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.