Beside every great hero is an equally impressive sidekick. But do-gooders aren’t the only ones who need a little help from their friends. Throughout comic history, the most fiendish villains are nearly always accompanied by a swarm of goons. When it came to the Riddler though, he only needed two. Do you know who these hechwomen were? 

Diedre Vance and Nina Damfino ‒ better known as Query and Echo ‒ made their first appearance in Secret Origins Special #1 in 1989, created by Chuck Dixon and Kieron Dwyer. Originally, Query and Echo worked in the underground dominatrix club, Pandora’s Box. After discovering their shared interest in criminal activity, the pair banded together to rob small convenience stores across Gotham City. While attempting to rob one such store, the duo came across the Riddler, who just so happened to be robbing the same store. The Riddler, who had recently failed to find any thugs to hire, saw the pair as “kindred souls” and immediately hired them. He’s actually the one that gave them their names as well as their matching costumes. 

During their first professional robbery with the Riddler, Query and Echo robbed the Reservoir Street Cash Depository of Gotham City. Through the use of sabotage, the trio easily broke into the vault and escaped with the cash via the sewers. Unfortunately, they were then confronted by Batman and endured a rough fight. Although they managed to escape, this would hardly be the last time they faced the Dark Knight. The two loyal henchwomen, who were skilled in combat and at handling small firearms, remained with the Riddler for some time. Over the years, they have since made very few appearances and seem to work independently. However, they still refer to themselves as Query and Echo and wear their respective costumes.