The term "criminal mastermind" is a title handed about quite a bit in the realm of fictional media. From villains like the charismatic Professor Ratigan to the over-the-top and maniacal Dr. Evil, there is a bevy of baddies who use their brainpower for the forces of evil. But none are quite so prolific as Edward Nygma, AKA the Riddler.
The Riddler is a character who is as ambiguous and twisted as his famous question mark, and his traps and mind games often have deadly results. Even Gotham's Dark Knight has been thrown for a loop in his battle of wits. The real riddle is, just what makes the guy in green so dangerous.
He’s Self Made And Self Educated
Unlike characters like the Mad Hatter, Holiday, or even the Joker, the Riddler didn't need Batman's help to establish himself. Long before he ever slipped on the green costume, Nygma had an aptitude for puzzles and deductions, as well as a need to be the smartest person in the room.
All his tricks, illusions, and cyphering ways were all self-taught and self-perfected. No information is out of reach from him. If he needs it, he will learn and obtain it.
He’s Worked Under Wayne Industries
This has happened in different iterations of the character, but it's definitely an element that brings the character closer to Batman's own backyard. Whether that job was as a technician, a scientist, an IT guy, or whatever, having the Riddler work so close with Batman's billionaire alter-ego puts him well in the danger zone.
Given the right circumstances, he would know the ins and outs of the corporation, and Batman by proxy. What's that phrase about keeping your enemies closer?
He’s Fluent In Multiple Fields
Technician, scientist, game designer, codebreaker, private investigator, consulting detective, and toy mascot are just a number of occupations the Riddler has had over his wild and sometimes warm career. Not only do most of these jobs require a large mental capacity, but it shows just how flexible he can be.
Not only that, but it's easy to see how a little bit of everything goes into his criminal career. So it should come as no surprise how versatile he's become over the years.
He’s Not A One-Gimmick Villain
Although this can be said for a number of of Batman's Rogues gallery, the Riddler isn't just some cut-and-dry villain. He can be comical, he can be creepy, he can be morally complex, and he can be anything in between.
Whether he's a goofball in green tights and domino mask or a tech-savvy Jigsaw-wannabe, he's more than a one-trick pony. There's practically a Riddler for all occasions.
He Can Outsmart Both Heroes And Villains
As shocking as it might sound, Riddler has actually played both sides of the law during his run, and sometimes it's fun to watch him flip-flop from one side to the other. Not only can he evade the likes of Batman and even Green Arrow and Wonder Woman, but he's double-crossed his fellow villains as well.
Don't forget, he was in a literal turf war with the Joker of all people. He's not afraid to cross blades with anyone who gets in his way.
He Can Be Seriously Threatening
Even if his new Zodiac-Killer-inspired take were out of the picture, the Riddler can be quite an intimidating threat. No easy feat for someone in a bright green suit.
But look at interpretations like Robert Englund's gothic version, the technological genius in the animated series, or even the over-the-top warlord of Batman: Zero Year. All of them show how far the Riddler has grown from an annoyance to a genuine danger.
He Takes His Time
This quality is one of the Riddler's greatest strengths, but it's also one of the things that makes him hard to adapt outside his comic book escapades. What makes him so dangerous compared to someone like the Joker, Two-Face, and the others is that he takes his time with his schemes.
The Riddler is in it to win it, so he plays the long game. Sometimes there's a time limit on his fiendish puzzles, but sometimes it's only a distraction from his main goal. Either way, his plots are thought out and complex.
His Worst Enemy Isn’t Batman (It’s Himself)
Even with his superior intellect, the main reason the Riddler falls is his own hubris. Batman might be DC's greatest hero, but even he fell prey to the Riddler's traps once in a while. The problem is, Riddler always has to be the smartest person in the room.
Pride goeth before a fall just as dinner go with before dessert, and it's a lesson the character has yet to learn. However, this has not always been the case. Just because he loses doesn't mean he's always brought to justice.
He Deduced Batman’s Identity
A few villains can already say this, but the Riddler is one of the only ones who retain that information (until the run ends/gets rebooted). Due to some events involving the Lazurus Pit, the Riddler was able to figure out that Batman is Bruce Wayne, much to his delight.
However, since revealing this information would not only have the League of Shadows on his tail but render his winning move useless, he's forced to keep it to himself. Still, it's a win in most books.
He’s Legitimately A Genius
Given the fact that the Riddler designs his own techs, traps, and tricks, has worked as a consulting detective, and has held multiple positions designated for superior minds, it would be logical to assume that he has indeed achieved his self-given title of genius.
He might not have come by it honestly, but there's no denying that the Riddler is The Batman's primary antagonist.
