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Gotham's New Dynamic Duo?
Reformed Criminal Masterminds Walking the Straight and Narrow
by Lois Lane

     Riddle me this: when are a pair of infamous Gotham baddies involved in crimes but not as criminals? Answer: when they open a private detective agency to solve problems instead of creating them.
     Edward Nygma and Dr. Jonathan Crane, known more widely as the Riddler and Scarecrow, stated in interviews last week that they have reformed and vowed to turn their ill-gotten expertise into a positive, profitable and legitimate career. The two, indisputably brilliant, have teamed up to form Nevermore Detective Agency in Gotham City, where their most notorious crimes were committed, and already their business is burgeoning.
     Nygma, whose reputation and expertise center on solving puzzles, indicated that his focus currently is on the rumors of a blood-sucking creature masquerading as Gotham's Caped Crusader, the legendary Batman. He also claims to know "with supreme confidence" the identity of the mysterious figure behind recent violence between the city's costumed criminals and gang lords, something he intends to keep secret for the time being. "If I reveal his identity now, it may hamper my ability to capture him. Jeopardizing my ongoing investigation."
     Gotham City Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Emil Byrnes declined to discuss the GCPD's investigation into either case but stated, "If Mr. Nygma and Dr. Crane have information that might lead to the arrest of felons responsible for the escalation in gang violence, we urge them to come forward and remind them that withholding evidence in a criminal investigation is a felony."
     As for Dr. Crane, the slender psychiatrist indicated that he does not mind using his reputation as a fear monger in his new enterprise. ""The reason I can do this job well is because people fear me. The reputation I have cultivated will serve me very well in this new career. Likewise, Mr. Nygma has the benefit of being a puzzle solver. For the first time, I am essentially the muscle. But I have the intelligence too, and that makes me a superb private detective."
     Reform is never an easy path for a criminal, particularly for those with long histories of illegal activities. Yet both Nygma and Crane mentioned their intent to remain legitimate and credited sessions with criminal psychologists as helping them determine the best way to overcome their criminal tendencies. Pride shows in the two's demeanor when they discuss this joint venture. (cont'd on page 4A)