Joker’s Asylum II: The Riddler
One-Shot
Written by: Peter Calloway
Art by: Clayton Henry
Cover by: Ethan Van Sciver
DC Comics
Price: $2.99
Release Date: June 3, 2010
As comic reader, a lot of times we get fed tons of these useless one-shots and we write them off as the big publishers trying to rake in more money. Well, every once in a while there is a gem mixed in amongst these one-shots that goes under the radar and that is what I’ve brought to the table now. Joker’s Asylum II: The Riddler is a story about the Riddler, obviously, as told by the Joker while he is seemingly incarcerated in Arkham Asylum. Of course, any story told by the Joker will be insanely interesting, no pun intended.
Peter Calloway seems to capture the essence of both the Joker, through his narration, and the Riddler, through his actions in the story. The Joker has just enough crazy to pull off the story making his own riddles along the way, leaving you guessing throughout the entire story. Can the Riddler actually love? That’s the crux of the story and it is definitely interesting to explore the riddle of love. My favorite part is the open-ended completion of the story by the Joker.
Overall, the art by Andres Guinaldo was awesome and his storytelling techniques kept me interested the entire issue. I had a slight issue with Guinaldo’s take on Edward Nigma, but that is just a case of personal taste. I really enjoyed the placement of panels throughout the issue and especially enjoyed the structure of the pages with multiple super villains and seeing his take on all of them. In the age of ever increasing comic prices, I really felt I got my money’s worth art and story wise in this issue and I definitely would recommend this to any Batman, Joker, or Riddler fans.
On top of all this, you get to check out a beautiful Ethan Van Sciver cover. I love Van Sciver’s art and I definitely don’t mind a cover from him. I really would love some interiors from Van Sciver especially on Batman books even if they are only for one-shots.
Overall I give Joker’s Asylum II: The Riddler 1 Shot a 4 out of 5.
that was a weak one shot, nothing with his crimes or riddles, just a cheap one-dimensional love story that could have been applied to any character
the killer croc one shot was amazing, check that one out for sure.
Comment by adam — July 1, 2010 @ 11:14 pm
How is psychological issues 1 dimensional? I disagree. While I do like the Killer Croc issue it was no where near as good as the others. That was one dimensional. Talk about telegraphing an entire story.
Comment by Guy_Jen — July 3, 2010 @ 4:35 am
jsut because something uses psychological issues does not make it intelligent right off the bat. It’s one-dimensional because the plot of unrequited love and trying to be who she wants yadda yadda, has been done to death and offers nothing that wasn’t predictable by page three. And i’m a riddler fan…
yeah, one second thought the croc was a bit formulaic, but i liked that they didn’t have him talk or act like a bumbling comic relief like he’s been portrayed in the past
what did you think of the clayface one?
i’d have to say the mad hatter one is the most original “psychologically” drawing one of the series.
Comment by adam — July 3, 2010 @ 3:59 pm