Riddle Me This: The Psychology Of The Riddler

Batman’s Rogue Gallery features some of the most intriguing villains to ever be created. From Ra’s Al Ghul to Mr Freeze, each foe represents a different aspect of the Dark Knight’s psyche. They test Batman and push him to be better superhero. When it comes to challenging Batman’s intelligence, The Riddler is the perfect foil. Obsessed with proving his superiority, Edward Nigma uses more than riddles to achieve his goals.

Riddler’s motivations make him fascinating as a solo villain and a supporting character to other rogues. I’m exploring the psychology behind his actions to see what makes him one of Batman’s deadliest enemies.

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Does Killing Criminals Make Red Hood A More Interesting Character?

Comic characters are always changing, whether through personal choice or the experiences that shape them. No one can stay the same forever, otherwise it leads to repetitive stories. Red Hood is a character that’s gone through a lot of changes, developing from a murderous anti-hero into a trusted member of Batman’s inner circle. Jason Todd’s progression was built up over years, as he needed to earn back his mentor’s trust and overcome his personal demons.

At his core, Red Hood has always been motivated by his own sense of justice. His willingness to kill criminals set him apart from other members of the Batman family. But as he developed, Jason chose to honour Batman’s wishes by no longer killing. But did taking that aspect away make Red Hood less intriguing?

Analysing The Relationship Between Wolverine And Mariko Yashida

Wolverine has faced many challenges in his long life, but he’s also found love on several occasions. Logan has loved many women, with one of his most enduring relationships being with Mariko Yashida. Their relationship is essential to understanding who Wolverine is as a person because Mariko is a physical representation of his relationship with Japan. The Comic Vault is taking a look into the nature of their dynamic in order to see how Mariko inspired Wolverine to become a better version of himself.

Son Of Hitler Review: A Rip-Roaring Thriller That Defies Expectations

For many people, World War II doesn’t seem that long ago. Countless lives were lost and plenty of stories have been told that cover Hitler’s evil and Nazi tyranny. You’d think there wouldn’t be any new ways to tell a story revolving around Nazis. Anthony Del Col and Geoff Moore’s Son Of Hitler will prove you wrong. The graphic novel is set in an alternate reality where the British secret service look to stop Hitler by sending his own son to kill him. Violent, entertaining and creative, Son Of Hitler goes off like a firecracker from the very first page. Del Col sent a copy of the graphic novel to The Comic Vault in exchange for an honest review.

Revealing The Dark Heart Of Gotham City And How It Makes Batman A Better Superhero

Batman is considered one of the greatest superheroes in the world and his relationship with Gotham City is an essential part of the character. Batman can be seen as an extension of Gotham, with his actions shaping his home as much as it shapes him. The city itself has a long history, with it drawing comparisons to New York and Chicago. Gotham is a place of corruption, darkness and desolation. But where does the name come from and how was it founded? The Comic Vault is taking a look into the seedy underbelly of arguably the most famous city in pop culture.

Abbott #5 Review: A Satisfying, Supernatural Conclusion To An Exciting Series

Since it started in January, I’ve been following Saladin Ahmed’s Abbott series, which has continually impressed me with its subject matter and protagonist. Elena Abbott’s journalistic integrity combined with her status as a black woman has provided an interesting journey. Each issue has built momentum, showing elements of a supernatural threat lingering over Detroit. In Abbott #5, Elena finally confronts the demons of her past and future with explosive results.

Storm Clouds Review: A Dark, Satirical Take On The Australian Way Of Life

When it comes to an interesting comic, I think an important factor is quirkiness. If the comic comes across as original and out there then it’s going to be the kind of story I want to read. This was the case with Ben Mitchell’s Storm Clouds series. Set in Australia, the neo-noir comic focuses on a man who struggles with anxiety and gets pulled into an investigation around a cult. Storm Clouds is the opening issue and it contains the kind of absurdist humour and dark themes that are sure to appeal to its audience. Mitchell sent a copy of the comic to The Comic Vault in exchange for an honest review.

Dead Man’s Blues Review: An Exciting Thriller In The City Of Booze And Brutality

The Prohibition era is one of the most interesting parts of the 20th century. Gangsters like Al Capone were able to create an empire out of smuggling alcohol and earn a place in pop culture legend. Chicago became a haven for criminals of all kinds and the city is at the centre of Ray Celestin’s novel Dead Man’s Blues. Taking place during the 1920s, the book focuses on a brutal crime that involves the poisoning of several Chicago politicians. Jazz, murder and industrial innovation mingle together to create a story that pops with intrigue and excitement.

Abbott #3 Review: A Fast-Paced Issue That Ramps Up The Supernatural Tension And Intrigue

Saladin Ahmed’s Abbott series has been one of the exciting original stories of 2018, with its focus on blaxploitation and political upheaval in 1970s Detroit. The momentum continues to build in issue three, as Elena Abbott looks to unravel a mystery that’s becoming increasingly supernatural. The story picks up directly from the second issue, with Abbott trying to escape a murderous centaur that’s determined to cut her investigation short.

Dancing With The Tiger Review: Aztec History And Crooked Art Deals Combine For An Intriguing Story

“I’ve worn a mask most of my life. Most people do. As a little girl, I covered my face with my hands, figuring if I couldn’t see my father, he couldn’t see me. When this didn’t work, I hid behind Halloween masks: clowns and witches and Ronald McDonald. Years later, when I went to Mexico, I understood just how far a mask can take you. In the dusty streets, villagers turned themselves into jaguars, hyenas, the devil himself. For years, I thought wearing a mask was a way to start over, become someone new. Now I know better. A mask doesn’t change who you are; it lets you become the person you’ve always been, the person you paper over out of habit or timidity or fear. Some people – people like me – have to try on a lot of faces before they find one that fits.”

The Aztecs were one of the most advanced civilisations in the history, but they also had a reputation for violence. Human sacrifice, death masks and sun worship are how many people remember them, and Dancing With The Tiger by Lili Wright puts Aztec and Mexican mythology at the forefront. When a looter digs up the death mask of Montezuma, it sets off a chain reaction that sees drug lords, crooked art dealers and archaeologists all vying for the same prize. At the heart of the story is a woman called Anna who believes the mask of Montezuma can help her family find redemption, but she has to beat everyone else to get to it in time.