Puzzles and Masks by Seiberwing (PG)
Fandom: DC Comics (Batman 1960)
Characters: The Riddler
Length: ~3000 words
Author on LJ: seiberwing
Author Website: N/A
Why this must be read: Not many people tackle writing fic for the campy 1960s Batman tv show, and the few that do usually adopt the ironic sensibility of the original. Seiberwing does something very different: treating the characters with respect, giving them an honest and non-winking voice for all of their glorious day-glo insanity. The Riddler in Seiberwing's stories is Gorshin and no one else: all of his dramatic and terrifying mannerisms, his creepy delicacy and manic glee, come through with a nearly visual impact. If you've ever seen the show, you will see Gorshin in your mind's eye. If you haven't, what? Go watch it! you'll still be able to enjoy this psychological exploration. Seiberwing has written a variety of stories in the 1960s universe, all of them very good, but this is one of my favorites for its fascinating portrait of Riddler's beautiful mind.
Excerpt:
Riddler stripped off his prison uniform and tossed it away with disgust. Careful, almost ritualistic attention was given to every verdant piece of clothing as he pulled it on, fastening the buttons with utmost care. It was like washing off the last vestiges of the Gotham State Penitentiary in a warm rose-petal bath. He slipped his arms around himself and ran a hand down his shoulder, savoring the sensation of the fabric against his prickling skin. A laugh bubbled up in his throat, rising to outright shrieks of glee. The Riddler was back, let the dull cow-eyed agents of order and justice tremble. Once again the world was beautiful.
Puzzles and Masks
Characters: The Riddler
Length: ~3000 words
Author on LJ: seiberwing
Author Website: N/A
Why this must be read: Not many people tackle writing fic for the campy 1960s Batman tv show, and the few that do usually adopt the ironic sensibility of the original. Seiberwing does something very different: treating the characters with respect, giving them an honest and non-winking voice for all of their glorious day-glo insanity. The Riddler in Seiberwing's stories is Gorshin and no one else: all of his dramatic and terrifying mannerisms, his creepy delicacy and manic glee, come through with a nearly visual impact. If you've ever seen the show, you will see Gorshin in your mind's eye. If you haven't, what? Go watch it! you'll still be able to enjoy this psychological exploration. Seiberwing has written a variety of stories in the 1960s universe, all of them very good, but this is one of my favorites for its fascinating portrait of Riddler's beautiful mind.
Excerpt:
Riddler stripped off his prison uniform and tossed it away with disgust. Careful, almost ritualistic attention was given to every verdant piece of clothing as he pulled it on, fastening the buttons with utmost care. It was like washing off the last vestiges of the Gotham State Penitentiary in a warm rose-petal bath. He slipped his arms around himself and ran a hand down his shoulder, savoring the sensation of the fabric against his prickling skin. A laugh bubbled up in his throat, rising to outright shrieks of glee. The Riddler was back, let the dull cow-eyed agents of order and justice tremble. Once again the world was beautiful.
Puzzles and Masks