I’m sure all you real Batman fans saw the Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice teaser trailer recently. You may be saying “Why are Batman and Superman fighting?” or “Why is Batman (or Batfleck) wearing that armor?” Many of us recognize that at least some inspiration for this movie must come from the 1986 Frank Miller story Batman the Dark Knight Returns.
The 4 issue miniseries was set in a possible future (In the pre-New 52 continuity, this story was set on Earth 31). The story begins with a now 55 year old Bruce Wayne, now retired from crime fighting for 10 years.
Stephanie first appeared as the costumed vigilante Spoiler to foil a plot by her newly released from prison father who was known as the Cluemaster. Stephanie would keep going out at nights even after her father’s return to prison. Batman had objections to “amateurs” working in Gotham, but Stephanie had started to develop a crush on the Robin at the time, Tim Drake.At the time, Stephanie’s advances were not returned, as Tim had a girlfriend he went to school with. Eventaully, feeling scorned and rejected...
I’ve already written about my thoughts on the Joker way back in the 2nd week of this blog, but I’ve never discussed his history, which has been coming up more and more (maybe) on Gotham.
The Joker was created by Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson, and Bill Finger. Elements that inspired the idea of the Joker include actor Conrad Veidt as Gwynplaine (a man with a disfigured face), the 1928 film, The Man Who Laughs, and an image in Steeplechase Park at Coney Island. The Joker first appeared in Batman #1 (1940).
So where has Montoya been on Gotham for the last few weeks? She needs to return, she is an important character in the Batman legend. The character of Renee Montoya was created for the 1992 Batman Animated series but was introduced preemptively in the comics in Batman #475. Montoya is quickly promoted to detective and is partnered with Harvey Bullock in both the comics and the animated series. After Bullock is promoted to Lieutenant in the comics, Montoya is becomes partners with Crispus Allen. In the “Officer Down” storyline, Montoya is angered by a murder attempt on Commissioner James Gordon’s life...
Alright Gotham fans, let’s get to the one you’ve been waiting for, Edward Nigma (sometimes spelled Nygma, like on Gotham), aka The Riddler! The Riddler first appeared in Detective Comics #140 (October 1948). Young Eddie’s obsession with riddles began as a child when while still in school, upon learning there is a contest to see which child can put a puzzle together the quickest, Eddie sneaks into the classroom the night before and puts the puzzle together over and over until he can do it within seconds. After easily beating all the other kids, Eddie receives his prize, a book about riddles. This would steer the course for the rest of his life...
