



"Outwitting Batman is my sole delight, my joy, my heaven on earth, my very... paradise!" ―The Riddler[src]

The Riddler is a clue-dropping criminal who delights in challenging Batman and Robin with his riddles that he leaves behind at crime scenes, always pointing to where he will be next. Although he was a high school dropout, Riddler is still intelligent enough to give the Caped Crusaders plenty of headaches solving his clues, which are often many-layered and contain several possible solutions.

The Riddler is a member of the United Underworld and considered to be an arch-criminal on par with Joker, Penguin and the Catwoman.

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Biography

Cocky with a fiendish chuckle, the Riddler undoubtedly has the highest IQ of all Batman's foes. Cold, aloof, and possessed of a steely wit, the Prince of Puzzlers challenges Batman to a duel of wits by leaving a trail of riddles, puzzles and cryptograms. In fact, he is psychologically incapable of committing any crime without offering a clue as to how he can be caught. Unfortunately for the Riddler, he has met his match in Batman who's always been able to decipher even his cleverest conundrums resulting in his defeat.

Batman said that the Riddler once said to him; "A Riddle a day keeps the Riddler away", which means that he is never finished with his schemes until the riddles stop.

In the Batman movie, he comes up with six riddles (two of which were part of a trap for Batman). At the end of the movie, he is defeated by Batman and Robin and apprehended along with Joker, Penguin and the Catwoman. Interestingly enough, in the submarine showdown at the end, he is knocked over the edge and into the water twice; first when Batman ducks a punch from the Joker which hits the Riddler instead, and then when Batman (while holding the Catwoman's cat) spins him around with the telescope, making the villain extremely dizzy and knocking him back into the water.

He was also one of six arch-criminals freed from prison by Dr. Cassandra Spellcraft to form her new invisible gang, but this brief cameo appearance was by a stand-in.

Even though the Riddler is constantly outsmarted by Batman, it makes him even more determined to catch Batman out with riddles that he could never solve and defeat him.

Weapons and Equipment

Dr. Riddler's Instant Forever Stick Invisible Wax Emulsion - A waxy glue used to cement a person feet to the ground to allow escape.

- A waxy glue used to cement a person feet to the ground to allow escape. Riddler-alarm - Installed in his hideout, they sound whenever someone is entering.

- Installed in his hideout, they sound whenever someone is entering. Steam Room - Used for holding kidnappees. The steam apparently causes their resistance to wilt.

- Used for holding kidnappees. The steam apparently causes their resistance to wilt. Riddle Juice - Gives the victim amnesia.

- Gives the victim amnesia. Novelty cigarette lighter - In the shape of a handgun, it produces a flame when the trigger is pulled. Handy for practical jokes.

- In the shape of a handgun, it produces a flame when the trigger is pulled. Handy for practical jokes. Instant Compound X - Used for making molds, i.e. can produce a mask that is an exact replica of the subject's face.

- Used for making molds, i.e. can produce a mask that is an exact replica of the subject's face. Wake-up and Sleeping Sprays - Makes kidnapping as easy as vandalizing a public building.

- Makes kidnapping as easy as vandalizing a public building. Laughing gas - Kept in pressurized gas tanks, so it can be pumped through a building's ventilation system.

- Kept in pressurized gas tanks, so it can be pumped through a building's ventilation system. Temper tonic - makes anyone lose their temper

- makes anyone lose their temper De-Molecularizer - This device was purchased from Professor Charm for three million dollars. It works by disrupting the molecular structures of matter, making any object dissipate into thin air.

Known Associates

Just as Batman and Robin do not go at crime-fighting alone,The Riddler needs fellow partners in crime to assist him with his malicious schemes:

Molly (portrayed by Jill St. John): His first female assistant. Riddler disguised her as Robin to trick Batman into taking her to the Batcave and then kill him. However Batman saw through her disguise and chased her to the top of the atomic pile which charges the Batmobile. The Caped Crusader tried to save her, but she slipped and fell to her death.

(portrayed by Jill St. John): His first female assistant. Riddler disguised her as Robin to trick Batman into taking her to the Batcave and then kill him. However Batman saw through her disguise and chased her to the top of the atomic pile which charges the Batmobile. The Caped Crusader tried to save her, but she slipped and fell to her death. The Molehill Mob (portrayed by Mike Morelli): They are an infamous gang of hoods that hid out in Gotham City's labyrinthine subway system. Harry (portrayed by Allen Jaffe): Member of the Molehill Mob.

(portrayed by Mike Morelli): They are an infamous gang of hoods that hid out in Gotham City's labyrinthine subway system. The River Rat Gang : Comprised of Whiskers (portrayed by Tim Herbert), Fangs (portrayed by Marc Cavell), and Whitey (portrayed by Roy Jenson).They assisted Riddler in a plot to dispose of King Boris. They all love cheese.

: Comprised of (portrayed by Tim Herbert), (portrayed by Marc Cavell), and (portrayed by Roy Jenson).They assisted Riddler in a plot to dispose of King Boris. They all love cheese. Mousey (portrayed by Susan Silo): An affiliate of the River Rat gang. She sometimes dresses as a schoolgirl to avoid suspicion. She was often late for meetings because she had to take the bus. When finally caught by Batman, she told him that she turned to a life of crime because she was looking for kicks after she dropped out of high school.

(portrayed by Susan Silo): An affiliate of the River Rat gang. She sometimes dresses as a schoolgirl to avoid suspicion. She was often late for meetings because she had to take the bus. When finally caught by Batman, she told him that she turned to a life of crime because she was looking for kicks after she dropped out of high school. Moth (portrayed by Linda Gaye Scott): His female partner in crime during his caper involving the universal wax solvent. She was game until she came face to face with the Dynamic Duo and was smitten with Batman's good looks. Though she was attracted to the Caped Crusader, she did not give up crime and was taken into custody with Riddler and the rest of his henchmen.

(portrayed by Linda Gaye Scott): His female partner in crime during his caper involving the universal wax solvent. She was game until she came face to face with the Dynamic Duo and was smitten with Batman's good looks. Though she was attracted to the Caped Crusader, she did not give up crime and was taken into custody with Riddler and the rest of his henchmen. Matches and Tallow (portrayed by Michael Greene and Joe E. Tata): Simple henchmen who assisted Riddler in a plot to steal Incan Jewels that will be destroyed if exposed to oxygen.

and (portrayed by Michael Greene and Joe E. Tata): Simple henchmen who assisted Riddler in a plot to steal Incan Jewels that will be destroyed if exposed to oxygen. Mister Van Jones (portrayed by Francis X. Bushman): A collector of silent films who lent his collection to Gotham City's Washington Square for a silent film festival. He is a Gotham millionaire and lives in a mansion in which he often throws temperance parties, serving only lemonade to his guests. Though an esteemed member of Gotham society, his love of silent films drove him to crime. He propositioned the Riddler to make a silent movie, the first of such films to be made in 40 years, starring none other than Batman and Robin as they tracked the Riddler through a series of petty crimes. Van Jones paid Riddler $100,000 for the finished picture. The Riddler doubled-crossed him, however, attempting to steal the priceless movie collection and ransom it for $1,000,000. Batman and Robin saved the day, however. It is not known what happened to Van Jones after that.

(portrayed by Francis X. Bushman): A collector of silent films who lent his collection to Gotham City's Washington Square for a silent film festival. He is a Gotham millionaire and lives in a mansion in which he often throws temperance parties, serving only lemonade to his guests. Though an esteemed member of Gotham society, his love of silent films drove him to crime. He propositioned the Riddler to make a silent movie, the first of such films to be made in 40 years, starring none other than Batman and Robin as they tracked the Riddler through a series of petty crimes. Van Jones paid Riddler $100,000 for the finished picture. The Riddler doubled-crossed him, however, attempting to steal the priceless movie collection and ransom it for $1,000,000. Batman and Robin saved the day, however. It is not known what happened to Van Jones after that. C.B., Von Bloheim, and Wolf (portrayed by Richard Bakalyan, Theodore Marcuse, and Burt Brandon): Riddler's henchmen to help him with his movie to get Mr. Van Jones' valuable collections of silent films.

(portrayed by Richard Bakalyan, Theodore Marcuse, and Burt Brandon): Riddler's henchmen to help him with his movie to get Mr. Van Jones' valuable collections of silent films. Pauline (portrayed by Sherry Jackson): "A star that was never born", she vented her frustrations on society by turning to crime. She played a willing role in Riddler's silent movie caper. She was taken by Batman at the Gotham City Lumber Yard. She was whisked to the Batcave and interrogated by Batman using the Truth Control Bat-tester (see Equipment) and then handed over to the Gotham City Police.

(portrayed by Sherry Jackson): "A star that was never born", she vented her frustrations on society by turning to crime. She played a willing role in Riddler's silent movie caper. She was taken by Batman at the Gotham City Lumber Yard. She was whisked to the Batcave and interrogated by Batman using the Truth Control Bat-tester (see Equipment) and then handed over to the Gotham City Police. Joker - Member of The United Underworld

- Member of The United Underworld Penguin - Member of The United Underworld

- Member of The United Underworld Catwoman - Member of The United Underworld

- Member of The United Underworld Bluebeard (portrayed by Gil Perkins) - Henchman and member of the United Underworld

(portrayed by Gil Perkins) - Henchman and member of the United Underworld Morgan (portrayed by Dick Crockett)- Henchman and member of the United Underworld

(portrayed by Dick Crockett)- Henchman and member of the United Underworld Quetch (portrayed by George Sawaya) - Henchman and member of the United Underworld

(portrayed by George Sawaya) - Henchman and member of the United Underworld Anna Gram (portrayed by Deanna Lund): Riddler's trusty female assistant.

(portrayed by Deanna Lund): Riddler's trusty female assistant. Across and Down (portrayed by Jim Lefebvre and Ken Scott): Simple henchmen.

and (portrayed by Jim Lefebvre and Ken Scott): Simple henchmen. Professor Avery Evans Charm (portrayed by Martin Kosleck): A brilliant inventor, he is haunted by the fact that he never completed high school. He sold Riddler his demolecularizer, hoping to see the Gotham City Science Institute pay for not letting him in. He had planned to complete a molecular restorer using the money Riddler paid him. In the end, the professor returned all the stolen charity money to the police because the thought of all the hungry children weighed on his conscience.

(portrayed by Martin Kosleck): A brilliant inventor, he is haunted by the fact that he never completed high school. He sold Riddler his demolecularizer, hoping to see the Gotham City Science Institute pay for not letting him in. He had planned to complete a molecular restorer using the money Riddler paid him. In the end, the professor returned all the stolen charity money to the police because the thought of all the hungry children weighed on his conscience. Siren : She worked with Riddler on one caper, using her talent to hypnotize heavyweight contenders so that they couldn't challenge Riddler's title. Mentioned that she had her own plans for Batman and Robin.

: She worked with Riddler on one caper, using her talent to hypnotize heavyweight contenders so that they couldn't challenge Riddler's title. Mentioned that she had her own plans for Batman and Robin. Betsy Boldface (portrayed by Peggy Ann Garner): She was responsible for buying food for Riddler's training diet. Also has a midnight sports telecast. Commissioner Gordon was quite taken with her, noting that she did as well as any man could do in that position.

(portrayed by Peggy Ann Garner): She was responsible for buying food for Riddler's training diet. Also has a midnight sports telecast. Commissioner Gordon was quite taken with her, noting that she did as well as any man could do in that position. Kayo and Cauliflower (portrayed by Nicholas Georgiade and Gil Perkins): Riddler's thugs.

and (portrayed by Nicholas Georgiade and Gil Perkins): Riddler's thugs. Dr. Cassandra Spellcraft - A diabolical alchemist who has invented camouflage pills which turn people invisible. She freed Gotham's most dangerous criminals in Gotham including Riddler to form her new invisible gang. He was told by Dr. Cassandra to rob all the Amusement parks in Gotham City.

- A diabolical alchemist who has invented camouflage pills which turn people invisible. She freed Gotham's most dangerous criminals in Gotham including Riddler to form her new invisible gang. He was told by Dr. Cassandra to rob all the Amusement parks in Gotham City. Cabala - Dr. Cassandra's fiendish husband who assists in her plot.

- Dr. Cassandra's fiendish husband who assists in her plot. King Tut - Former adversary of Batman released from prison to form Dr. Cassandra's new invisible gang. He was told to rob all the museums.

- Former adversary of Batman released from prison to form Dr. Cassandra's new invisible gang. He was told to rob all the museums. Egghead - Former adversary of Batman released from prison to form Dr. Cassandra's new invisible gang. He was told to rob the poultry farms.

Riddles

The Riddler constantly made riddles that revealed his next crime in an attempt to baffle Batman, but they always led to his downfall:

Riddle: Why is an orange like a bell?

Answer: Because both need to be peeled

Riddle: When is the time of a clock like the whistle of a train?

Answer: When its two to two

Riddle: Why is a quarrel like a bargain?

Answer: It takes two to make one

Riddle: What kind of pins are used in soup?

Answer: Terrapins

Riddle: What was Joan of Arc made of?

Answer: She was maid of Orleans

Riddle: How many sides has a circle?

Answer: Two, inside and outside

Riddle: Which President of the United States wore the biggest hat?

Answer: The one with the biggest head

Riddle: What has neither nails or bones but has four fingers and a thumb?

Answer: A glove!

Riddle: There are three men on a boat with a pack of cigarettes and no matches. How did they manage to smoke?

Answer: They threw one cigarette overboard and the boat became a cigarette lighter.

Riddle: When is a person like a piece of wood?

Answer: When it's a ruler

Riddle: Question, what is it that no man wants, but no man wants to lose?

Answer: A law suit!

Riddle: What is black and white and red all over?

Answer: A newspaper

Riddle: What has branches and leaves but no bark?

Answer: A library

Riddle: What has yellow skin and writes?

Answer: A ball point banana!

Riddle: What people are always in a hurry?

Answer: Rushing people......Russians!

Robin: I've got it! Someone Russian is going to slip on a banana peel and break their neck!

Batman: Exactly Robin! It's the only possible answer!

Riddle: What is always on its way here but never arrives?

Answer: Tomorrow

Riddle: The more you take away from it the larger it grows, what is it?

Answer: A hole

Riddle: Why is silk like grass?

Answer: They are both sold by the yard.

Riddle: Why is a bear like a fallen tree?

Answer: Because they both lumber.

Riddle: What room can no-one enter?

Answer: A mushroom

Riddle: What won’t run long without winding?

Answer: A river

Riddle: When is a person like a stupid relative?

Answer: When it's a man-a-kin.

Riddle: How much dirt is in a hole 3 acres square and 200 feed deep?

Answer: None because its a hole

Riddle: What is the beginning of eternity, the end of time and space, the beginning of every end and the end of every race?

Answer: The letter "E" (never stated).

Riddle: When is a bonnet not a bonnet?

Answer: When it becomes a young woman!

Riddle: Said one baker to another, how do you make a dishonest shortcake?

Answer: Lie-berry

Riddle: Why is a musician’s band stand like an oven?

Answer: It is where he makes his bread

Riddle: Why is a woman in love like a welder?

Answer: Because they both carry a torch!

Riddle: What kind of men are always above board?

Answer: Chessmen

Riddle: What kind of a machines have ears?

Answer: A train has engin(ears)

Riddle: When does a Boy Wonder rhyme with bubble?

Pauline: When he's in trouble!

Riddler: WRONG!!! When he's DOUBLE - SPLIT in two halves - right down the MIDDLE!!!!!!!

Trivia

Appearances

Television Series

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Films

Quotes

"Riddle me this..." ―Riddler, just before he says his riddle[src]

"Huzzah, Huzzah!" ―Riddler's exclamation of victory or excitement[src]

Gallery



