Warning: Spoilers ahead The Penguin #12Batman has always been one of DC’s most formidable heroes, with more than his share of equally formidable villains to boot. From the Joker to Bane to Ra’s al Ghul, Gotham City’s Dark Knight quite often has his hands full with the most dangerous villains in the DC Universe. But the one and only Penguin Has finally beaten Batman at his own game – and now Gotham itself belongs to him.
The penguin #12 by Tom King and Rafael de Latorre wrap up Oswald Cobblepot’s return to the Gotham underworld as he supplants his own children on behalf of the US. When Batman confronts the Penguin, Oswald reveals the patriotic motivations for his return. tells Bruce, “They provided me with resources in return for my loyalty so they could run crime here through me,“The Penguin offers to turn a double agent for Batman. And with both the government and Batman secretly on his side as Gotham’s top crook, the Penguin became the real power in Gotham.
The Penguin is now Gotham’s top hook
Oswald Cobblepot has Batman in his pocket
The Penguin is one of Batman’s most iconic enemies for a reason, and he has long been a thorn in the side of Bruce Wayne and his never-ending quest for justice in Gotham City. But unlike many of the Dark Knight’s trademark enemies, The penguin is a force for order in an otherwise chaotic city. Although not the sort of order that Batman traditionally endorses, Oswald Cobblepot has often been a necessary evil in terms of controlling Gotham’s rogue elements, especially in more lawless periods like the infamous No Man’s Land Status Quo.
Of all Batman’s rogues, few could have expected The Penguin to be the one to actually take down the Dark Knight, and that’s exactly what Oswald was counting on.
Now, with both Batman and the U.S. Penguin’s newfound return to dominance is all but unimpeachable. Batman may not like it, but he needs Cobblepot in place to stop whatever disaster the forces may have planned for Gotham. And now that their agreement is out in the open, Batman has no choice but to accept what has always been true – Gotham City has always belonged to the Penguin.
Gotham City has always belonged to the Penguin
Batman can rely on Cobblepot’s need for order
Of all Batman’s rogues, few could have expected The Penguin to be the one to actually take down the Dark Knight, and that’s exactly what Oswald was counting on. To many, the Gotham Avian Kingpin is just another crazy villain with a comedic theme that sets him apart from the common crooks. But for the fans, and for Batman himself, the Penguin is much more. For better or worse, the Penguin Really is Gotham City, no matter what Batman let it be said.
The penguin #12 is available now from DC Comics.