Retroactive continuity (or retconning) can create relationships in comics the original writers never intended. One famous example of this was Magneto being revealed as the father of Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. (Ironically, this retcon was later retconned.) The Penguin #9 by Tom King and Rafael de Latorre creates a similar familial relationship, albeit between two more obscure characters.
The action of The Penguin #9 details Oswald Cobblepot’s efforts to retake the underworld of Gotham City. His children, Addison and Aiden Cobblepot, claimed his empire after he faked his death. When they proved less than receptive to letting him take back what was his, he turned to an unlikely ally.
Penguin’s Ex-Wife Lisa St. Claire Explained
The ally, described as the one woman Oswald Cobblepot feared, was his ex-wife Lisa St. Claire. Few recognize her as an established DC Comics character and one of the protagonists of the romance comic Young Love. Lisa starred in a continuing series, “The Life and Loves of Lisa St. Claire.” The comic painted Lisa as a spoiled socialite, who made many poor romantic choices. The Penguin comic recton suggests that Oswald was one of those poor choices, and that Lisa became a gangster in Vegas.
The Penguin #9 establishes another DC Comics connection between Lisa St. Claire and another notable socialite. As part of Oswald’s plan, Lisa approaches Bruce Wayne and gives him information leading him to attack the Penguin’s children as Batman. When she greets him, she makes mention of her cousin, Silver, claiming she said “the most awful things” about Bruce. This is a nod to Silver St. Cloud.
Silver St. Cloud Explained
First appearing in 1977’s Detective Comics #470, Silver St. Cloud was introduced as a love interest for Bruce Wayne. She is notable as one of the few who deduced Bruce Wayne was Batman. However, Silver ended their romance, claiming that she couldn’t live with Bruce risking his life as Batman, or ask him to quit being Batman to be with her.
The Penguin comic establishing Silver St. Cloud and Lisa St. Claire as cousins is a minor and obscure Easter egg. However, it is still amusing to tie two heiresses born of the 70s together in this fashion.
The Penguin #9 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
