Warning: Spoilers for Batman ‘89: Echoes #3
Summary
DC has finally confirmed the real name and origin of theBatman'89version of theRiddler. DC is usually undecided on the Riddler’s real name, andBatman ‘89: Echoesswitches it up yet again. Originally introduced as Edward Nigma, the Riddler’s name was later changed to Edward Nygma (or Nashton). But the Keatonverse officially introduces its own Riddler, giving him a new name that honors the Golden Age humor.
The Riddler made his first official Keatonverse appearance inBatman ‘89:Echoes#2 by Sam Hamm and Joe Quinones, and there have been continuous references to somebody by the name of “Maynard.”Echoes#3 by Hamm and Quinonesconfirms that the mysterious Maynard is the Riddlerand that his canon name is now “Edward Nigel Maynard”: E-Nig-Ma.
However, the middle and last names “Nigel Maynard” iare completely new to the comic scene, yet again solidifying that the Riddler is such an enigma that it’s hard to pin down a consistent name for him.
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Batman ‘89Introduces the Riddler’s Real Name: Edward Nigel Maynard
The Look of This Late ’80s Riddler Is Based on Martin Short
Perfectlymodeled after the actor Martin Short, this ’80s-tastic take on the Riddler is as much a fresh take as a familiar one. With a new backstory and star-studded “casting,” this version of Edward is bound to have plot importance in the six-issue miniseries. With the new addition of a military background and a murderous past,Echoesisn’t falling into the habit of making the Riddler a piddling joke character.
This Riddler is as snarky, smarmy, and witty as always, yet he has enough darkness thrown in to keep him entertaining.
In thisBatmanuniverse,Edward Maynard has been diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder.ASPD is not a traditional diagnosis for the Riddler, meaning there might be other strong deviations for the character going forward. It’s always nice to see new takes on characters that still honor the atmosphere and characterization of DC’s iconic villains.This Riddler is as snarky, smarmy, and witty as always, yet he has enough darkness thrown in to keep him entertaining.
Batman ‘89Refreshes the Riddler for the Keatonverse
Edward Nigel Maynard Is a New Take On the Character
Batman ‘89: Echoesis shaping up to be a villain-forward series. With Bruce Wayne out of the Batsuit and into Arkham, the story spends a lot of time withHarley Quinn and the Scarecrow, who are modeled after Madonna and Jeff Goldblum respectively. The choice of Martin Short as the Riddler is excellent. A sketch comedian known for his many film and television appearances in the ’90s,Martin Short fits the bill for this universe’s Riddler, who is both bouncy in energy yet unnervingly threatening.
Bruce Wayne has been missing inBatman ‘89canon for a month, now reappearing undercover as Firefly in Arkham Asylum.
This Riddler has a new backstory as well. There’s a strong focus on veterans inBatman ‘89.Firefly, who has been turned into a bomber, is a veteran, as is Edward. So far, there have been references to something known as “Samurai,” which is presumably a super-soldier drug that causes violence. The Riddler, however, takes it a step further by fighting his squadron andmurdering his superior officers, landing him in Arkham.This origin is something brand-new, deviating from the Riddler’s traditionally meek beginnings.
The latest Keatonverse Batman seriesis shaping up to be something interesting. With various changes to characters’ backstories that still keep their historical characterizations, the series feels fresh while remaining a true homage to the source material. Readers can easily see the celebrity inspirations shine through not only in appearance but in written dialogue. The subplots are well-balanced without overriding each other. All in all, it’s easy to get hooked with only three issues ofBatman'89: Echoes, and it’ll be exciting to see where the series take this version of theRiddler.
BATMAN ‘89: ECHOES #3 (2024)
Batman
Cast
Batman is a 1989 superhero movie directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne. The film features Jack Nicholson’s chilling portrayal as Jack Napier, who turns into the Joker and reigns terror on Gotham. Kim Basinger also stars in the film as Vicki Vale, along with Michael Gough as Bruce’s trusty butler named Alfred.
