Tamara Flores
Meet Oswald Cobbleplot, the most multifaceted adversary of the iconic Batman. His character has donned various roles over time. From a flamboyant criminal with trick umbrellas, a small-time thug who climbed the ladder of the criminal world to become a kingpin, to the last descendant of a founding family of Gotham City fighting to regain his legacy. He’s even been portrayed as a deformed mutant forced to live in the sewers. The Penguin Special #1 delves into the evolution of this intriguing character, making it a perfect starting point for viewers of the new HBO Max series.
The main story, intriguingly titled “Mr. Cobb,” presents a Penguin that bears no resemblance to Colin Farrell’s portrayal. In fact, Howard Porter’s design seems to draw inspiration from the Oswald Cobblepot of Batman: The Animated Series.
Jeremy Adams’ narrative appears to be a continuation of the recent Penguin miniseries by Tom King and Rafael De Latorre. Despite this, the story is easily digestible for new readers. This version of the Penguin, complete with long hair and a monocle, is just as ruthless as Matt Reeves‘ Oz Cobb.
The Penguin Special #1: A medley of captivating stories
The Penguin Special #1 is a treasure trove of stories from the character’s rich history. It kicks off with a reprint of the very first story featuring Oswald Cobblepot from 1941’s Detective Comics #58. This comic by Bob Kane and Bill Finger introduces Ozzie as a formidable adversary, despite his plump physique and refined demeanor. He manages to escape at the end of the story, nearly succeeding in framing Batman for his crimes.
The Penguin Special #1 also includes a reprint of Oswald Cobblepot’s modern comic origin from 1989’s Secret Origins Special #1. This tale sees the villainous birdman recounting his past to the bully who first dubbed him Penguin. The final story, reprinted from 2008’s Joker’s Asylum, explores one of Oswald’s many unsuccessful love affairs, highlighting how he is often his own worst enemy.
While fans of The Penguin hoping for a comic based on the show might be let down by this special, it’s a goldmine for those keen on exploring the character’s origins and transformation. The Penguin Special #1 is a must-read for any Batman enthusiast.
Grade: 4/5
Mark your calendars! The Penguin Special #1 hits comic shops everywhere on October 30, 2024.
