Spoilers for Batman: One Bad Day - The Riddler #1 by DC Comics
The Riddler is taking responsibility for being the true mastermind behind the Joker's infamous Killing Joke, in new comments that could rewrite one of the most shocking moments in DC Comics history forever. In a brand-new preview for Batman: One Bad Day - The Riddler #1, Edward Nygma is interrogated by Commissioner Jim Gordon. During the conversation, the Riddler says he secretly set the Killing Joke plan in motion. The scene begs the question, is he telling the truth?
Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore, Brian Bolland, Richard Starkings, and John Higgins from DC Comics is considered one of the greater Joker/Batman stories of all time. The graphic novel reveals the origin of the villain. At the same time, the story had long-lasting effects on the DC Universe, as Joker paralyzed Barbara Gordon, captured and unleashed serious psychological trauma against Jim Gordon, and had Batman uncover it all before a potentially deadly final battle. Now, more than 30 years after the story debuted, Riddler is claiming he secretly orchestrated the Killing Joke in the first look at Batman: One Bad Day - The Riddler #1.
In a brand-new preview of Batman: One Bad Day - The Riddler #1 by Tom King, Mitch Gerads, and Clayton Cowles from DC Comics, Jim Gordon interrogates the Riddler after watching video footage of him murdering a man for seemingly no specific reason. Gordon tries to get answers about the murder, but the conversation quickly shifts to a new riddle as Edward Nygma asks Gordon how the Joker knew he'd be at home with Barbara Gordon on the day of the Killing Joke, as Riddler implies that he planned the incident that changed the Gotham City PD commissioner's life.
Taunting Gordon, Riddler imitates a phone call with the Joker where he says he staked out the entire Killing Joke incident and would give it to the Clown Prince of Crime for "a song." After Gordon snaps, Riddler further prods at him by bringing up his past affair while his wife was pregnant. Of course, the Riddler may be just getting under Jim Gordon's skin and not actually responsible for the Killing Joke, but the fact he's saying he's the true mastermind behind the incident is quite the claim.
Did Riddler really give the Joker the idea for one of his darkest moments? Or is Edward Nygma just screwing with Jim Gordon, realizing he'll snap at the personal attacks sent his way? It will be fascinating to find out whether Riddler is telling the truth, as it could forever change how DC Comics readers view the iconic Batman: The Killing Joke story. Batman: One Bad Day - The Riddler #1 is in comic book stores on Tuesday.
