DC Database
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The Puzzler was a hostile British competitor in crime against Edward Nigma, "the Riddler," one of Batman's long-standing enemies.

The Puzzler specialized in technology-oriented, specifically aviation-oriented, crimes with a Shakespearean motif; his favorite outfits were similar to those worn by Edwardian dandies; and his favorite trick was secret writing.

The Puzzler was among the Bat-Enemies whom the Joker, the Catwoman, and the Penguin assembled at Gotham Studios in a scheme to destroy the Bat-Duo once and for all. The Puzzler later expressed displeasure when his greatest competitor, Edward Nigma, showed up uninvited. Ultimately, like all the other rogues, the Puzzler was apprehended and taken into custody when Batman and Robin quelled the villain riot.[1]


Abilities


  • The Puzzler was portrayed by Royal Shakespeare Company repertory artist Maurice Evans, who later became infamous as Dr. Zaius, the orangutan enemy of George Taylor (Charlton Heston) in Planet Of The Apes and Beneath The Planet Of The Apes.

Behind the Scenes

"The Puzzles Are Coming"/"The Duo Is Slumming" was originally written by Fred De Gorter for the Riddler, but when Frank Gorshin's contract dispute negated his availability to play the part, the episode was rewritten for an original character called Mr. Conundrum.[2] The character was renamed the Puzzler after ABC obtained permission from DC Comics to use this name. While not a Batman foe, Superman had once fought a villain called "The Puzzler."

The proposed Riddler episode (see above) was originally titled "A Penny For Your Riddles"/"They're Worth A Lot More."[3]

Related

Footnotes

  1. Batman '66 #30
  2. The Official Batman Batbook, written by Joel Eisner, p. 242.
  3. Ibid. (The Official Batman Batbook, written by Joel Eisner, p. 242.)


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Batman Villain(s)
This character, team or organization, has been primarily an enemy of the Batman, or the Batman Family as a whole. This template will categorize articles that include it into the category "Batman Villains."

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Batman Villain(s) from the 1966 series
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This character, team or organization, was primarily an enemy of the Batman in either the 1966-1968 television show, related 1966 film, tie-in comic book series or the animated movies. This template will categorize articles that include it into the "Batman (1966 TV Series) Villains category."

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