this is actually pretty decent for a celebrity-written comic. dano seems to understand his character well - this backstory would have been good if it was implemented more in the movie so the character seemed less silly

The Riddler Year One (2023) by Paul Dano and illustrated by Stevan Subic. We finally have a new origin story for Batman’s long time nemesis, the Riddler. I mostly remember this villain from Frank Gorshin’s brilliant manic/comic performances in the television series and the subsequent movie of the same. But the Riddle has several tales of birth ranging from abused childhood, always accused of lying, to genius working for Wayne Enterprises, to this tale to align with the Robert Patterson realm of Batman.
The Riddler in that film was Paul Dano and he is the author of this book. In many ways this is the author’s personal journey to find his character. Here Edward Ashton is a very put-upon accountant. He survives mostly by being an introvert, shying away from people, and being very good at his job. But when he finds a disparity in the accounts of an animal shelter, taking it to his boss is a bad idea.
So Ed takes it upon himself to investigate, which is a descending trail that only heightens his sense of paranoia and worthlessness. As in the case of so many origin stories of villains, Ed is cut off from society, disillusioned with his work, and seeking someone he can believe in. Here that someone is the Batman, but of course the Bats fails him so a hatred is born.
This all might be great reading for someone looking to play the role of the villain, but I no longer care about where the comic villain comes from or what propelled him into his or her life of crime. Skipping universes, does it matter what Ultron’s childhood was like? Not really. All I’m looking for is a great story between foes where, unlike real life, good always manages to win in the end.
I recommend this for the completist out there that has to have the latest incarnation of a character, But with the Comics reinventing their characters every so often, it doesn’t seem to matter to me, or them, what the past was.
I did find the artwork very beautiful and fully an integral part of this descent into madness. If you didn’t bother with the words you could still garner the full story from the artwork alone. This is standout work, or is it passion, from a talented ( )