The Riddler is one of Batman’s most interesting villains. He is obsessed with crossword puzzles, riddles, and word games. In fact, when the Riddler commits a crime, he leaves some sort of riddle to give Batman clues. He is depicted as an affable guy dressed all in green and with a mischievous look in his eyes. Usually, he wears a mask that surrounds his eyes and walks with a large cane that is a question mark stretched out. What makes the Riddler the most interesting of Batman’s villains is his illness or insanity.
In order for the Riddler to commit a crime, he must be able to explain it in some sort of riddle or puzzle. He allows the victim and the rescuer, usually Batman, the opportunity to attempt to solve the riddle or puzzle. You’d think he’d just stop giving hints so he could get away with it. His own compulsion compels him to place the crime in a kind of enigma. He is unable to leave a crime scene without leaving behind a clue in the form of a puzzle or riddle. The Riddler often works with two women who help him, named Query and Echo.
In one story, the Riddler is said to be suffering from cancer. After curing his cancer with a Lazarus Pit, he offers to help someone else cure his mother’s cancer, in exchange for help in defeating Batman. He then orders other villains to go after Batman. Batman’s villains, of course, are defeated, but this character is definitely… well, a character!
