As a scholar of the Dark Knight’s saga, I find myself deeply moved by the tale of Oswald Cobblepot, the Penguin, as portrayed in these captivating narratives. His journey from a bullied child to a feared kingpin is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of adversity to shape our destinies.
In the show “The Penguin“, it’s gangster Oz Cobb (played by Colin Farrell) who is trying to gain control as the new crime boss in Gotham City following the demise of mob boss Carmine Falcone, depicted in the 2022 film “The Batman”. This eight-episode spinoff series, set to premiere on September 19th on HBO and Max, serves as a bridge between Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” and “The Batman Part II”, where Farrell’s character will transform into the Penguin, a notorious villain from the DC Comics lore.
In the TV show titled “The Penguin“, while it isn’t based on a single story, it draws characters and plot points from the 83-year history of Oswald Cobblepot in the comics. The backstory of our protagonist Oz is influenced by famous comic series like Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s “Batman: Year One” or Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s seminal “Batman: The Long Halloween” and “Batman: Dark Victory“. Characters such as Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), Alberto Falcone (Michael Zegen), Johnny Viti (Michael Kelly), and Sal Maroni (Clancy Brown) are some of the figures from these comics that have been incorporated into the series.
1932’s “Scarface” is another significant influence for me, as it showcases the ascension of a gangster. Unlike previous comic book portrayals of the Penguin where he hails from a wealthy, distinguished family, our version, Oswald Cobblepot, or Oz, in Gotham, has a different backstory. Creator and showrunner Lauren LeFranc explained this to Empire magazine. While Matt Reeves had already made him an underdog by positioning him as number two to Carmine Falcone in the film, we delve deeper into his origins by revealing that he comes from humble beginnings. This is crucial because it highlights his desperate longing for status and recognition.
Below, check out these Penguin comics that are free to read just in time for The Batman spinoff:
Penguin: Pain & Prejudice
As a gamer, I can’t help but be drawn to the intriguing tale of Oswald Cobblepot, where his relentless craving for wealth and control takes center stage in the 2011 comic series, “Penguin: Pain & Prejudice“. This gripping narrative, penned by Gregg Hurwitz (known for his work on “Batman: The Dark Knight“) and illustrated by Szymon Kudranski (renowned from “Detective Comics“), delves deep into Oswald’s past. We witness his transformation from a beak-nosed, tormented child, affectionately called “beautiful boy” by his mother and “freak” by his father, to the maligned figure known as “Penguin”. This name was given to him by his brothers, reflecting his unusual fondness for birds, particularly the short-statured ones that would viciously retaliate when provoked. It’s a fascinating journey into the life of a character who embraces an unconventional moniker, symbolizing both his struggles and resilience.
On one hand, he’s a devoted son to his overly protective, catatonic mother Esther; on the other, he’s a ruthless mob boss who cold-bloodedly eliminates his tormentors and ruins the lives of anyone who crosses him. This penguin carries out a string of high-profile jewelry robberies to indulge his mother, and after her passing, his beloved fiancée, a visually impaired woman named Cassandra.
In Gotham, Batman disrupts various criminal schemes while preventing a bombing at a school through a mechanical penguin. Following a spree of aggressive robotic bird attacks on Gotham kids, Oswald Penguin loses control and murders Cassandra due to his misconception that she was mocking him. Subsequently, Batman captures the Penguin and incarcerates him, where he is ridiculed by prison guards for being confined in a “birdcage.
Penguin: Pain & Prejudice #1 is currently available to read for free on DC Universe Infinite.
Batman – One Bad Day: Penguin
In the story titled “Batman: One Bad Day“, written by John Ridley (known for his work in The Other History of the DC Universe) and illustrated by Giuseppe Camuncoli (famous for his work on The Joker), we follow the Penguin’s unfortunate day. This comic, consisting of 64 pages, also features Batman villains such as Riddler, Two-Face, Mr. Freeze, Catwoman, Clayface, and Ra’s al Ghul. After the Umbrella Man takes over his criminal empire and destroys the Iceberg Lounge, causing havoc on the streets, the Penguin gathers a group of misfits to reclaim Gotham City’s underworld.
“Children can be as innocent as they come, but they can also be just as mean. I was tormented simply because I was unique. The name-calling, the bullying… it gets to a point where you’re so tired of the pain, you wish everyone else could feel it too.” This penguin admitted this to a friend, explaining that his reason for living changed due to childhood ridicule. “I wanted to be admired and respected. And if not those two… then feared.
Batman – One Bad Day: Penguin is available to read in full for free on DC Universe Infinite.
The Penguin (2023)
Written by Tom King (from “Batman/Catwoman”) and illustrated by Rafael de Latorre (known for Marvel’s “Daredevil”), this 12-issue limited series follows the character previously known as the Penguin (now referred to as “Mr. Cobb”) who, after feigning his death and framing Batman for the murder in Chip Zdarsky’s ongoing “Batman” comic series, settles in Metropolis. However, when he’s coerced by the U.S. government to reclaim the streets he once controlled, Mr. Cobb confronts The Assassin (The Help), seductive antagonist Lisa St. Claire, the Riddler, and his own offspring: Aiden and Addison Cobblepot. In this story, he decides revenge isn’t worthwhile, but the challenges that lie ahead may prove him wrong.
In these issues #6-#7, The Penguin recalls a time when Oswald was just an insignificant bartender at the Iceberg Lounge, serving drinks to mob boss Carmine Falcone. Feeling belittled by the Falcone Crime Family’s disrespect, Oswald betrays them by tipping off a budding Batman about their criminal empire. Desperate for both respect and financial stability, Oswald finds significance as he teams up with Batman to take down Falcone’s operations, ultimately elevating his status from small fish to someone of importance.
In a deal struck between Batman and Oswald, Oswald agrees to hand over Falcone in exchange for being allowed to manage the Iceberg Lounge under the stipulation that he reveals his criminal associates. As Oswald manages the remnants of the former Falcone empire within the Iceberg Lounge, he transforms into a dapper crook, much like the Joker or Riddler, earning him the title of a new adversary to challenge Batman: the Penguin. With his top hat, umbrella, and monocle, the Penguin emerges as a fresh villain to stir up trouble for the Dark Knight.
The Penguin #1 is free to read on DC Universe Infinite.
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2024-09-19 03:10