Oswald Cobbleplot is perhaps the most versatile of the many enemies of Batman. He has played many roles in his day. A colorful criminal with gimmick umbrellas seeking to feather his nest with ill-gotten gains. A petty thug who worked his way up the ranks of the criminal underworld to become a boss. The last son of a founding family of Gotham City, struggling to reclaim his birthright. Even a misshapen mutant condemned to live in the sewers. The Penguin Special #1 examines the history of the character in all his forms and how he evolved over time, offering a welcome entry point to viewers of the new HBO Max series.
The headline story is something of an odd duck. It is titled “Mr. Cobb,” but this Penguin bears no resemblance to the Colin Farrell character. Indeed, the design by Howard Porter most closely resembles the Oswald Cobblepot of Batman: The Animated Series.
Similarly, the story by Jeremy Adams seems to be a coda to the recent Penguin miniseries by Tom King and Rafael De Latorre. Despite this, the story remains instantly accessible to new readers. While this take on the Penguin may have long hair and a monocle, he is every bit as ruthless as Matt Reeves‘ Oz Cobb.
The Penguin Special #1 offers a range of stories
The rest of The Penguin Special #1 reprints a variety of comics from across the character’s long history. The first of these is a reprint of the first story ever to feature Oswald Cobblepot; 1941’s Detective Comics #58. The Bob Kane and Bill Finger comic establishes Ozzie as a formidable threat, despite his rotund form and effete manner. He flies free at the story’s end and almost successfully frames Batman for his crimes.
The Penguin Special #1 also reprints Oswald Cobblepot’s modern comics origin from 1989’s Secret Origins Special #1. This story finds the foul fowl recalling his past to the bully who first called him Penguin. The final story, reprinted from 2008’s Joker’s Asylum, details one of Oswald’s many failed romances and how he is, in many ways, his own worst enemy.
Fans of The Penguin hoping for a comic based on the show many be disappointed with this special. There is no connection beyond the name. However, those interested in exploring the character’s roots and evolution will find The Penguin Special #1 well worth the reading.
Grade: 4/5
The Penguin Special #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on October 30, 2024.
