Riddler Reimagined: Hush 2 Unveils Shocking New Villain Transformation!

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Riddler, often shrouded in mystery, has donned various roles throughout the annals of Gotham. Known as the enigmatic Edward Nygma, he’s been a riddle-loving mastermind, flaunting his intellectual prowess; a question mark-inked strategist in “Legends of the Dark Knight”; a creator of mind-boggling computer games in “Batman: The Animated Series”; a sleuth in detective stories penned by Paul Dini for “Detective Comics”; a chilling serial murderer in “The Batman” film; and, most notably, the one who deduced Batman’s secret identity in “Batman: Hush”.

Previously, in Chip Zdarsky’s Batman comic series, the Riddler underwent a transformation – he became the tech-savvy CEO of his own cryptographic company, Nygmatech, which was backed by his “Questeum” digital currency. In a confrontation with Batman and former Commissioner Jim Gordon, the Riddler’s plan involving mind control technology was foiled. By the last issue (Batman #157) penned by Zdarsky, we discovered that the wealthy Riddler had managed to secure his release on bail.

In this week’s issue #159 of ‘Batman’, which is the second installment of Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee’s six-part series titled ‘Hush 2’, the Riddler unveiled a fresh, dramatic appearance. His new style includes a buzz cut, military-style footwear and attire, a more muscular physique, and a larger-than-life green question mark tattooed on his left eye.

As a curious onlooker, I find myself pondering over your query, Nightwing. Why, pray tell, did Batgirl grant access to the Riddler within her Oracle lair at Gotham’s Clock Tower? The Riddler himself explained: “You see, my dear Grayson, you lack the comprehension of Hush that I possess. You, Dick, and Babs will require every ounce of assistance you can muster in the coming days. Even Bruce may find it useful.

Simultaneously, at the Batcave, Batman found himself in a tricky situation when he had to rescue the unconscious Joker. This was all part of Tommy Elliot’s devious plan. Suddenly, Red Hood, also known as Jason Todd – the second Robin who met his demise at the hands of the Joker but was later revived (following the “Hush” storyline in which Clayface pretended to be an adult Jason, a plot orchestrated by the Riddler).

While Batman was at the Batcave, he had to save the life of the unconscious Joker due to Tommy Elliot’s scheming. This was complicated when Red Hood (Jason Todd) showed up. Jason Todd was the second Robin who died and was later brought back to life by the Joker, and this happened shortly after Clayface, a shape-shifter manipulated by the Riddler, pretended to be an adult Jason during the “Hush” storyline.

In part 2 of “Hush 2”, Batman found himself unconscious after a furious encounter with Jason, only to wake up later and discover that both the Batmobile and his adversaries – Jason and The Joker – were missing. Batman pondered over Jason’s words, “He said he was here to complete his mission, not to kill The Joker.” This revelation led him to conclude, “Jason is collaborating with Hush.

The storyline in “H2SH” carries on until Batman issue #163 in August. Notably, there seems to be a collaboration between Nightwing, Batgirl, and Riddler, hinted further by solicitations for parts 3-5 which suggest – spoiler alert! – Damian Wayne teaming up with Bane, and Hush setting the stage for a confrontation between the Dark Knight and the rest of the Bat-Family.

Batman #160

Title announcement: “Silence Joins Forces with Hush – Part 3!” In this installment, we meet the character named Silence. His partnership with Hush is set to bring about devastation for Batman!

On sale: May 28

Batman #161

In Part 4, the confrontation between Batman and Hush becomes even more intense as Damian (Robin) and Bane join forces against him!

On sale: June 25

Batman #162

“H2SH” with Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee Part 5! Batman versus the Bat-Family! Whose side are you on?

On sale: Jule 23

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2025-04-24 04:39