Batman: Arkham Asylum Fan Art

[Ensanguined Walls]

Originally Posted by E.Nygma

I see your point, Ensanguined Walls. And it's true that facial makeup and eccentric design may actually suit very well a narcissistic character.
But I think I disagree because of my one issue with american comics: somehow, I am unable to come to terms with the concept of redesigning a character and/or altering some of his personality traits. I understand that offering always new versions of the same characters, depending to the author who's working on them, has some quite interesting potential. But yet, I still find it jarring to see, for example, many extremely different characters all carrying the Riddler's role. So, in the end, I form my own conception on the character, based on which one I think should be the "correct" (not that there really is a "correct" version, mind you) from all the different ones.
I love "Arkham Asylum" because I can come to terms with some of its stylistic choices (I personally prefer Croc to be an human being with a skin disease, not a preposterous anthro-crocodile), since most of the others suit my tastes (Batman, Joker, Harley Quinn, all are just like I want to imagine them). And there's many reasons why I don't like the Nolan movies, but one of them is certainly that they do not portray the characters as I myself picture them (Nolan's interpretation of the Joker is a good character per se, but is more like an american version of Kakihara than the comic book Joker I am accustomed to).

With this cleared up, Sammii's redesign, while admittedly quite good if you don't happen to already have your own predetermined idea of how the Riddler -must- look like, still presents some problem. It does really look too much like the Joker, and I think this is undeniable, after all. Sure, the Joker doesn't look goth, and yet, I think the makeup is too similar. To my own eyes, he looks a lot like a Joker dressed in green, or maybe one of the Joker's most trusted henchmen. Surely there's a lot of subtle differences that set this design apart from the Joker's canonical appearance, but why giving a character bits of visual similiarity to another character, while the point is that they should immediately look very different from the first glance?

I don't think experimenting with established characters is an exclusively American idea, since some of the most ambitious Batman projects (A Serious House on Serious Earth, for example) were undoubtedly foreign. Furthermore, Nygma, I believe it could be difficult to embrace different interpretations of this beloved character because you already have a set interpretation that defines the Riddler for you. That's understandable, yes, but it doesn't mean that artistically altering the character is not a valid practice for creative artists. From my perspective, re-designing is certainly not misguided if you have a vision that can be followed, and it allows an artist to apply his own individual style to these iconic characters. It sort of establishes a connection between artist and character.

As I said before: where's the fun in avoiding experimentation? That would be bland.

As far as the similarities are concerned, I don't think they were in any way intentional. In fact, I believe that this particular concept resembles Chucky the Doll more than Heath Ledger's Joker. Their costumes are completely dissimilar, for one, and the Riddler lacks Ledger's facial make-up. Perhaps the differences will become more noticeable when this Riddler is seen in action.

Lastly, I think that the gothic exterior is less obvious than the smug look seen in The Animated Series (which, in a way, seemed to be screaming, "Look at me! I'm undeniably elite!)". Considering that these gothic types are normally regarded as outcasts that cannot contribute in any way, imagine the contradiction when this Riddler reveals his vast intellect. He is a walking rebuke to the judgments of society, and it works well for the universe that we're adding him in. I say "we" because I'm cooperating with Sam on a joint project, and this undertaking will involve his concepts.

We all have different versions of these characters. It's an unavoidable fact of life. Many of the characters in Batman's universe are where they are today because of a cycle of re-invention.

[spade92]

Originally Posted by SammiiDoogles

Heres a quick colour of my Riddler design, could use alot of cleaning up but here it is so far, its fairly different with inspiration coming from; wiL Francis, Marilyn Manson, Alex DeLarge and the Riddler from "The Batman"

im honestly not feeling this design....he doesnt look like the riddler, he just looks like a really dope clown lol....had this been any other made character wit out the question marks on him, it would of been a really good design for a fresh new villain....thats my truely honest opinion

[spade92]

Originally Posted by Old_BenKenobi

I made a Batman pic to compliment the Joker one I did earlier:

i like this one too, its not better then the joker one, but its still madd cool lol

[spade92]

Originally Posted by Old_BenKenobi

nice

[Ensanguined Walls]

Well, the concept reception was surprising, but I think that it's a brilliant Riddler and an equally brilliant re-design for this character. From my perspective, he resembles Chucky more than Heath Ledger, and I stand by my viewpoint that the appearance and intellect provide an intriguing character contradiction: the mind of a genius and the unkempt appearance of some sort of gothic thug. I'm eager to see how he looks in action, and it's sometimes best for an artist to keep the design that he/she personally feel works, despite unfavorable comparisons to other characters.

"Who is the Riddler?" There are so many designs that I honestly cannot say, "Only this."

[spade92]

wow i just read through all that rediculous arguin lol....i dont think he looks like the joker but he does look like a clown, mayb thats y everybody thought of him lookin like the joker first? idk....but the only actual thing i see similar to joker is the vest and shirt thing, but thats about it....the make up reminds me more of brandon lee in the crow, it doesnt really look like jokers make up....so yea that how i feel

[LemonLoafer]

I seriously just think that it just isn't Riddler. He looks like a maniac, but he isn't so scary at all. Riddler is a zany character, but he seems goth like as opposed to a funny character that he is. He just seems too...

Joker. That's just my opinion so... feel free to stab. Just not down below, that'd hurt.

[Old_BenKenobi]

Originally Posted by Jack J Napier

To base it off of? if so..

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/Ba...Question-1.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Star...s/question.jpg

I dig the character. I might make an attempt.

[stoobytoons]

The physical stature of the design reminds me of the old DC Comics Super Heroes action figure that was way too muscle bound for a guy obsessed with Riddles and outSMARTING Batman and the police.



I haven't ever considered Riddler as being much of a physical match for Batman, and though it was said that the design choice of the bladed staff was for defensive purposes and that this Riddler can't fight, it's a little weird to think that a guy this beefed up wouldn't be able to hold his own if only by brawn. But there again, how would a man obsessed with Riddles and intellect find any satisfaction or obsession in building on his body? Classic mastermind design tells us that the brainy ones typically have slender bodies and larger skulls. This design DOES have the larger head, but it's trumped by the muscles in the rest of the body. Perhaps this is where the "thug" comments are coming from, I don't know.
Personally, I didn't care for "The Batman" redesign of the Riddler (or most of their other character redesigns, for that matter). So, basing this design off of one I already didn't exactly love shouldn't surprise anyone as I react to this re-re-imagining.
Suggestions for Samm on a possible re-re-re-design:

• Slim him down to support your idea that he's not a physical threat in combat.
• If you wish to keep the crazy hair, taper it longer on top and shorter on the sides and in the back -- kind of like a fo-hawk but combed back, yeah?
• Green hair? How about red, orange, or pink? Accentuate the brain area a bit rather than blending it in with the rest of the outfit.
• Keep the eye paint if you wish, but lose the lip make-up. The lay-person isn't going to care who you've based it on when seeing the character in action, it's still going to resemble the cut scars from TDK's Joker to a lot of people. Or, take it more literally and extend it down his neck and make it green like "The Batman" design if you like; but there again, not my own personal preference.

I was never a fan of the skin-tight Riddler suit from the Silver Age, as a matter of fact. I've always liked the jacket and derby look. It's classy enough for a lunatic that takes himself really seriously, whereas the leotard appears much more campy than it probably is intended to be.

[Old_BenKenobi]

That toy reminds me of the story where Riddler got juiced on Venom.

[Ensanguined Walls]

I'm sure that Sam will consider these suggestions, but it is his individual design at the end of the day. I won't deny that I'm disappointed by these reactions, since there are so many others characters than Heath Ledger's Joker with this distinct appearance. It may not be your Riddler, but I think that it's a brilliant re-design for an equally brilliant character.

I've always found that the typical Riddler design (suit and derby) is so unbearably bland. I overwhelmingly prefer the contrast between his gothic, unkempt appearance and the vast intellect that he possesses as a member of Batman's rogue gallery.

[stoobytoons]

Originally Posted by Old_BenKenobi

That toy reminds me of the story where Riddler got juiced on Venom.

Me too. I have that comic. I think that was right before Knightfall kicked in. I even remember the riddle:

"What crowns just one
But Rings a dozen?
Bing, Bang, Boom
Some percussion."

I remember thinking that it was kind of a lame riddle, but the rest of the comic was cool. hehe

[A Dark Hunter]

Originally Posted by stoobytoons

Me too. I have that comic. I think that was right before Knightfall kicked in. I even remember the riddle:

"What crowns just one
But Rings a dozen?
Bing, Bang, Boom
Some percussion."

I remember thinking that it was kind of a lame riddle, but the rest of the comic was cool. hehe

A Bell?

[Old_BenKenobi]

A church bell, if I'm not mistaken.

[Jack J Napier]

I prefer my Riddler as he is portrayed in Hush and Gotham City Sirens, I just thought I would thrown in my two cents. BTW could anyone give a stab at the Question? I know someone said they would, but I would like to see what more then one can do, especially interested on how Sammii would interpret him.

[E.Nygma]

Originally Posted by stoobytoons

I haven't ever considered Riddler as being much of a physical match for Batman, and though it was said that the design choice of the bladed staff was for defensive purposes and that this Riddler can't fight, it's a little weird to think that a guy this beefed up wouldn't be able to hold his own if only by brawn. But there again, how would a man obsessed with Riddles and intellect find any satisfaction or obsession in building on his body?

I don't think that good intelligence and good body shape can't be both put in the same character; Batman himself being the example of that (smart AND strong; even though I must say I notice more the latter than the former).
But yes, for the specific case of the Riddler's concept, I think he always needs to be physically unassuming in order to work. Maybe he is tall, maybe he's not really in bad shape, but point is, he certainly never is muscolar. His gimmick is only the intelligence, he fights the Batman only through mind challenges; if he were also able to hold himself in a physical showoff against his worst nemesis/favorite public, he would inevitably end up diminished in what he's supposed to represent.

I was never a fan of the skin-tight Riddler suit from the Silver Age, as a matter of fact. I've always liked the jacket and derby look. It's classy enough for a lunatic that takes himself really seriously, whereas the leotard appears much more campy than it probably is intended to be.

I agree with that. Every Gotham rogue always has an appearance that immediately makes his gimmick obvious to anyone who sees him or her. That is why the Joker looks indeed like a clown; that is why Two-Face is literally split in half; and so on. And how we represent someone whose gimmick is the intelligence, and a strong sense of self-importance? By making him wear classy, elegant clothes, obviously (complete with the occasional question marks). Every other type of uniform just doesn't suit the character.

Originally Posted by Ensanguined Walls

I've always found that the typical Riddler design (suit and derby) is so unbearably bland. I overwhelmingly prefer the contrast between his gothic, unkempt appearance and the vast intellect that he possesses as a member of Batman's rogue gallery.

Really? Me, I like the suit-and-derby design precisely because it doesn't look as crazy eccentrical as the designs of the other rogues. It allows me to take him a bit more seriously, and thus to concentrate more on what he says.

[KillerCroc]

Originally Posted by stoobytoons

Wow, I think I had that when I was a kid, or something similar...geez.

[Old_BenKenobi]

The only Batman toys I had as a kid were based off Batman & Robin and a few from TAS (Joker, Riddler and Mr. Freeze, if I remember right). My friend had the Batmobile from TAS. I still desire to beat him up and take it from him.

[Jack J Napier]

I still have my batmobile from TAS

[Solomon Grundy]

i had TAS and Batman Beyond stuff but also george clooney batman which rocks because you couldn't even put his batman mask on and i also had one that looked like a spider and it had a gold head and white spiderman body but also had another one which had a purple and yellow body

[warvibe24]

Originally Posted by SammiiDoogles

Heres a quick colour of my Riddler design, could use alot of cleaning up but here it is so far, its fairly different with inspiration coming from; wiL Francis, Marilyn Manson, Alex DeLarge and the Riddler from "The Batman"

Gotta say, that looks terrible. The drawing is good, but the design is horrendous. He looks like Chucky with Batman's body.

[Old_BenKenobi]

Originally Posted by Jack J Napier

I still have my batmobile from TAS

I. Hate. You.

[Jack J Napier]

Can someone give me a website that I can upload my pictures to?

[Old_BenKenobi]

Imageshack.us is a good one, since you don't need an account.

[Jack J Napier]

Originally Posted by Old_BenKenobi

Imageshack.us is a good one, since you don't need an account.

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/7397/008cv.jpg