Riddler Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring the Riddler (Edward Nygma) throughout DC Comics. It may not encompass every one of his appearances but is an outline of the major ones and the stories that affect them.

The continuity details relating to each specific storyline are explained in the “Review” of each storyline. Every “Review” link will provide a detailed continuity breakdown of that story and will explain any reference the story makes to other aspects of the DC Universe. All of this can be found under the “Continuity” section of each link.

Jump to: New 52 – Rebirth

New 52

At the beginning of the New 52, the DC Universe was reset. In this new continuity, almost every character’s history was mostly wiped clean and they were reintroduced to the DC Universe. This appears to be true for the Riddler, as this era does not specifically mention any of his prior appearances.

Riddler is introduced through the Batman series. At first, his role in this series is very small, only appearing as a backup villain during one of Joker’s (Reading Order) schemes. However, he takes on a starring role across the entire “Zero Year” story arc. His appearances in this arc are his most prominent appearances in this era and are often mentioned from this point forward. After this, Riddler has a number of smaller and mostly independent appearances. He is in a few Forever Evil (Reading Order) tie-ins, he faces Batman again in two separate comics, he is an antagonist in Secret Six, and he plays a large role in a story arc from The Flash.

Notes

1. The entire Death of the Family (Reading Order) event revolves around the Joker (Reading Order). However, Riddler plays a moderate role in the backup story of issue #15 that leads to a quick appearance in issue #16.
2. The Riddler doesn't actually appear in these issues. However, what happens in them directly connects to the plans he is working on in earlier and later issues.
3. The Riddler only has a small role in this issue. It simply continues to show what he is doing in the chaos of the Forever Evil (Reading Order) event.
4. The Riddler's appearance here is simply a quick cameo that helps set up his future appearances in this series.
5. These issues are mostly about the individual members of the Secret Six. However, the Riddler is present as an antagonist throughout these issues as well.

Rebirth

The transition from the New 52 to the Rebirth era does not appear to alter anything when it comes to the Riddler's history. It actually specifically references Riddler's involvement in the "Zero Year" story arc.

In this era, Riddler's most prominent role is in the Batman series. Here, he stars as one of the central figures in the "War of Jokes and Riddles" story arc. Outside of this, the Riddler also appears as a villain during the Dark Nights: Metal (Reading Order) event and in the prelude to Batman's wedding (Reading Order). However, these appearances are mostly unrelated to each other.

Notes

1. Riddler only makes a brief appearance here. However, it highlights his abilities and also helps set up the "War of Jokes and Riddles" story arc.
2. Riddler only appears briefly through a flashback to the "War of Jokes and Riddles". However, it reveals something that Riddler did during the War that had not been revealed earlier.
3. This issue is mostly about Deathstroke (Reading Order). However, Riddler makes an appearance in a way that showcases his unique view on crime.
4. Riddler's appearance here is very brief. It simply serves to set up his appearance in the next issue.
5. Riddler's appearance here is also very brief. However, it reveals information about secrets running through the entire Batman by Tom King (Reading Order) run.

All to DC Comics Reading Orders