Batman: Killing Time introduces Penguin's bloodlust for the Riddler and his accomplices.
A preview for the series' third issue shows the Help, an employee for the Penguin, surprising the Riddler and Catwoman at their safe house. The two had been waiting on buyer to arrive and purchase an item they stole from the United Gotham Bank, but instead the Riddler was shot by the Help after answering the door. The Help is operating under the Penguin's brief directive given from his hospital bed: "Call the Help. Kill them all."
The call for Riddler's head isn't without warrant. In the title's premiere issue, the Riddler/Edward Nygma betrayed the Penguin/Oswald Cobblepot, who had bankrolled a shared job between the two villains, Catwoman and Killer Croc in obtaining the mystery item from the bank. When Penguin requested the item at their meeting spot, Nygma instead beat Oswald with his own umbrella 46 times, leaving him battered and bruised in the hospital.
Batman: Killing Time is a story from the Dark Knight's earlier years, written by Tom King with art from David Marquez. The story jumps around moments in time and coincidentally focuses on the same characters who appeared in The Batman (save for Killer Croc), starring actor Robert Pattinson and directed by Matt Reeves. Unlike like King's main Batman run or his limited Batman/Catwoman series, the title is set to be a miniseries that only lasts six issues.
Riddler is seeing a resurgence in comics following The Batman. After Detective Comics wrapped up its 12-part "Shadows of the Bat" event, it was revealed that the Riddler would be the focus of the title's next arc. Similar to his onscreen portrayal by actor Paul Dano and unlike how he is seen in Killing Time, the Riddler has been speaking directly to Gotham City's citizens over the radio and televised broadcasts in the book.
As for Killing Time, the preview leaves off with Catwoman -- still afraid of Batman and law at this moment in time -- driving the wounded Riddler away while Batman fights the Help. The preview and solicitation for Batman: Killing Time #3 can be found below, covers and solicitation included.
BATMAN: KILLING TIME #3
- Written by TOM KING
- Art and cover by DAVID MARQUEZ
- Variant cover by KAEL NGU
- 1:25 variant cover by GREG SMALLWOOD
- $4.99 US | 40 pages | 3 of 6 | Variant $5.99 US (card stock)
- ON SALE 5/3/22
- A shocking heist has the mysterious and deadly figure called the Help cutting his way through Gotham City in search of Catwoman and the Riddler and their stolen artifact. Only the Dark Knight stands between this strange new villain and his prey…but can even Batman stop his bloody rampage? Tick-tock…the clock is drawing nearer to the Killing Time!
Batman: Killing Time #3 is written by King with interior art by Marquez, colors by Alejandro Sánchez and letters by Clayton Cowles. Main cover art for the issue was created by Marquez and Sánchez, with variant covers by Greg Smallwood and Kael Ngu. The issue goes on sale May 3 from DC Comics.
Source: DC Comics