The Riddler

By Jr. Bable

Well Bat-fanatics, only a couple of months 'til we all smile at the antics of the all new orange haired Riddler! The Summer movie preview is already showing and if you're all like me, I can't stop smiling! This looks to be a million times better than 1992's Batman Returns. Anyhow the Riddler is this issues Rogue highlight. In the past 30 years the Riddler has moved into an Arch Criminal stature with Joker, Penguin, and Catwoman. Before that his exploits against the dynamic duo have been fairly bleak. The Riddler appeared way back in October of 1948 (Detective Comic #140) and quickly again in Detective Comic #142) but only to disappear until May of 1965. Not one of the favorite Villain's until the world was introduced to Frank Gorshin. There's no question that the Riddler was a known Super criminal after the 1966 TV episodes. Matter of fact, Riddler appeared quite frequently in the comics, toys, and on miscellaneous products, after Frank's wonderful interpretation! So well in fact, that the Riddler of the comic books sort of evolved more into the Frank Gorshin Riddler charters???

Some of the nicer and highly elusive Riddler collectibles of the '60's include the Pressman Riddler Disguise Kit, Pressman Shrunken Heads Moulding Kit With Riddler head!, Wheaties Cereal Riddler Crime Card Set of 5, Grocery Store Premium Riddler TV Scene Cards, Bend A Bitty Figure, bat blankets, pillowcases, gameboard pc's, etc...

A serious tip of the Riddler Derby goes out to the Topps Gumcard Co. for their efforts in the '60's. Not only did the Riddler appear in all the miscellaneous card issues, but he was also the only Archcriminal to get his very own card series, now known as the "Riddler Backs". Each of these cards sparted the foe hiding a riddle that could only be deciphered if you held a Riddler Decoder Card!!! There also exists a much rarer set of Dutch Riddler Back Cards with totally diverse puzzles!!! AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH! These cards sported a Riddle which was hidden within a box, which was revealed by moistening the box! He also appears on the wrappers of this set which no Bat Villain has done since, (except Jack's Jokes in 1989!). Often overlooked are the nice puzzles of Villains on the backs of the 66 Topps Cards!

Other  rarities include a '60's import LP of the Who, featuring Roger Daltry dressed as the Riddler named "Mods & Rockers". Seventies wise, the Riddler was never far behind anything issued with Joker or Penguin. The bend 'n' flex figures are very desirable though Riddler is a touch acquisition (hint, hint Russ!). Also the 8" Mego dolls, and ceramic nightlite and musicbox figurines include the Riddler. An often overlooked pc from this period are the Wonderbread Collector cards, each with a different Villain and maze challenges. In the '80's, some unusual Riddler items emerged including a Nabisco cookie box with riddles. Yet another collecting book stab comes in the mid '80's at the terminus of the Super Powers figure bonanza, a Riddler fig!! Issued way down in South America. Also, a Riddler's Riddle Book as issued in the '80's. With the Bat-hype preceding the '89 Joker Movie, a few neat Riddler collectibles creeped out including some miscellaneous buttons, bath towels, and a cool jewelry set of earrings of Riddler and question marks!

More Riddler stuff appeared with the release of the cartoon animated Batman series, including the beautiful Kenner An/Series figures! Two thumbs way up, on these!! But it's hard to keep these guys M.D.C.! They're so displayable!! I haven't noticed alot of foreign Riddler An/Series items but as Summer of '95 approaches, I'm sure that will change. Some last minute Riddler items that have surfaced in recent months include a very rare Riddler childs Halloween outfit with masks!! Ya-hoo!! Also a new computer chip sound book - "Maze of the Minataw", from the An/Series Riddler episode.

So, don't despair if your Riddler Memento's are lacking, that'll all change this summer. Jim Carrey's Riddler comes straight from the traditional comic image but sporting a slick new florescent orange flat-top. Contrasting beautifully with his light up question mark jacket!!!!

Questions? Comments?

Jr. Bable

Oh, I would be interested in that Joker book if it's still available.

Perhaps a trade? If anything, here again I would trade you a color copy for

one of the cover for my reference. I need one of the British Riddler card

wrapper as well. And the Riddler back card box too. Hell, tell you what, just