Cover for my fanfic i writing for "Batman: Zero Year" comic.
After Zero: https://archiveofourown.org/works/63498001
"I bloom, a flower fair and bright, A needed thing, for two, a light. In hearts' soft garden, breezes play, I grow in strength with each new day."
The Riddler nodded patiently, his eyes half-lidded in boredom. Amber devoted almost all her energy to keep reciting this stupid rhyme that she had composed and practiced until she turned pale from exhaustion. The remaining part of her energy was spent on NOT clutching her jacket.
"But then, a worm, with wicked bite. Gnawed at my grain and dimmed my light. A spreading blight, a change so foul. Cursed my existence, took its toll. My two companions, caught in strife. Began to gnaw and hurt their life. Absorbing poison, bit by bit. They both grew sick, they couldn't quit."
"…"
“Who am I?"
The Riddler lazily raised his eyes to the sky and just as slowly raised his hands.
"Love!"
His voice was full of theatrical reverence. He didn’t even pretended that the riddle made him ponder over it.
"To be more precise — twisted love. Am I right?"
What a wonderful Kirkus review!
(Paired here with my favorite improper contraction.)
"A thoughtful look at life, in all its beauty and strangeness.
...
This delightfully deadpan musing on life urges compassion for others. Howden’s straightforward text is on the philosophical side, though also rooted in the absurd. Hahn’s spare black graphite pencil watercolor, mostly set against a white background, are imbued with humor and empathy for the pickle, with the foodstuff’s expressive eyes conveying many emotions at once. "
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/sarah-howden/the-wise-pickle/
THE WISE PICKLE
by Sarah Howden ;
illustrated by Sabina Hahn
RELEASE DATE: June 23, 2026
this is the shadow i see whenever i go downstairs i think shes my other mother She has black hair and a dress gown on and she would never show her face not even to me either but one day we will stay together forever she says and she has no shadow under her
Ever had to fight with the ants for your chocos? It's past mid night and while I ate my chocos and stayed awake to study, the ants end up stealing my chocos. The battle gets worse when they decide to attack me. Cherry on top is my curly frizzy hair. R.I.P hair wash day.
had to paint light through trees in watercolor. The pattern on the chair was a pain in the butt, but I think it came out ok. Winsor & Newton professional watercolors on Blick premier cold press 140lb watercolor block. This is the first time I've used Blick Watercolor paper. It held up well, but the painting came out kind of light (not sure if the paper had anything to do with that, though). At any rate, I bought a bunch of it, so I guess that's what I'm using!
"AN IDIOT! A FOOL!"
"No... You're perfect, and don't let anyone make you think otherwise."
Arkham Origins ends with angst for this pairing, which is not surprising.
Context: Edward finds out that his girlfriend seduced him to ruin his plans because she is an informant, and his plan to expose corruption in Gotham would mean devaluing all the secrets she collected. It's a long story and who hasn't been a young ambitious careerist?.. Uh, maybe Amber is a special case, but she regrets it!.. Falling in love with him was not part of her plan, but it is what it is and everyone is unhappy and heartbroken in the end.
