn’t a poorly-written comic, it’s just completely pointless and uninteresting.
The arc is a prequel to the Riddler’s story in the movie, although I remember little of that character’s story because the movie was so disappointingly bad. The impression I was left with though was that we didn’t need to see Eddie’s story up to him becoming Riddler - origin stories, particularly for famous characters, are so redundant in movies at this point that you can skip them entirely and the audience will tend to forgive, if not thank, you for it.
Eddie’s character isn’t an especially compelling portrait either. He’s got mental issues, self-esteem issues, he likes puzzles, he haunts a 4chan-style board dedicated to the Batman. So far, so meh.
The pointlessness of the story is underlined by what we see here: a gloomy Eddie with one-dimensional twerps lording it over him and making him feel small. The accounting firm he’s at and the business it’s protecting are so obviously corrupt that there’s no intrigue there, but the comic still seems to think the reader will be wondering if the mob is behind it all or not when there couldn’t be any other interpretation. It’s such a simplistic and unengaging story.
Stevan Subic’s art is quite good. It surprisingly matches Bill Sienkiewicz’s cover art - often the cover artist is someone famous and the interior art, by a less established name, tends to be quite different, but there’s a similarity in style between the two artists so that’s pleasant to see. Riddler is drawn to look like Dano too so I think we’re firmly in the Matt Reeves version of Batman with this comic.
It’s not a badly written or drawn comic but it is lacking in anything approaching a unique, entertaining or captivating story. The Riddler: Year One #1 makes this miniseries seem entirely unnecessary and underwhelming - a missed opportunity at doing something distinctive, much like the movie it’s spinning out of.
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised given the preponderance of Hollywood actors dipping their (John) wicks into comics these days, but the most notable thing about The Riddler’s own Year One arc is that it’s written by Paul Dano, the actor who played Riddler in the recent R-Patz Batman movie. And to be fair to Dano, The Riddler: Year One #1 isn’t a poorly-written comic, it’s just completely pointless and uninteresting.
The arc is a prequel to the Riddler’s story in the movie, although I remember little of that character’s story because the movie was so disappointingly bad. The impression I was left with though was that we didn’t need to see Eddie’s story up to him becoming Riddler - origin stories, particularly for famous characters, are so redundant in movies at this point that you can skip them entirely and the audience will tend to forgive, if not thank, you for it.
Eddie’s character isn’t an especially compelling portrait either. He’s got mental issues, self-esteem issues, he likes puzzles, he haunts a 4chan-style board dedicated to the Batman. So far, so meh.
The pointlessness of the story is underlined by what we see here: a gloomy Eddie with one-dimensional twerps lording it over him and making him feel small. The accounting firm he’s at and the business it’s protecting are so obviously corrupt that there’s no intrigue there, but the comic still seems to think the reader will be wondering if the mob is behind it all or not when there couldn’t be any other interpretation. It’s such a simplistic and unengaging story.
Stevan Subic’s art is quite good. It surprisingly matches Bill Sienkiewicz’s cover art - often the cover artist is someone famous and the interior art, by a less established name, tends to be quite different, but there’s a similarity in style between the two artists so that’s pleasant to see. Riddler is drawn to look like Dano too so I think we’re firmly in the Matt Reeves version of Batman with this comic.
It’s not a badly written or drawn comic but it is lacking in anything approaching a unique, entertaining or captivating story. The Riddler: Year One #1 makes this miniseries seem entirely unnecessary and underwhelming - a missed opportunity at doing something distinctive, much like the movie it’s spinning out of.
October 27, 2022
his riddlepods
October 28, 2022
A phenomenal read!
I really enjoyed seeing this other side to the Riddler. It was cool to see him as a good person and I'm really excited for how this story is going to play out.
The artwork is quite different to anything I've read in the past and it's not normally a style I'd go for but I think it really suits the story. I was captivated by the glasses - they felt very symbolic to me.
I wasn't expecting this to hit as hard as it did but it's probably the best single I've read this year. Really keen to follow this series.
I really enjoyed seeing this other side to the Riddler. It was cool to see him as a good person and I'm really excited for how this story is going to play out.
The artwork is quite different to anything I've read in the past and it's not normally a style I'd go for but I think it really suits the story. I was captivated by the glasses - they felt very symbolic to me.
I wasn't expecting this to hit as hard as it did but it's probably the best single I've read this year. Really keen to follow this series.
October 25, 2022
Going insane crazy rn
This is so good. Like so much better than I could've expected. I am so happy I preordered this and I'm looking forward to more ♡
This is so good. Like so much better than I could've expected. I am so happy I preordered this and I'm looking forward to more ♡
December 10, 2023
gonna read this because i’ve been stalking paul dano lately. in a good way.
update:
Wow.
I was genuinely surprised when I found out Paul Dano wrote a comic series for his Riddler in Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Which he did brilliantly. One can say it aligns to Todd Phillips’ version of Joker, as it is also a kind of psychological analysis of the character and how the corruption of the society brings about the dark choices in the moral compass, and the perception of right and wrong.
Loved it <3
Underneath the bridge
Tarp has sprung a leak
And the animals I've trapped
Have all become my pets
And I'm living off of grass
And the drippings from my ceiling
It's okay to eat fish
Cause they don't have any feelings
(—Something in the Way, Nirvana)
⊹ . ⋆ ☽ ⋆ . ➶
update:
Wow.
I was genuinely surprised when I found out Paul Dano wrote a comic series for his Riddler in Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Which he did brilliantly. One can say it aligns to Todd Phillips’ version of Joker, as it is also a kind of psychological analysis of the character and how the corruption of the society brings about the dark choices in the moral compass, and the perception of right and wrong.
Loved it <3
Underneath the bridge
Tarp has sprung a leak
And the animals I've trapped
Have all become my pets
And I'm living off of grass
And the drippings from my ceiling
It's okay to eat fish
Cause they don't have any feelings
(—Something in the Way, Nirvana)
⊹ . ⋆ ☽ ⋆ . ➶
November 9, 2022
he just like me fr
November 15, 2022
Amazing comic written by Paul Dano.
Getting into the mind of Edward Nashton is purely a magic experience. Getting to know him better does indeed, in a way, justify his actions in the movie.
This first issue show us the battle inside the mind of Edward, where we can see glimpses of his mental health issues and trauma; we also see how his goal of unmasking the truth of Gotham and the Renewal Project started.
Getting into the mind of Edward Nashton is purely a magic experience. Getting to know him better does indeed, in a way, justify his actions in the movie.
This first issue show us the battle inside the mind of Edward, where we can see glimpses of his mental health issues and trauma; we also see how his goal of unmasking the truth of Gotham and the Renewal Project started.
October 26, 2022
LOVED this! i am a huge fan of the batman and the riddler is such a good character. i am impressed by the art and the story and can’t wait for more
October 29, 2022
not paul dano laying out an absolute masterpiece
November 2, 2022
Need to put him in a jar
November 10, 2022
paul dano i love u, however i did not love this first issue
November 29, 2022
One pathetic ass man to be sure
October 26, 2022
Shhhh just breathe
June 24, 2023
OMG!! I can't believe it. I have no words to describe how in love I am with this new Riddler's version that Matt Reeves has given us along with Paul Dano. I'm eating up all the hype for this story.
November 6, 2022
It was great! The art was original and the story very interesting. I always like the Riddler and this look like this series could do him good justice!
October 25, 2022
i’m doing unconditional 5 stars on all of them idc
November 5, 2022
A Normal Man?!
"My riddles. My puzzles. My games...My only friends."
- Edward Nashton
story:
Actor and writer Paul Dano and illustrator Stevan Subic deliver the prequel to "The Batman" with "The Riddler: Year One". In the first issue the reader gets to know Edward Nashton, a forensic accountant with a lot of issues in a city made of issues: Gotham City. While he struggles through his everyday life a spark of hope rises from the appearance of the "Batman", a self-proclaimed savior and helper. Edward is fascinated and decides to give the grim city his best by solving the dark mysteries of the underground...
conclusion:
Nothing to critique with this masterpiece - possibly the best single issue of 2022 (so far). 5/5
"My riddles. My puzzles. My games...My only friends."
- Edward Nashton
story:
Actor and writer Paul Dano and illustrator Stevan Subic deliver the prequel to "The Batman" with "The Riddler: Year One". In the first issue the reader gets to know Edward Nashton, a forensic accountant with a lot of issues in a city made of issues: Gotham City. While he struggles through his everyday life a spark of hope rises from the appearance of the "Batman", a self-proclaimed savior and helper. Edward is fascinated and decides to give the grim city his best by solving the dark mysteries of the underground...
rating:
"The Riddler: Year One" surely was a hyped-up series and made quite a few fans looking forward to it. Now it finally has arrived and what more can I say than "Oh my god this first issue rocks". The appearance of the Riddler on the big screen back in February already made a great impression but the comic brings the whole experience to a new level. This very issue fills the role of a prologue. The reader gets to know Edward Nashton. A more or less average man dealing with more or less average problems. Forensic accountant is his occupation which Eddie is very good at. Solving logical problems and calculating are his specialities. However despite working at this firm for five years already he hasn't been promoted. Others took the opportunity who may be less qualified but got connections and can sell themselves. Edward feels shamed and misunderstood. All his own tries are ultimately doomed to fail. Of course these missed opportunities aren't a great help with his already low self-esteem either. This early version of the future villain suffers from a tragic past and being failed by his surroundings as well as himself. A mix of frustration, loneliness and anger could be a potentially dangerous mix but the reader learns soon enough that there is still a long path from issue no. 1 to the rise of "The Riddler". Instead Nashton wants to help the people around him and make Gotham City a better place - a more than noble cause. You can see hope glimmer in his eyes when the news first announce the arrival of the vigilante "The Batman". Eddie finally has an idol which inspires him to give his best and stand up for his own motivations. Paul Dano presents a troubled but gold-hearted man with dreams in a city of danger and disease. Something fresh and exciting which really catches the reader's interest. Talking about "catching the interest": Subic's art is god-tier level here. The everyday life and the dark episodes in Nashton's life are symbolized by a sharp light-dark-contrast. On the one hand there are pages seeming like pencil drawings with very light colors and thin lines. On the other hand the darkness rises in Nashton's thoughts and the dimmed allys of the city. The color black and diffuse lines dominate these pictures. As a little gimmick the reader also gets presented some pages from Edward's notebook, which makes the whole comic feel even more realistic and intriguing.
conclusion:
Nothing to critique with this masterpiece - possibly the best single issue of 2022 (so far). 5/5
April 4, 2023
The story is written in a very gripping way and the fact that you already know a lot about the world makes it fun to see the connections.
I like the portrayal of Edward Nashton very much and I love getting an insight into his mind.
I also like the art style for the most part. There is a lot of atmosphere put into the drawings of the setting in particular. However, it still feels a little off to me here and there. Maybe I have to get used to it first.
I like the portrayal of Edward Nashton very much and I love getting an insight into his mind.
I also like the art style for the most part. There is a lot of atmosphere put into the drawings of the setting in particular. However, it still feels a little off to me here and there. Maybe I have to get used to it first.
November 1, 2022
the riddler really had a love at first sight connection with the batman naw 😭
ok tbh incredibly intrigued by how this starts his character development in a place of hope, given to him by the batman himself… very excited to see his progression
ok tbh incredibly intrigued by how this starts his character development in a place of hope, given to him by the batman himself… very excited to see his progression
October 30, 2022
It feet like going to be back in Matt Reeves world, really good read.
October 31, 2022
I ate this shit up and I want more bruh
November 4, 2022
I need him so bad it’s not even funny
December 18, 2022
hes just like me fr
January 12, 2023
Phenomenal. An insightful look at Edward Nashton. I loved this comic. Enough said.
September 5, 2023
Good start to the story so far, wasn’t expecting the riddler to have AirPods or play competitive 2048 tho.
March 16, 2024
Amazing 🤩
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 3, 2023
OH MY GOD!!!! AMAZING, I LOVED IT SO SO MUCH!!!!
November 3, 2022
I think what shocked me most about this comic book was finding out that the riddler owns AirPods. Does this mean he wears them under the mask??? Is he constantly listening to music or self help podcasts when he’s killing people?????? I need to know
October 30, 2022
Wow. This is beyond what I expected. I've lost count of the times I've seen The Batman. In addition to being a Batman/Detective Comics regular, I've read all but one of the source inspirations (Ego) and more that could've contributed. Dano truly understands his character. I can't say this is groundbreaking or tells us anything we couldn't have guessed about Nashton or his motivations, but I'm here for the story, and Dano perfectly captures the tone that Reeves took for the movie and the methodic pacing for the way his character thinks and processes his life. From what is said to what is seen in the panels, we get a solid look at Nashton's pre-movie experiences - right down to the rats and how they became so important. I'm in for the ride.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews