Comics seldom get better than this. The story by Shane McCarthy features the return of the Riddler replete with a makeover (which is late in coming and should stand as a prototype for all the other villains still dressing in circa 1940’s London fashion,) and, in short, is excellent. The Riddler, still maniacally operating despite hard times, is living as a homeless, unshaven, and a-hygienic, delusional mastermind (as opposed to the usual pressed-suit, delusional mastermind) and is taken in by a seemingly well-intentioned Professor Jarrod Buttery, clothed, fed and re-created as a mod, lady-killer type. Don’t get me wrong, it is abrupt, and I would never criticize the classic Riddler of Tim Sale or Jim Lee, but hear me out. The new style is cool, exponentially more sinister, and that tattoo (though obviously there's no hiding your identity here) is definitely cool.

The Riddler’s puzzles in this story are extremely well done and serve to display the intelligence of both Batman (who, maybe, solves them a little too quickly) and his foe. McCarthy should be receiving bouquets of twenty-dollar bills for the puzzles alone. However, the purpose of the Riddler’s game is a bit foggy. Also, in part 2 (issue 186) there is a classic-style evil Bat-trap situation where Batman is forced to chose between saving one person or a gaggle of others, involving bizarre devices far beyond the financial means of your average, fresh-off-the-streets psycho. Also, there is one of those awkward face-to-face moments where the reader is forced to ponder why Bats doesn’t just pummel the Riddler and haul him off to Arkham. But, these are time-honored elements of Batman stories, which no amount of plastic surgery, tattooing, and wardrobe overhaul can amend. Despite its familiar feel, you love it and want more and more. Plus, McCarthy is just a great writer, plain and simple. I did mention the puzzles, didn’t I?