If You Loved The Penguin, You Should Read This Batman Comic

For fans of the HBO Max series The Penguin, there is one comic that serves as a perfect companion piece. Those who don’t want to wait for Season 2 in order to see similar adventures and stories, the Batman: One Bad Day comic series offers fans a chance to dive deep into the psyche of Gotham’s infamous rogues gallery, and one of its standout issues is the story of Oswald Cobblepot, better known as The Penguin.

Just like The Penguin series, the One Bad Day: Penguin issue focuses on Oswald’s attempt to reclaim his criminal empire. Starting from rock bottom with only $20 in his pocket, the comic adds a layer of the kind of grandeur to the story that remains deeply rooted in the character’s determination and resourcefulness. If you’ve been captivated by Colin Farrell’s portrayal of the iconic villain, this comic provides an equally compelling and more stylized journey that you won’t want to miss. And like the Max series, the way the story is told will make readers identify with the classic villain as though he was a pitiable soul, at least at first. It’s only as the story goes on that it becomes clear that once again, this person is actually, bad.

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A Deeper Dive into Batman: One Bad Day

The Batman: One Bad Day series is a collection of standalone stories dedicated to Batman’s most infamous villains, each inspired by the legendary The Killing Joke graphic novel. Much like The Killing Joke, the series delves into the origins, motivations, and defining moments of these iconic characters, presenting them in self-contained narratives that showcase their complexity.

The Penguin’s issue, written by John Ridley with art by Giuseppe Camuncoli, is a highlight of the series. It presents Oswald Cobblepot as a man stripped of all his power, forced to navigate a Gotham City that no longer fears or respects him. The story begins with Oswald penniless, betrayed, and reduced to near-nothingness, but he refuses to accept defeat. This version of The Penguin is a master strategist, using his cunning intellect and ruthless determination to claw his way back to prominence.

Where the series The Penguin keeps its narrative steeped in realism, the comic embraces the more exaggerated and theatrical elements of Gotham City while still maintaining a sharp emotional core. This blend of grounded storytelling and heightened comic book tropes makes the issue an intriguing parallel to the show.

The Penguin’s Gritty Climb Back to Power

Both the HBO Max series and the One Bad Day comic capture a Penguin who is at his most vulnerable but also his most dangerous. In the comic, Oswald faces off against his successor, The Umbrella Man, a figure who has taken over his empire in his absence. This rivalry mirrors the power struggles we see in The Penguin, as Oswald navigates Gotham’s criminal underworld to reclaim his throne. If there’s one difference here, it’s that the Umbrella Man was once a henchman of Oswald, but turned against him and stole his empire out from under him.

The comic’s portrayal of Oswald’s resourcefulness and resilience is one of its most compelling aspects. Armed with nothing but enough to buy a stolen handgun and one bullet, and his indomitable will, Oswald begins his ascent by recruiting a group of outcasts and misfits to aid him in his quest. His journey is marked by manipulation, betrayal, and a sharp understanding of Gotham’s cutthroat underworld.

While the show leans heavily on Colin Farrell’s nuanced and grounded performance, the comic allows for more outlandish, comic book-style twists and turns. This includes dramatic confrontations and larger-than-life moments that feel right at home in the pages of a Batman comic. However, at its core, both narratives share the same beating heart: a story of survival and unrelenting ambition.

Why Fans of The Penguin Should Read This Comic

For fans who have been drawn to the HBO Max series’ dark and introspective look at Oz Cobb, the One Bad Day: Penguin issue offers a chance to see a similar story unfold with the added flair of Gotham’s comic book lore. It captures the essence of The Penguin’s character—his intelligence, his cunning, and his relentless drive to be feared and respected.

The comic also offers something the show doesn’t: a direct confrontation with The Umbrella Man, a villain who embodies everything Oswald despises. This rivalry serves as a fascinating reflection of The Penguin’s own flaws and ambitions, making it a must-read for anyone interested in seeing how different writers and mediums approach the same iconic character.

Additionally, the comic’s artwork by Giuseppe Camuncoli elevates the narrative with its moody, atmospheric style. The visuals bring Gotham to life in a way that feels distinct yet familiar, adding another layer of enjoyment for fans who appreciate the world-building of the Batman universe.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Batman’s rogues gallery or someone who recently discovered The Penguin through Colin Farrell’s standout performance, the Batman: One Bad Day comic is a perfect follow-up. Its exploration of power, loyalty, and ambition provides a rich, multi-faceted look at one of Gotham’s most underrated villains. With its gripping narrative and stunning visuals, this comic is an essential read for anyone eager to see Oswald Cobblepot at his best—and worst.

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Created by Lauren LeFranc and starring Colin Farrell, The Penguin builds on 2022’s The Batman. The Max series chronicles the eponymous villain’s attempt to reach Gotham’s criminal peak, rising through the underworld in the middle of a power struggle.

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