Origins. The Riddler's compulsion stems from parental abuse that he endured as a child. After Edward got high scores on some important tests in school, his father, unable to grasp the fact that his son was brilliant and believing he had cheated, beat him out of envy.
The Riddler appears in The Question series, being convinced to become a "big-time villain" by a prostitute he meets on a bus. He hijacks the bus and begins asking riddles, killing and robbing anyone that gets them wrong. Question quickly subdues him by asking him philosophical riddles in return.
The Riddler's motive stems from his heartbreaking upbringing and resentment towards the wealthy class, particularly Bruce Wayne. He targets those involved in embezzling money meant for the orphanage where he grew up.
The Riddler believes himself to be working to the same end as Batman, targeting the corrupt elites and the crime boss that put them in power, Carmine Falcone (John Turturro). It was Falcone's role as informant that put many of the cops and politicians where they are.
The Riddler in the films "Batman Forever" and "The Batman" may show signs characteristic of borderline personality disorder. The Riddler in "Batman Forever" reveals an unstable, incomplete identity characterized by chaos in his moods, actions, and self-concept.
The Riddler: (190 IQ) Because of his intelligence, combined with his experience and outstanding knowledge of him in various fields. As well as the high level strategic mind of him.
After Riddler's failed attempt at mass murder, he is seen wallowing in his cell. He hoped Batman would help him get the vengeance he so desired but the Bat decides to be better and help the victims instead. The crying, screaming Riddler is consoled by a jailmate.
So is Ridder smarter than Batman? That's up for debate, but in the eyes of the Batman writer, that appears to be the case. It's not an outrageous claim, but the Dark Knight has a genius-level intellect, so it's definitely close if the Riddler is smarter overall.
In the Prelude to Batman's Wedding, The Riddler and Batgirl face off - with the evil genius expressing his love for the caped heroine. The Riddler has a new woman in his life - and it's none other than Batgirl A.K.A. Barbara Gordon.
After realizing that John had set him up, Riddler was shot by a poisoned dart from a drone operated by Tiffany. As he died, he mentioned how they had "broken the Pact". This comment caused Batman to realize that John and "his friends" had been involved with Riddler and his actions.
Riddler's next victim was Peter "Pete" Savage, the head of the Gotham City Police Department. Riddler's method of killing him was definitely the most harrowing, as it was fairly comparable to things seen in the Saw franchise.
In The Riddler's mind, Batman is is partner. They want and need the same things. They think the same way, and they're both too smart for this mundane world. Therefore The Riddler is courting Batman and helping him stay out of danger during the grand finale.
Batman was basically what inspired Riddler. In Batman,Riddler saw someone who isn't afraid to stand up against corruption and use violence to get justice. The idea of Batman fascinated Riddler who saw him as a potential ally.
Batman: Three Jokers #1 (August 2020). In Batman's origin story, Joe Chill is the mugger who murders young Bruce Wayne's parents, Dr. Thomas Wayne and Martha Wayne. The murder traumatizes Bruce, inspiring his vow to avenge their deaths by fighting crime in Gotham City as the vigilante Batman.
So, yes, Penguin is in love with Riddler, though the latter is a bit less than reciprocal. Okay, okay, Ed actively tries to kill Oswald, but that's only because the Penguin killed the woman Ed himself loved out of jealousy.
In the 2022 Valentine's Day special, Strange Love Adventures #1, The Riddler is confirmed to have romantic feelings for both women — such as The Quiz, Miss Grantham, and Jasmin Shroff — as well as men, such as Antoine Moray.
Enigma, who is the Riddler's Daughter, has been a member of both the Teen Titans and the Titans East. She has been the heroic and criminal partner of Duela Dent, daughter of Harvey Dent.
Joker isn't exactly given to compliments, but his regard for Riddler shines through in his refusal to actually match intellects - he wants Riddler present for his grand declaration to Batman, but he knows he can't have him conscious before the big moment actually arrives.
As well financially Lex Luthor is doing better, so there's nothing really that Lex has to worry about Batman and I highly doubt Lex Luthor is questioning his intelligence to Batman. Lex Luthor is the smartest Human in the DC universe.
Like all the best villains, the Riddler has good ideas with wildly misguided execution. He's a ruthless serial killer, but he targets public figures who masquerade as noble, well-intentioned people but actually lead secret double lives as reprehensible monsters.
The Batman's Riddler was orphaned, like Bruce Wayne, and his hatred for Bruce (and Gotham's corrupt politics in general) came after the Waynes were murdered and their Renewal funds were embezzled by the mob.
Filmmaker Matt Reeves has confirmed the character is none other than the Joker, who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Edward Nashton/the Riddler (Paul Dano).
