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Josiah Wormwood, also known as The Interrogator, was an information extractor who specialized in deathtraps.
History
Josiah Wormwood made a career as a type of torture specialist. Using clues to lead his victims to a maze or trap (which he oversaw through a hidden control panel), he would entrap the victim and proceed to extract information, valuables, or anything else worth acquiring.
Courier McWhirter thought he had a relatively easy job to do: deliver a case of bearer bonds to the International Relief Consortium. However, Josiah Wormwood found out. Setting a trap in an amusement park, he lured McWhirter to the scene and proceeded to place the man in a precarious situation: reveal the location of the bonds, or lose his life. In the end, McWhirter chose his own life.
Wormwood proceeded to hide the $750,000 in bonds until he could safely transfer the money. Shortly thereafter, "The Baron" Wacklaw Josek, a small time criminal nobleman, contracted Wormwood to perform one task: obtain the cape and cowl of Batman. Intrigued, Wormwood accepted the offer on the condition that Jozek explain his desire for the item. Waclow, however, refused to explain himself until Wormwood revealed where he hid the bonds. The two agreed to talk more once Wormwood had acquired the cape and cowl.
Wormwood set his first deathtrap in Traintown, a train yard. Sending a riddle to Commissioner Gordon, he lured Batman to this locale. Investigating for clues, Batman quickly fell into the trap. A woman's life was put on the line to intensify the deal as Wormwood attempted to acquire the cape and cowl. Batman, however, escaped this trap and lunged for the woman, to no avail; the woman was actually a hologram, and instead Wormwood escaped.
His next trap was set at DeLaRue's Wax Museum, and this time he put Batman's life in jeopardy. Upon entering the facility, Batman was immediately trapped inside. Venturing further in, he became further trapped inside a room with a 20,000 watt halogen lamp. Though he destroyed the lamp, he triggered the release of a toxic nerve gas, and Batman was eventually forced to hand his cape and cowl over to Wormwood. Wormwood was disappointed when Batman revealed a second mask underneath; however, his job was only to acquire the cape and cowl, and his task was completed.
Josiah returned to Wacklaw, demanding payment for his services. While the two celebrated, Wormwood once again inquired about Jozek's intentions, and the Baron once again asked about the hidden bonds. His desire to know Josek's secret too great, he revealed their location to Josek. Holding up his end of the bargain, Wacklaw stated that he would wear the cape and cowl, and revealed his true identity: the Dark Knight himself, Batman. Wormwood attempted to escape, but after an unconventional fight, Batman apprehended the criminal. Josiah received a prison-warming gift from Batman in the form of his cape and cowl.
Equipment and Abilities
Though he had no metahuman capabilities, Josiah Wormwood was still an incredibly intelligent man. He specialized in creating deathtraps, which he used to interrogate his victims. He was also an exceptional fighter, capable of taking on the Dark Knight in combat.
Background Information
- In many ways, Josiah Wormwood is similar to the Riddler. Both men prefer to avoid direct conflict, both derive great pleasure from otherwise sadistic scenarios, and both use clues to lead their victims to their destination. There is even a slight similarity in their overall appearance.