riddlebirdweek

[riddlebirdweek]

when are the penguinweek prompts being announced?

Firstly, thank you for your patience in awaiting an answer. Secondly, now that riddlerweek is concluded, I am happy to announce that the penguinweek prompts will be released on the 10th May! I look forward to seeing just as enthusiastic a response for this dapper rogue.

[riddlebirdweek]

Ridlebird Week Day 6: Cliché

[riddlebirdweek]

Welcome to January everybody! Who's ready for some statistics? My peeps, you absolutely knocked it out of the park.

I made this year's comparison with the numbers from the first year we ran the event, which up until now had been the high point. Those figures are the ones in blue (light for art, dark for fics) and as you can see they start out higher. However, they dropped significantly in 2021 while 2024's, in pink for art and purple for fics, remain far more consistent. In total this year we had 112 entries whereas the best total previously was 80.

This has been such a successful year, beyond what I could possibly hope, and I owe it all to you fabulous creators and the eager audience who shared and promoted the event. In fact, I have been so buoyed by this that I am launching an additional two events during 2025, one focused on the Riddler and the other for the Penguin. Check out @riddlerweek or @penguinweek if you'd be interested in supporting either (or both) of those. And of course expect another riddlebird week next December!

[riddlebirdweek]

Following the recent poll where 70.3% of people wanted both a Riddler focused event, @riddlerweek, and a Penguin focused event, @penguinweek, I have set up accounts for both of these. More details to follow in the new year!

[riddlebirdweek]

Riddlebird Week Day 5 - Bereft

☆ previous page ☆ first page ☆ next page (not yet) ☆

[riddlebirdweek]

I'm sounding people out on whether there's any interest in other events during the year

To be clear, these wouldn't be ship focused, or not restricted by that.

[riddlebirdweek]

I'm sounding people out on whether there's any interest in other events during the year

To be clear, these wouldn't be ship focused, or not restricted by that.

[riddlebirdweek]

What an amazing week!

We've had more fics written this year than in any previous #riddlebirdweek event and so much great art shared here and on bluesky! I've met old friends and new taking part, whether that be for one prompt or all. It's been a wonderful success and I can hardly wait for next year!

The AO3 collection is going to remain open for late entries and I shall continue to keep an eye out for new prompt responses to share. Feel free to @me if you want to be sure I don't miss yours.

I hope everyone had a good time and I wish you all happy holidays in whatever manner that means for you.

[riddlebirdweek]

Riddlebird week day 7: legacy

Lovely I'm ending this off with mpreg :3

[riddlebirdweek]

riddlebird week day 6 - cliche!! this was a very quick sketch i did late last night, so i apologize that it isnt very clear

hallmark movie moment, edward shows up sopping wet holding a rose

note the mistletoe 😏

[riddlebirdweek]

Riddlebird Week Day 7: Legacy

To celebrate the final day of Riddlebird week I wanted to show some love to all the 40k+ fics that have been updated this year! All of these works must have taken hours of thought, dedication, writing and editing. Some authors started writing these years ago, others started just this year and have already accomplished so much!

The community we riddlebird enjoyers have cultivated both here and on ao3 has always been dear to me, so I want also want to thank the people who have commented and left kudos on these fics. These fics are shared for your enjoyment, your curiosity, and you spamming unintelligible nonsense in that comment section. Thank you for doing your part 🫡

Here is the long, wonderful list:

(Always read the tags! Also, if I missed you, feel free to reblog with a link to your work, I promise I tried my best. And if you have a fic from this year that was less than 40k but you're super proud of it, please share a link! You deserve love too! I would link every single fic from this year if I could but then this would be ao3 page simulator so... yeah)

Bonded by corgiblud, liverliquid

A permanent bond. Edward glanced at Oswald. Gaze dropping back down to his own hand after a moment, as he wasn't sure he could bear looking at the other for long. Less out of fear of being hurt, and more out of actually being convinced that this was real.

This work is a creation from the two writers' rp and follows Ed discovering Oswald is a vampire after rescuing him outside his apartment.

Ed-ucation by Inkfowl

Edward has THE Penguin as both his roommate and teacher. He'll be learning from the best killer in Gotham, but Oswald has more than one lesson to impart on his eager student.

This work is a creation from a long-time Riddlebird/Nygmobblepot writer. After The killing of Mr. Leonard in Ed's apartment, it's clear that Oswald has a lot to teach him, and Ed has a lot to learn.

Flightless by ThatGaiaGirl

4 years after the tragic deaths of Thomas and Martha Wayne, two of the most dangerous men in Gotham have a chance encounter that may just change everything.

This work is part of a series that explores "anti-hero" versions of DC charcters. This fic in particular follows Ed and Oswald's journey to become the Penguin and the Riddler.

I Gave You My Heart and I Don't Want it Back by 221blackandwhitestripes

Oswald knows everything. And he loves him. He just doesn't like him.

This work is the third installment of a series set after Oswald wakes up in the hospital with memory loss. This final part follows the aftermath of Oswald regaining his memories and Ed's attempt to regain trust and mend their relationship. This one also happens to be written by me!

I Love You, Oswald Cobblepot by ratshark

After getting sent to Arkham, Ed is set on escaping and breaking Oswald out of Blackgate.

This work explores what may have happened in the ten years Oswald and Ed were separated in Arkham and Blackgate in Gotham TV. Ed joins forces with some familiar friends to try get Oswald out of Blackgate.

In The Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad) by Strewn_Limbs

Edward Nygma (once Edward Atticus Nashton who was born in Huxford, Alabama) had hated most of where he came from. Other than a couple nice cousins, there was nothing worthwhile of home to remember or think fondly of in the future that he made for himself. There was no need to dwell on silly things like past trauma when he now chooses the path he walks. Except, there's no real way to escape over a decade of abuse at the hands of his father, but maybe discovering his villain identity and repressing memories while he tangles in the lives of more evil beings will help as a distraction. Couldn't hurt, right?

This work is 50 chapters long! Each chapter is a short story that delves into Ed's life and his relationship with "The Riddler". This author has been writing for Riddlebird/Nygmobblepot since 2018!

The King Of Gotham by Esperata

The City of Gotham has been decimated by an earthquake and is days away from being cut off from the United States. The Penguin must make plans and ready himself to not only survive, but thrive through the year to come.

This work is written by an author with more than 150 Riddlebird fics under their belt! They have spent hours and years writing about this pairing, and has been an active participant in the community on ao3, tumblr, and elsewhere! This particular fic is inspried by the comic book arc: No Man's Land and follows Ed and Oswald trying to make the best out of a bad situation.

The Liberation Of Edward Nygma by marilyn4ever

Set during season one. Oswald holds Ed hostage in an attempt to get Jim Gordon off his back so he can run Gotham however he sees fit. Unfortunately for Oswald, no one at the GCPD wants Edward Nygma back. What does he do with the head of forensics now?. Having held the man captive for weeks, the two men have become quite close. Will Oswald let Ed go free?, or kill him?, now that he is of no further use to him. Edward has plans of his own.

Written by a longtime Riddlebird/Nygmobblepot author, this fic follows the unlikely relationship between a kinapper (Oswald) and his victim (Ed).

Martín and the Other World by whats_those

"Martín?" Martín turned back to see Oswald standing beside the chair, facing him. He was dressed down to his shirtsleeves with his vest unbuttoned, more casual than Martín was used to seeing him, but that was not what made him take a step back in shock. Oswald wasn't wearing an eye patch, and both of his eyes were big, black buttons. "I thought I heard you sneaking around." ~ One rainy day, Martín finds a strange little door in the drawing room of the Van Dahl mansion.

This work combines Gotham and Coraline together, with Martín as Coraline! You may have seen people talking about this fic on here before, so remember to give their posts about it some love!

Our Time Is Now by water_and_jellyfish

Having found each other, Oswald and Edward managed to sort out many misunderstanding between them that had piled up in their past life and decided to make a brave move and give their feelings for each other a chance for once. Now, in their early twenties, they are trying to take even braver step forward and reclaim their rightful place in Gotham society. Riddler and Penguin might've died over twenty years ago, but they are ready to make a comeback. The question is: is Gotham ready for them?

This work is a sequel to Once and Future, a fic that covers reincarnation as Oswald is born again. This sequel explores what happens when he and Ed grow to become real criminals in Gotham City.

The Penguin and The Peacock by Match_less

When he was a child living on The Falcone estate, Oswald saw a peacock. He thought it’s beautiful in the way strange things are, even if it bit him and made his hand bleed. Many years later, while plotting for the fall of Don Falcone, Oswald met a man who’s beautiful in the way strange things are, even if he kissed him and made his heart bleed.

This work features vivid imagery and explores both Ed and Oswald's psyche, their idea of love, and their relationship to each other. You may have seen the terrific art the author has posted for the fic here on tumblr. Remember to give it some love!

Phoenix Feather by BlueDancer9000

Oswald finds a child in "Everyone Has A Cobblepot," and it goes from there. There will be crying, Oswald simping over Edward, and more Victor Zsasz content because I loved his dynamic with Oswald.

This Author's first fic posted on ao3, it is all about found family and exploring multiple different familial relationships. A lot of sweetness and Dadwald!

Skin Hunger by slingbees

Only days after Oswald's miraculous return to the living world and a lukewarm public reception, Gotham loses track of its recently reinstated mayor once more. Without any witnesses, and with no reason to believe any attempts to locate him will be successful, Oswald is left to collaborate in the Pyg's magnum opus or face inhumane consequences.

This work has Oswald kidnapped by a familiar face after his return to Gotham. Jim and Ed will do their best to track him down. Also: Cannabilism! You may have seen Slingbees around here so remember to give them some love!

Strange Bedfellows by Philosopher_King

Jim and Oswald agree that the relationship between Edward Nygma and Lee Thompkins is a disaster waiting to happen, so they come up with a desperate plan: plant evidence that they're having a secret affair to spark jealousy in Ed and Lee and draw them away from each other. Their plan is both complicated and helped along by simultaneous crises involving the brothers Valeska…

This work has Jim and Oswald fake a relationship to make Lee and Ed jealous. To say that things get complicated would be an understatement. Inspired by this tumblr post! You may have seen the author posting on tumblr before so remember to give them some love!

time is a grenade (and you’re holding it the wrong way) by jupitersglow

Ed learns a lesson, but it takes a few tries.

This work has major time-loop shenanigans to make your headspin as you watch Ed make a fool of himself to fix his situation. You may have seen the author posting about the physics research they did while writing this! Major props to them!

When The Stars Turn Red by PsychosMarket

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙪𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙝, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩'𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙗𝙡𝙪𝙚 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙜𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙡 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝘽𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙥𝙞𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚; "𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪" ---------- Edward Nygma is a nerdy, shy man who works in forensics at the local police station. A man who lived two lives, it seemed. He hadn't meant to, really. It was a sort of accident. But seeing as how he’s the notorious murderer that everyone seems to be talking about or looking for, it was hard to avoid that. It was at work when he saw him, a slight glance vaguely upward, wondering distantly about how to win the game he had waiting for him at home, and presently wondering who was yelling so loudly at a police officer. Then he saw him. A man who made his heart stop and the voice in his head stop its endless yammering. And he needed to know who this man was. The man, however, didn't seem to care. This man, was Oswald Cobblepot.

This work has strong imagery and explores Ed's obsessive tendencies, trauma, and internal conflict. 94 chapters, 488k words and counting, this fic is a tremendous feat!

you give yourself to him by enigmamorte

Edward tries to steal a mobster’s car and becomes his sugar baby. Somehow.

This work accidentally did The Penguin (HBO) before it even aired! Like the characters in its source material, the depictions of Ed and Oswald are a little rougher and more grounded and gritty. You may have seen the author hanging around on tumblr, talking about the show, and sharing their thoughts. Send them some love!

AND THAT'S IT, FOLKS!

Again, if I missed you, please reblog with a link! And if you've read any of the above fics, feel free to put them in the tags and tell everyone what you liked! Thanks everyone for an amazing riddlebirdweek and amazing year!!!

[riddlebirdweek]

Future State (Riddlebird Week, day 7)

A little late but here's my last entry for @riddlebirdweek : legacy!

Thank you everyone for reading along during this week; I know the quality of my writing is nowhere near as good as it used to be but writer's block and work exhaustion are really taking a toll on me.

***

It wasn't the first time they had posed for a painting and it wouldn't be the last but Oswald had never felt the passage of time as much as he was feeling in that moment. True, Martin had been figuring taller than him on the canvas for decades; true, Edward had started dying his hair to hide the white for years; true, his bad leg and bad eye had been worsening steadily. And still, somehow, Martin had never seemed taller than as he was right there and then, standing behind his chair, fingers brushing his shoulder; and Edward's hair dye had never seemed too stark in contrast to his older features as it did as he looked down at him to fix his lapel, glasses sliding down the bridge of his nose; and his own body had never seemed to hurt as much, despite having been well-acquainted with chronic pain ever since a young age.

Or maybe he was just being sentimental - he'd only become worse on that front as the years passed and even Edward had stopped teasing him about it, his own hard edges softened by time.

If anyone would have told him that one day he'd be posing for a portrait with his adult son, who had been taking on more and more responsibilities of his empire, and with his husband, who still was the same man he'd gone and fallen in love with when he'd been a nobody still, Oswald would have politely pointed them to Arkham.

Some things never changed and Arkham hadn't - it was comforting, in a sick and twisted way that only in Gotham could be understood.

“Do you need a break?”

Oswald smiled up at Edward “Please”

(Continues to ao3)

[riddlebirdweek]

To celebrate Riddlebird Week, the new chapter of my fic I Gave You My Heart And I Don't Want It Back has been posted!!!

If you want to start the story from the beginning, click here!

[riddlebirdweek]

Chapters: 1/? Fandom: Batman (Movies 1989-1997) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Oswald Cobblepot/Edward Nygma Characters: Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne, Oswald Cobblepot, Edward Nygma Additional Tags: Haunting, Past Character Death, Guilt, Unfinished Summary:

What if Oswald’s family had inhabited Wayne Manor long before they did? What if Edward’s invention had backfired and killed him? And what if their ghosts met in the afterlife?

For the riddlebird week day 7 prompt: legacy

[riddlebirdweek]

Chapters: 1/1

Words: 10,567

Relationships: Oswald Cobblepot/Edward Nygma, Oswald Cobblepot & Martín

Characters: Oswald Cobblepot, Martín Van Dahl, Edward Nygma, Fish Mooney, Gertrud Kapelput, Elijah Van Dahl, Batman (kind of), Butch Gilzean (mentioned)

Summary:

Cold-hearted miser Oswald Cobblepot is visited by four ghosts on Christmas Eve and given a chance to mend his ways.

A Gotham Christmas Carol | Riddlebird Week Day 7: Legacy

[riddlebirdweek]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Batman (Comics), Batman - All Media Types Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Oswald Cobblepot/Edward Nygma Characters: Oswald Cobblepot, Edward Nygma Additional Tags: No Spoilers, Aftercare, Implied sexual content at the beginning, Fluff, Romantic Fluff, Pillow Talk Series: Part 13 of Batman English Fics, Part 5 of Riddlebird Week 2024, Part 20 of riddler-enthusiast DC english fics Summary:

Edward and Oswald talk after an intense sex session about the future changes in Gotham that the death of a well-known bat will bring.

 Posted for the Riddlebird Week 2024 - Day 7: Legacy

[riddlebirdweek]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Batman (Comics) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Oswald Cobblepot/Edward Nygma Characters: Edward Nygma, Oswald Cobblepot Additional Tags: DC Comics Rebirth, Pillow Talk, Fluff, Oswald Cobblepot Cares About Edward Nygma, hate how they treated edward after the year of the villain so i fixed it Series: Part 12 of Batman English Fics, Part 19 of riddler-enthusiast DC english fics, Part 4 of Riddlebird Week 2024 Summary:

Edward has been suffering from a serious identity crisis for a few weeks that refuses to leave him alone, and he decides to talk to Oswald while he's struggling with his personal hell.

- Developed right after “Year of the Villain: The Riddler #1”.

 Posted for the Riddlebird Week 2024 - Day 5: Bereft