DC Reveals the True Horror Behind One of Batman’s Most Iconic Enemies

DC Comics’ The Penguin Special just revealed the true extent of Oswald Cobblepot’s cruelty.

“Mr. Cobb” by writer Jason Aaron and artist Jason Pearson finds Oswald Cobblepot, better known as the Penguin, making an unexpected visit to the hospital where his wife Madeline has been receiving care while trapped in a vegetative state. Surprisingly, Madeline has finally regained control of her cognitive functions, though not to the delight of her husband. As it turns out, Oswald is the one responsible for Madeline’s condition, all thanks to the drugs he has been paying to have her dosed with ever since she discovered who she really married and tried to escape with their children.

Written by JEREMY ADAMS and JASON AARON Art by HOWARD PORTER and JASON PEARSON Collors by HI-FI and DAVE McCAIG Letters by TROY PETERI and ROB LEIGH Cover art by MIKEL JANÍN and JASON PEARSON

The Penguin has long been one of Batman’s most iconic villains, with the character’s first appearance taking place all the way back in 1941’s Detective Comics #58 in Bill Finger and Bob Kane’s opening story, “Batman: One of the Most Perfect Frame-Ups.” The Penguing was introduced as a relatively new figure in the Gotham underworld, one with his sights set on making a name for himself before taking over entirely. To that end, Cobblepot carried out a variety of heists and other capers, quickly drawing the ire of Gotham City’s Caped Crusader.

The current, Prime Earth continuity iteration of the Penguin made his comic book debut in 2011’s Penguin: Pain and Prejudice #1 by writer Gregg Hurwitz and artist Szymon Kudranski, which charted the villain’s origins up through his rise to power. Though The Penguin Special marks the first appearance of the modern incarnation of the Penguin’s wife Madeline, their children have played prominent roles in various storylines in previous years. First and foremost of these was Ethan Cobblepot, better known as Blacksun, who became a fast foe of Barbara Gordon’s Batgirl.

The Penguin’s other children, Aiden and Addison, similarly followed in their father’s villainous footsteps, albeit to the detriment of their entire family. After their father seemingly perished, Aiden and Addison took it upon themselves to beat Ethan into a comatose state, all so that they could lay claim to their father’s estate and criminal empire. Unfortunately for them, the Penguin hadn’t actually lost his life, nor were they ever as capable as their predecessor, meaning that the pair only ever inherited the still living Oswald Cobblepot’s iconic Iceberg Lounge before having their lives cut short at their own father’s behest.

The Penguin Special #1 is on sale now from DC Comics.

Source: DC Comics