This writer originally wrote that Riddler (Edward Nygma) and Mad Hatter (Jervis Tetch) were working together. It seemed like the obvious thing since Nygma secretly added the Tetch’s name to the NygmaTech (spelling it NygmaTetch). However, in the article mentioned, the question ‘What if he's being forced to work with them and his name on the building is Riddler's was of teasing him?” was proposed. In Batman No. 156, Chip Zdarsky revealed the two villains were *not* working together.
Batman No. 156 creative team
- Writer: Chip Zdarsky
- Artist: Tony S. Daniel
- Colors: Tomeu Morey
When Batman learned that Jervis’ tech was used to control Jim Gordon, he put Nygma’s riddle together. Riddler puts Mad Hatter's device into Gordon’s glasses frames to frame him (get it?). It isn’t until he gets to Nygmatech that Batman discovers the truth. Riddler tells him that Tetch was an “unwitting assistant” in his plan. He then gives Batman a choice of saving the people dying in the buildings exploding or Mad Hatter. Luckily for Tetch, he’s saved. But Riddler should beware. He captured and used a villain who won’t forgive or forget what happened to him.
Nygma could be one of Batman’s greatest villains if he didn’t underestimate his opponents. Not only did he get fooled by Leonid Kull, but he made an enemy out of the Mad Hatter. Tetch isn’t the biggest, strongest, or even the smartest of The Dark Knight’s antagonists. Nevertheless, he’s no slouch and Riddler knows it too. It's why he used someone else's gimmick to put Gordon in trouble. He could have made something himself, but he knows Mad Hatter's work is tested and proven to work. Knowing that should have given him cause to pause.
Riddler is too smart for his own good. As Batman said in this issue, “Nygma…for someone so damned smart you’re an absolute fool.” Thinking that Jervis Tetch would let this slide or that he’s too good to be worried about him proves Batman’s point. Even if Tetch isn’t someone to be feared, he’ll still be an annoyance. Meaning that whatever time it takes to defeat him is time wasted. And for someone like Riddler, every second counts when he’s formulating and executing a plan.
Another thing Riddler didn’t count on is how obsessive Mad Hatteris is. He’s someone willing to base his entire existence on a story. Sure, other villains do similar things. However, Tetch said Riddler perverted his design and later talked to his hat like it was his child or a pet. Does that sound like someone you want as an enemy? Stay tuned to Caped Crusades to see if and when Riddler regrets messing with Mad Hatter.
Was messing with Mad Hatter a good idea? Will this come back to bite Edward Nygma in the butt? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter.