Riddler: Year One #4 (2023)

When Nashton was provided to the Gotham Orphanage, he also had been provided with initials. During his life, Edward rarely spoke, and communicated through more cryptic means. He learns as a young child that his birth mother was confined to Arkham Asylum after receiving the news from a priest after her death. Nashton begins to lionize Thomas Wayne, who visits the orphanage with his family. However, the orphanage gradually deteriorates. One night while sleeping, Nashton is bitten by a rat and subsequently shown how to kill rats by the caretaker after being treated. He also begins to develop his intellect, demonstrating a solid understanding of chemistry and becoming interested in puzzles. However, he also becomes bullied regularly, with one incident culminating in him being pressured into killing a turtle. In retribution, Nashton tricks his bullies by making them create a bomb erroneously. During a visit, Wayne announces his campaign to run for Mayor and the creation of the Gotham Renewal Program. Nashton later performs in the orphanage choir and meets Wayne during it, during which he speaks publicly for the first time. Wayne becomes interested in him, leading to Nashton to further lionize him, despite warnings. One night, Nashton applies for the Renewal Program and delivers his application to Wayne Tower. However, he later learns that his application was rejected and that both Thomas and his wife Martha have been murdered. Subsequently, his mental health also deteriorates while he begins to resent Thomas's son, Bruce, believing him to be unfairly privileged due to his wealth. Nashton enrolls at the Gotham Community College after leaving the orphanage and finishes the first semester's work in the first week, heavily impressing his teacher. As such, he is directed to KTMJ at the behest of the teacher. Reflecting on his past, Nashton contemplates if he would have made different decisions had he known the truth prior to accepting the job.