There have been many different interpretations of Batman and his enemies over the years. Yet perhaps no villain has seen so many variations as The Penguin. Even ignoring the sewer-dwelling monster of Batman Returns, there are many takes on Oswald Cobblepot in the comics.
Some writers have depicted Penguin as a self-styled gentleman thief whose comical form conceals a dangerous mind. Others have depicted him as suffering a subtler shade of obsession, committing bird-themed crimes with trained birds. The “An Unimportant Man” story presented by Tom King and Stevan Subic attempts to reconcile these conflicting interpretations by presenting the definitive origin story of Oswald Cobblepot.
The Penguin #7 opens with Oswald Cobblepot under siege. He is newly established as a rising power in the Gotham underworld. However, the other gangsters are suspicious as to why Batman seems to be ignoring Cobblepot. This is because Cobblepot was Batman’s pigeon and elevated to keep the Dark Knight informed as to the crime families’ activities.
Cobblepoint points out the problem to Batman during one of their clandestine meetings. He tells the Dark Knight it would be to their mutual benefit if Batman were to come after him. However, this leaves the problem of how Cobblepot might be quickly freed to continue acting as an informant. If Batman brings him to justice as another crime boss, he’ll go to prison for decades.
Cobblepot Becomes The Penguin to Avoid Prison
Cobblepot’s solution is to set himself up as a costumed criminal akin to the merry madmen newly plaguing Gotham City. He creates his Penguin persona so as to appear insane. This allows him to be sent to Arkham Asylum rather than Blackgate Penitentiary, where his wealth ensures his release in a matter of months. This takes the heat off of him and allows him to resume his role as Batman’s secret informant. However, it also makes it clear to Batman that The Penguin is manipulating him to his benefit just as much as the Dark Knight was using him.
The Penguin #7 is now available in comic shops everywhere.
