The ‘Riddler: Year One’ Will Expand ‘The Batman’ Universe—Here’s What We Know So Far
A story from The Riddler himself.
Matt Reeves’ The Batman hit theaters on March 4th and—love it or hate it—no one can deny that’s it’s been very successful at the box office. The Batman introduced Robert Pattinson’s Batman and marks one of the darker takes on the iconic hero. The film follows Bruce Wayne (a.k.a. Batman) as he races against time to unmask the Riddler (Paul Dano), a sadistic killer who leaves behind a trail of dead political figures and cryptic clues. The Riddler’s plans require Wayne to wander deep into the underworld of Gotham’s crime, and Wayne’s journey makes him question his own family’s legacy, as well as whether the city deserves saving.
One thing that makes The Batman so unique is that it’s less of a superhero film and more of a psychological crime thriller that consequently gives a more intimate take on Gotham City. The cinematography and score are beautifully haunting, and it has strong performances from the cast. Pattinson is a bruised hero, doing his best to confront deep-set corruption. Meanwhile, he is complemented by Dano’s dark interpretation of the Riddler, the devastating outcome of a broken system.
The film also marks the ambitious launch of a new Batman universe (or Batverse). Reeves has plans for a sequel to The Batman, as well as two HBO Max spin-off series (set in the Batverse) which have been confirmed: HBO Max’s The Penguin and an untitled Arkham Asylum series. And now, The Batman universe is continuing to grow. Another spin-off, Riddler: Year One, has been confirmed in the form of a comic book.
What is the Riddler: Year One comic book?
On March 18, 2022, DC Comics announced that a new Riddler comic book was in the works. Riddler: Year One will be penned by the actor who plays Riddler in the film, Paul Dano, and is set to launch in October of 2022. Riddler: Year One will offer an origin story for the Riddler and will be a six-issue Black Label Bimonthly Limited Series. The story will examine how Edward Nash went from being an unassuming accountant in Gotham City to Batman’s nemesis, the Riddler.
The series will be illustrated by acclaimed European illustrator, Stevan Subic, marking Subic’s DC debut. The Batman‘s Twitter page shared this announcement, alongside a teaser poster from Subic.
The teaser poster shows the Riddler’s glasses lying on a desk scattered with papers. The papers are difficult to make out, but it looks like some kind of ledger or list with numbers and names scribbled in. Additionally, scrawled ominously in the background are the words, “Question everything.” Hence, the comic series will likely follow the dark tones of the film. Viewers were introduced to the sadistic character in The Batman, but he had surprisingly little actual screen time. However, what was seen of Dano’s the Riddler was very well received, thus, it will be very interesting to get his firsthand insight into the character.
Where to read Riddler: Year One
Riddler: Year One is projected to release in October. For now, DC comics is urging fans to follow their website, dccomics.com, for any updates about the series. Details on its exact release date and where it will be available will likely arise as October draws closer. However, readers can anticipate being able to subscribe to the series on DC comic’s website or to find the series on bookstore shelves near them.
(featured image: Warner Bros.)
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