Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #188 is an issue of the series Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight (Volume 1) with a cover date of April, 2005. It was published on February 9, 2005.
Synopsis for "Riddle Me That, Part Four"
As Batman and Harris race to the museum, Batman deduces the Scroll of Minos is what the Riddler desires. Oracle downloads the schematics of the museum to Batmobile. Oracle notices that Riddler has already bypassed the systems and shut them down within the museum. Oracle is concerned that Riddler may reinitialize the security system before Batman can get there but he wasn't worried.
Batman and Harris arrived at the museum and discover a gaping hole. Harris figures Riddler has gotten what he needed but Batman thinks otherwise when he uses his infrared vision in his mask which detects the laser grid has been reactivated. If any security measure is tripped, Batman and Harris will be sealed in while Riddler is able to get away. Batman hands Harris his cape and studies the sequence of the laser grid. It repeats itself every 30 seconds. Batman uses his acrobatic skills to get through the grid then deactivates it.
Batman tells Harris to stay behind him because the next set of security measures involves ceiling and flooring pressure plates. Batman throws a series of batons to different parts of the walls to jump over the pressure plates below. Batman deactivates the plates and tells Harris to move forward. Batman and Harris reach the door where the Riddler could be waiting. Harris scolds Batman for her concerns about him because he appears to be hurt but he wasn't paying attention to her.
Batman informs Harris that he can't allow himself to worry about the pain he is feeling and to keep his mind focused because one miscalculation with the Riddler could cost them both of their lives. Batman uses his code breaking device to open the door to gain entry into the room. Batman and Harris enter the room. Harris doesn't see the Riddler but Batman sees that the Scroll of Minos remains untouched. Batman figures that they have been set up but before they can react, Riddler along with his goons are standing right behind them. Riddler thanks Batman for getting through the security measures and asks that his two reluctant participants in this sick game stand aside so he can claim the scroll.
In Riddler's flashback, Prof. Buttery frantically heads to his study to make an urgent call when he is startled by Nashton. Nashton warned Buttery not to look into his past and Buttery knew all too late that he was helping the Riddler recoup from his depression as a failure. Nashton knew that Buttery was using his amazing intelligence for advancing the solutions in code breaking for the NSA. Nashton amused the idea if Buttery's connections with the NSA would be disappointed or horrified that his credit is due to the assistance of a criminal mind.
Nashton accused Buttery of being a cheater and Riddler despises cheaters. Buttery tries to plead with Riddler by giving him the credit and money for his achievements. Nashton tells Buttery that "taking" is for petty thieves. If Nashton wanted to put his mind to good use then he could amass a fortune legally because winning is everything to the Riddler. Nashton informs Buttery that he has taken everything he needs from Buttery and has achieved victory by conquest. Buttery tries to appeal to Nashton's humanity by saying he cared for him like a son and only wanted to help him.
Nashton rebukes Buttery's emotional efforts by saying he only helped Nashton in order to cheat by using Edward's intellect for his own gain. Nashton beats Buttery with his fists and Buttery's final plea to Nashton is to let go of the past and embrace his destiny. Riddler scoffs at Buttery by saying Buttery's death will be the first step to achieving his destiny.
Moments later, Martin finds his father's lifeless body on the ground with Nashton's file spread all over the study floor. Martin cradles his father and sees a picture of Nashton as the Riddler. Martin goes to a local dive in Gotham where he is chummy with the bartender. Martin asks the bartender if there is any illicit jobs about to be pulled. The bartender asks why Martin is getting back into trouble when he should be with his dad. Martin says it didn't work out. The bartender tells Martin that a group of five guys at the other end of the bar are pulling a job for one of Gotham's more colorful criminals. The bartender hands Martin a casino chip in order to hand to it to the group for admittance to their table. Martin goes to the table and asks the group what is the score.
Appearing in "Riddle Me That, Part Four"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Kara Harris
- Oracle
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
- Martin Buttery (Flashback and main story)
- Professor Jarrod Buttery (Dies in flashback)
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
See Also
- Cover gallery for the Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight series
- Images from Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Vol 1 188