The Batman (2022) has set a new standard for Batman films. With its dark, comic book-style portrayal of Gotham and the complex character development of Bruce Wayne, the movie stands out as a masterpiece. And from this masterpiece, we now have The Penguin series. Set just one week after the events of The Batman, this series focuses on the rise of Oswald Cobblepot, better known as Penguin, as he ascends to become Gotham’s new crime lord.

In The Batman, Penguin is portrayed as a mid-level criminal managing parts of Carmine Falcone’s crime empire. However, Oswald is a man of opportunity, and when Carmine falls, Penguin seizes the chance to rise to power. But what makes Penguin so important to Gotham? And why is his story worth exploring? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Oswald Cobblepot’s journey, his rise to power, and his significance in Gotham City.

You don’t get to the top without stepping on a few toes. Or breaking a few legs.

– Penguin

Penguin’s Transformation in The Batman

In The Batman, Colin Farrell delivers a standout performance as Penguin. His portrayal is both physically transformative and deeply layered, bringing to life a character whose rise to power is just beginning. Following the fall of Carmine Falcone, Penguin steps in to fill the void in Gotham’s criminal underworld, and his journey as Gotham’s new kingpin kicks off in his own series.

But before diving into the events of the series, let’s explore Penguin’s rise-to-power story from the comics, which showcases why he is such a critical character in both Gotham’s criminal world and Batman’s rogues’ gallery.

Gentleman Villain to Criminal Mastermind

Oswald Cobblepot, also known as Penguin, first appeared in Detective Comics #58, created by Batman’s original creators, Bob Kane and Bill Finger. At first glance, Penguin may not seem like a threatening villain. With his gentlemanly appearance and signature waddle, he’s often underestimated. But that’s part of his genius—he’s a master manipulator who always keeps his mind sharp.

Unlike many of Batman’s foes who are plagued by mental instability, Penguin remains fully in control of his actions. In the comic Penguin Triumphant, even Batman acknowledges that Penguin’s mind operates faster than his own. This ability to stay calm and calculated makes Penguin one of the most dangerous and enduring villains in Gotham.

The Penguin Who Lost It All

One of the most compelling Penguin stories involves his fall from power and eventual comeback. In this story, Penguin loses his entire criminal empire to the Umbrella Man, a rival crime boss, and is left penniless and powerless. He finds himself wandering the streets of Gotham, armed with nothing but a single bullet and his wits.

Penguin’s journey begins when he meets a young boy in Riverside, who gives him a cheap pistol and a single bullet, telling him that people like him won’t survive long in Gotham. But the boy doesn’t realize who he’s talking to. Penguin, despite being down on his luck, is determined to regain his power and rebuild his empire.

He starts by confronting Max, his former head of security, who had betrayed him by selling his secrets to the Umbrella Man for $25,000. Max justifies his actions by saying that Penguin no longer valued the people working under him. Penguin, however, remembers everyone and knows the type of people they are. Despite losing everything, Penguin remains focused on getting back what’s his, even though he’s now left with only $10.

Rebuilding His Empire

Penguin’s comeback story is one of perseverance. He goes on to recruit Buster, an old ally who he had sidelined during his rise to power. Despite the betrayal, Buster agrees to join Penguin after he explains how the Umbrella Man had been plotting against him all along. Penguin’s ability to earn back the trust of those he once neglected shows that even when he’s down, he’s never truly out.

“This is my city. I built it, brick by brick, deal by deal.” – Penguin

Next, Penguin attempts to recruit Franklin, one of his former henchmen. Franklin initially mocks Penguin, telling him that his crew had done all the work while Penguin sat back and reaped the rewards. But after a brutal confrontation, where Buster shows why she’s called “Buster,” Franklin and his crew are forced to acknowledge Penguin’s strength.

The Criminal’s Code

As Penguin reassembles his crew, we get a glimpse into his psyche. He reveals that his criminal career didn’t stem from trauma but from a hard truth he learned during his childhood. Penguin recounts a memory from his seventh birthday party, where his classmates seemed to genuinely enjoy his company, only for him to later learn that his mother had paid each of them $100 to attend. This revelation shaped Penguin’s worldview—respect isn’t freely given, it must be earned or, if necessary, bought.

Penguin doesn’t just want power—he wants respect. Whether through fear or admiration, he demands that those around him acknowledge his presence, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get it. In Gotham, respect can mean survival, and for Penguin, survival is everything.

Penguin vs. Umbrella Man

As Penguin prepares to take back his empire, Gotham spirals into chaos. Commissioner Renee Montoya and Batman both notice the city’s worsening conditions, with Batman recognizing that Penguin is making his move. Meanwhile, Penguin threatens the Umbrella Man, telling him to enjoy his reign while it lasts because Penguin is coming for everything.

A gang war erupts between Penguin’s crew and the Umbrella Man’s forces, and the conflict culminates in a brutal showdown. Penguin, bloodied but unbroken, faces the Umbrella Man head-on. Despite being physically beaten, Penguin’s resilience shines through. In a savage twist, he bites off the Umbrella Man’s face, proving once again that no matter how far he’s pushed, Penguin is a survivor.

Penguin’s Legacy in Gotham

Penguin’s rise, fall, and subsequent comeback highlight his crucial role in Gotham’s criminal ecosystem. While many of Gotham’s villains are driven by madness, Penguin operates within the bounds of logic and ambition. He doesn’t seek chaos for its own sake; instead, he aims to control and balance the criminal world, making him a formidable adversary to both Batman and Gotham’s other crime lords.

In the upcoming Penguin series, we’ll continue to see Oswald Cobblepot navigate the power struggles of Gotham’s underworld. As he seeks to reclaim his throne, one thing is clear: Penguin is not just another villain—he’s an essential figure in maintaining Gotham’s delicate balance between order and chaos.

Conclusion

Penguin’s journey from a mid-level criminal in The Batman to Gotham’s new kingpin is a story of resilience, ambition, and survival. His ability to seize opportunities, rebuild his empire, and command respect makes him one of Gotham’s most dangerous villains. As the Penguin series unfolds, we’ll witness the continued rise of Oswald Cobblepot and the impact he has on Gotham City.

If you’re a fan of DC and want to dive deeper into Gotham’s criminal underworld, the Penguin series is a must-watch.