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Changes: Oswald Cobblepot (New Earth)

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{{Clean Up}}
  
 
{{DC Database:Character Template
  
{{DC Database:Character Template
 
| Image = Penguin 0001.jpg
  
| Image = Penguin 0001.jpg
 
| RealName = Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot
  
| RealName = Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot
−
| CurrentAlias = Penguin
 +
| CurrentAlias = [[Penguin|The Penguin]]
 
| Aliases =
 
| Aliases =
 
| Identity = Public
  
| Identity = Public
  ⚫
| Alignment = Bad
−
| Affiliation = [[Gotham Organized Crime]]; [[Injustice League (The Silver Age)|Injustice League]], [[Suicide Squad (New Earth)|Suicide Squad]], the [[Outsiders (New Earth)|Outsiders]], [[Penitente Cartel]], [[Secret Society of Super-Villains III|Secret Society of Super-Villains]]
 +
| Affiliation = [[Gotham Organized Crime]]; [[Injustice League (The Silver Age)|Injustice League]], [[Suicide Squad (New Earth)|Suicide Squad]], the [[Outsiders (New Earth)|Outsiders]], [[Penitente Cartel]], [[Secret Society of Super-Villains III|Secret Society of Super-Villains]], [[Junior Injustice League (New Earth)|Junior Injustice League]]
−
| Relatives = Sir Nigel Cobblepot (ancestor, deceased); Nathan Cobblepot (ancestor, deceased); Theodore Cobblepot (great grandfather, deceased); [[Tucker Cobblepot (New Earth)|Tucker Cobblepot]] (father, deceased); Miranda Cobblepot (mother, deceased)<br> [[Penguin Jr.|Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot Jr.]] (son) <ref>''[[Gotham Underground Vol 1 9|Gotham Underground #9]]''</ref>
 +
| Relatives = Sir Nigel Cobblepot (ancestor, deceased);<br /> Nathan Cobblepot (ancestor, deceased);<br /> [[Theodore Cobblepot (New Earth)|Theodore Cobblepot]] (great grandfather, deceased);<br /> [[Tucker Cobblepot (New Earth)|Tucker Cobblepot]] (father, deceased);<br /> Miranda Cobblepot (mother, deceased)<ref>{{c|Gotham Underground Vol 1 9}}</ref>
 
| Universe = New Earth
  
| Universe = New Earth
 
| BaseOfOperations = [[Iceberg Lounge]], [[Gotham City]]
  
| BaseOfOperations = [[Iceberg Lounge]], [[Gotham City]]
Line 20: Line 20:
 
| Citizenship = American
  
| Citizenship = American
 
| MaritalStatus = Single
  
| MaritalStatus = Single
−
| Occupation = [[Businessman]], [[Crimelord]]
+
| Occupation = [[Businessman]], [[Crimelord]]
   
 
| PlaceOfBirth = [[Gotham City]]
  
| PlaceOfBirth = [[Gotham City]]
 
| Creators = Bill Finger; Bob Kane
  
| Creators = Bill Finger; Bob Kane
−
| First = Detective Comics #568
 +
| First = Detective Comics Vol 1 568
  +
| Last = Secret Six Vol 3 36
   
  +
| Quotation = Whatever Penguin might be, he's '''anything''' but a buffoon. He plans his crimes with '''military''' precision. His thinking is '''brilliant'''-- circuitous and multi-leveled. His appearance makes you want to '''underestimate''' him, but don't fall into that trap. - His major '''fault''' is his massive '''ego'''. He thinks he's as '''physically''' adept as he is intelligent. If he allowed able-bodied henchmen to commit his crimes rather than trying to do it himself... '''our''' job would be far more difficult.
−
| Quotation = The world thinks I am dead, the richest spoils in [[Gotham City|Gotham]] await me, and you want to cut yourself a slice of the action? -- You must learn, my ghoulish friend, '''the Penguin''' flies ever alone!!
  
−
| Speaker = [[Oswald Cobblepot (New Earth)|Oswald Cobblepot]]
 +
| Speaker = [[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Batman]]
−
| QuoteSource = Detective Comics Vol 1 611
 +
| QuoteSource = Batman Vol 1 448
   
 
| HistoryText =
 
| HistoryText =
  +
'''The Penguin''' is a fancy criminal and self-styled entrepreneur, who uses his business as a front to cover his criminal activities. Penguin started as many criminals in [[Gotham City]], by performing crimes with a specific theme surrounding birds. Eventually, Penguin outgrew his hands-on crimes and became the mastermind of organized crime in Gotham, making him a valuable asset for both criminals and heroes alike.
−
===Pre-Face Crisis on Infinite Earths===
  
−
Following the events of [[Crisis on Infinite Earths]] the original multiverse was merged into one single universe. As such the [[Penguin|Penguins]] of [[Oswald Cobblepot (Earth-One)|Earth-One]] and [[Oswald Cobblepot (Earth-Two)|Earth-Two]] were merged into a single being. As a result, the [[New Earth]] incarnation may have had many similar past encounters with [[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Batman]] and a shared history that mirrors events on those two realities. The extent of this event mirroring remains unrevealed.
  
   
−
===Origins and Criminal Career===
 +
===Origins and Early Crimes===
 
Born Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot, the Penguin was bullied as a child for his short stature, obesity, and beak-like nose. These traits made him an outcast in his rich, high society family; their rejection drove him to become a criminal. When Penguin was a young child, his father died of pneumonia after being drenched in a downpour. Because of this, his mother became over-protective and forced him to carry an umbrella whenever he went outside — even on sunny days. In keeping with his family's tradition of wealth, the Penguin lives a life of crime, yet executes it with his own self-proclaimed class and style.
  
Born Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot, the Penguin was bullied as a child for his short stature, obesity, and beak-like nose. These traits made him an outcast in his rich, high society family; their rejection drove him to become a criminal. When Penguin was a young child, his father died of pneumonia after being drenched in a downpour. Because of this, his mother became over-protective and forced him to carry an umbrella whenever he went outside — even on sunny days. In keeping with his family's tradition of wealth, the Penguin lives a life of crime, yet executes it with his own self-proclaimed class and style.
   
−
Unlike most of the Batman villains, the Penguin is a gentleman villain, in control of his own actions and perfectly sane, features that serve to maintain a unique relationship with his archenemy, [[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Batman]]. This has extended into the current situation with the Penguin ceasing his direct involvement in crime, instead running a nightclub that is popular with the underworld. As such, he is an excellent source of information on crime, so Batman grudgingly tolerates his operations. However, the entrepreneurial Penguin is often fencing stolen property or arranging early furloughs for incarcerated former criminal associates - for a hefty fee, of course - on the side. When [[Gotham City]] is nearly leveled by an earthquake, he stays behind when the US government shuts down and blockades the city. He becomes one of the major players in the mostly-abandoned and lawless city, using his connections to profit. One of these connections is discovered to be [[Alexander Luthor (New Earth)|Lex Luthor]] and his company. Cobblepot once joined [[Harvey Dent (New Earth)|Harvey Dent]] AKA [[Two-Face]], and several other Gotham criminals to bring down the crime family led by [[Sofia Falcone (New Earth)|Sofia Falcone]]. Cobblepot was only with the group very briefly and was arrested after a firefight at the docks with [[Anthony Zucco (New Earth)|Tony Zucco]] and [[Edward Skeevers (New Earth)|Eddie Skeevers]].
+
Unlike most of the villains in Gotham, the Penguin is a gentleman villain, in control of his own actions and perfectly sane, features that serve to maintain a unique relationship with his archenemy, [[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Batman]]. During the early days after Batman's appearance, Cobblepot joined [[Harvey Dent (New Earth)|Harvey Dent]] AKA [[Two-Face]], and several other Gotham criminals to bring down the crime family led by [[Sofia Falcone (New Earth)|Sofia Falcone]]. Cobblepot was only with the group very briefly and was arrested after a firefight at the docks with [[Anthony Zucco (New Earth)|Tony Zucco]] and [[Edward Skeevers (New Earth)|Eddie Skeevers]].
  +
  +
Later, Penguin managed to get a hold of a lethal drug developed by [[Ra's al Ghul (New Earth)|Ra's al Ghul]], but his plans of spreading it in Gotham and use it to blackmail the city were stopped by Batman and [[Talia al Ghul (New Earth)|Talia]], Ra's' daughter.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Annual Vol 1 1}}</ref>
   
 
===Suicide Squad===
  
===Suicide Squad===
−
The Penguin is arrested during ''[[Legends]]'' for attempting to steal rare falcons.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #568}}</ref> When he is released on parole, he claims to have fallen in love and gone straight. His new girlfriend will not tolerate criminal behavior. Cobblepot runs a legitimate umbrella factory staffed by ex-cons, but he is sent back to prison because this counts as "consorting with known felons."<ref>{{c|Batman Annual #11}}</ref> He is later seen in [[Belle Reve]] prison when it is attacked by the [[Female Furies]].<ref>{{c|Suicide Squad #3}}</ref> [[Amanda Waller (New Earth)|Amanda Waller]] recruits him to the [[Suicide Squad (New Earth)|Suicide Squad]] for one mission, in exchange for prison release. Penguin helps them plan a top secret mission where they rescue imprisoned author [[Zoya Trigorin (New Earth)|Zoya Trigorin]] from the [[Soviet Union]]. He is forced to accompany them behind enemy lines, because [[Richard Flag, Jr. (New Earth)|Rick Flag]] wants him to have a stake in his own plans.<ref>{{c|Suicide Squad #5}}</ref> They are forced to fight the Russian army, and Penguin is nearly killed.<ref>{{c|Suicide Squad #6}}</ref> Penguin states that he cannot stand Russia, because they do not respect the individual rights that allow him to cheat the system. There is no room in their culture for an entrepreneur such as himself. Trigorin is killed by enemy fire, and they barely escape Russia with their lives.<ref>{{c|Suicide Squad #7}}</ref>
+
The Penguin attempted to steal rare falcons from the [[Gotham University]], but his plan was thwarted by Batman and he was arrested.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 568}}</ref> When he was released on parole, he claimed to have fallen in love and gone straight. His new girlfriend wouldn't tolerate criminal behavior. Cobblepot ran a legitimate umbrella factory staffed by ex-cons, but he was sent back to prison because this counts as "consorting with known felons."<ref>{{c|Batman Annual Vol 1 11}}</ref>
  +
  +
Much later, [[Amanda Waller (New Earth)|Amanda Waller]] recruited him to the [[Suicide Squad (New Earth)|Suicide Squad]] for one mission, in exchange for prison release. Penguin helped them plan a top secret mission where they rescued imprisoned author [[Zoya Trigorin (New Earth)|Zoya Trigorin]] from the [[Soviet Union]]. He was forced to accompany them behind enemy lines, because [[Richard Flag, Jr. (New Earth)|Rick Flag]] wanted him to have a stake in his own plans.<ref>{{c|Suicide Squad Vol 1 5}}</ref> They were forced to fight the Russian army, and Penguin was nearly killed.<ref>{{c|Suicide Squad Vol 1 6}}</ref> In the confrontation, Penguin realized Russia is not an appropriate country for him or his criminal activities and after a deadly mission, they escape the country.<ref>{{c|Suicide Squad Vol 1 7}}</ref>
  +
  +
===Crimes and Affairs===
  +
Upon returning to Gotham, Penguin returned to prison, where he met [[Mortimer Kadaver (New Earth)|Mortimer Kadaver]]. While in prison, they came up with a breakout plan and it all started with Penguin's sudden death. The Penguin was buried after his fake death, thanks to Kadaver who used hypnosis to send Penguin into a death-like trance.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 610}}</ref> His henchmen released Penguin from his tomb and once he was revived, he was forced to accept Kadaver into his gang and they started a crime spree. Eventually, Penguin double-crossed Kadaver and shortly afterwards, he was stopped by Batman.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 611}}</ref>{{Image|Batman Vol 1 448.jpg|The Penguin Affair|right}}
  +
  +
Penguin soon arranged his own escape from prison and located [[Harold Allnut (New Earth)|Harold Allnut]], a mechanics and engineering genius who Penguin manipulated to create a bird controlling device. Harold's machine allowed Penguin to control large flocks of birds with microwaves, forcing the animals to create chaos and destruction in Gotham.<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 448}}</ref> Penguin's intention was to sell the machine to international criminals and kill Harold afterwards, but part of his plan was also the kidnapping of a notorious actress, with whom Penguin had become infatuated. Using the bird device, Penguin kidnapped the actress and attacked Batman in the [[Batcave]].<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 615}}</ref> However, as he was selling the invention to other criminals, Penguin's plan was thwarted by Batman, who had deduced the device's mechanism, and Harold himself, who turned against Penguin, allowing Batman's ultimate victory over Cobblepot.<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 449}}</ref>
   
−
===Crime Lord===
 +
===Legitimate Businessman===
−
Penguin established himself as a legitimate businessman in charge of his nightclub, the [[Iceberg Lounge]]. However, it was just a facade in order to control criminal activities from a privileged position.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #683}}</ref>
 +
Penguin eventually established himself as a legitimate businessman in charge of his nightclub, the [[Iceberg Lounge]]. However, it was just a facade in order to control criminal activities from a privileged position.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 683}}</ref>
   
 
<!-- City of Crime -->
  
<!-- City of Crime -->
−
After a while, Penguin organized a large criminal ring that consisted on kidnapping pregnant girls and sell their kids to adoption. However, Penguin was attacked by a strange villain and the penthouse of the Iceberg Lounge was bombed when his crime was revealed.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #803}}</ref>
 +
After a while, Penguin organized a large criminal ring that consisted on kidnapping pregnant girls and sell their kids to adoption. However, Penguin was attacked by a strange villain and the penthouse of the Iceberg Lounge was bombed when his crime was revealed.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 803}}</ref>
   
−
Penguin survived the explosion and learned that the people behind the attack were a new group called [[The Body]]. Penguin then gathered three helicopters and attacked a large group of members of The Body, saving Batman in the process. Before leaving, Penguin warned Batman about the new enemy.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #806}}</ref>
 +
Penguin survived the explosion and learned that the people behind the attack were a new group called [[The Body]]. Penguin then gathered three helicopters and attacked a large group of members of The Body, saving Batman in the process. Before leaving, Penguin warned Batman about the new enemy.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 806}}</ref>
   
 
<!-- War Games -->
  
<!-- War Games -->
−
When the [[Batman: War Games|great gang war]] broke out in Gotham, Penguin auctioned weapons he stole from the [[United States Navy|US Navy]],<ref>{{c|Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #182}}</ref> as well as meta-humans and assassins among the many gang parties in Gotham. During this time, Penguin was confronted by [[Thomas Elliot (New Earth)|Hush]], who was looking for Riddler.<ref>{{c|Batman: Gotham Knights #56}}</ref> Shorly after, Gotham was drowned in chaos and the police ordered a civil curfew for the entire city. Penguin took control of the Gotham Power Company and caused a massive blackout in the city.<ref>{{c|Nightwing Vol 2 97}}</ref>
 +
When the [[Batman: War Games|great gang war]] broke out in Gotham, Penguin auctioned weapons he stole from the [[United States Navy|US Navy]],<ref>{{c|Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Vol 1 182}}</ref> as well as meta-humans and assassins among the many gang parties in Gotham. During this time, Penguin was confronted by [[Thomas Elliot (New Earth)|Hush]], who was looking for [[Edward Nashton (New Earth)|Riddler]].<ref>{{c|Batman: Gotham Knights Vol 1 56}}</ref> Shorly after, Gotham was drowned in chaos and the police ordered a civil curfew for the entire city. Penguin took control of the Gotham Power Company and caused a massive blackout in the city.<ref>{{c|Nightwing Vol 2 97}}</ref>
   
 
===Infinite Crisis===
  
===Infinite Crisis===
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While the Penguin was away from Gotham City, the [[Great White Shark]] and the [[Tally Man II (New Earth)|Tally Man]] killed many of the villains who worked for the Penguin (including the [[The KGBeast|KGBeast]], [[Magpie]], [[Orca]] and the [[Ventriloquist]]), and framed [[Harvey Dent (New Earth)|Harvey Dent]]. The Shark had planned to take over Gotham's criminal syndicate and weaken all his competition - Penguin included. Upon his return to Gotham, the Penguin continues to claim that he has gone "straight" and reopened the Iceberg Lounge nightclub, selling overpriced penguin merchandise. He urges the [[Edward Nashton (New Earth)|Riddler]] to avoid crime, as it's more lucrative in their current, non-criminal lifestyle.
  
While the Penguin was away from Gotham City, the [[Great White Shark]] and the [[Tally Man II (New Earth)|Tally Man]] killed many of the villains who worked for the Penguin (including the [[The KGBeast|KGBeast]], [[Magpie]], [[Orca]] and the [[Ventriloquist]]), and framed [[Harvey Dent (New Earth)|Harvey Dent]]. The Shark had planned to take over Gotham's criminal syndicate and weaken all his competition - Penguin included. Upon his return to Gotham, the Penguin continues to claim that he has gone "straight" and reopened the Iceberg Lounge nightclub, selling overpriced penguin merchandise. He urges the [[Edward Nashton (New Earth)|Riddler]] to avoid crime, as it's more lucrative in their current, non-criminal lifestyle.
   
  +
===Batman R.I.P.===
−
<!-- Heart of Hush -->
  
  ⚫
{{Main|Batman R.I.P.}}
−
Penguin was briefly approached by [[Samuel Bradley (New Earth)|Slam Bradley]] who wanted information over Hush's current whereabouts.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #850}}</ref>
 +
Penguin was briefly approached by [[Samuel Bradley (New Earth)|Slam Bradley]] who wanted information over Hush's current whereabouts.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 850}}</ref>
   
  +
When Batman disappeared from Gotham, Penguin was the first target of the vigilantes of the city.
−
<!-- Outsiders -->
  
⚫
When Batman disappeared from Gotham, [[Cassandra Cain (New Earth)|Batgirl]] attacked Penguin in order to learn Batman's location, but Penguin knew nothing about it. Furthermore and due to her agressive attack on him, Penguin ended his partnership with Batman.<ref>[[Batman and the Outsiders Vol 2 11]]</ref>
  
   
  ⚫
Robin talked to Penguin and offered a large amount of money in exchange of information about Batman's whereabouts.<ref>{{c|Robin Vol 2 175}}</ref> Shorly after, Penguin showed Robin a picture proving that Batman was alive but somehow insane.<ref>{{c|Robin Vol 2 176}}</ref> Some days later, [[Cassandra Cain (New Earth)|Batgirl]] attacked Penguin in order to learn Batman's location, but Penguin knew nothing about it. Furthermore and due to her agressive attack on him, Penguin ended his partnership with Batman.<ref>{{c|Batman and the Outsiders Vol 2 11}}</ref>
⚫
A few days later, Penguin was pleased to let the meta-human criminals of Gotham get rid of [[Intergang (New Earth)|Intergang]] for him. Penguin even applauded [[Robert Langstrom (New Earth)|Man-Bat]] after he massacred some men of Intergang, who had been using the [[Iceberg Lounge]] as a meeting point.<ref>[[Batman and the Outsiders Vol 2 13]]</ref>
  
   
  ⚫
A few days later, Penguin was pleased to let the meta-human criminals of Gotham get rid of [[Intergang (New Earth)|Intergang]] for him. Penguin even applauded [[Robert Langstrom (New Earth)|Man-Bat]] after he massacred some men of Intergang, who had been using the [[Iceberg Lounge]] as a meeting point.<ref>{{c|Batman and the Outsiders Vol 2 13}}</ref>
−
===Back to Crime===
  
  +
⚫
The Penguin has recently returned to be a prominent figure in [[Gotham City]]'s criminal society after the rise and fall of the new [[Jeremiah Arkham (New Earth)|Black Mask]]. Around this time, the Penguin employed a henchman named [[Bossworth]]. During a meeting with members of the Penitente drug cartel, the Penguin was attacked by [[Jason Todd (New Earth)|Red Hood]] who nearly killed Cobblepot and [[Gabriel Santo (New Earth)|Gabriel Santo]].
  
  +
===Battle for the Cowl===
  +
{{Main|Batman: Battle for the Cowl}}
  +
After the death of Batman, Penguin became one of the main crime lords in Gotham. Around this time, Penguin was informed that someone had damaged [[Harvey Dent (New Earth)|Two-Face]]'s crime ring and he was taking the blame for the hit.<ref>{{c|Batman: Battle for the Cowl Vol 1 2}}</ref> When Penguin learned that the responsible was a new [[Jeremiah Arkham (New Earth)|Black Mask]], he hired Riddler's service as a detective to find the criminal. However, Black Mask struck first by sending [[Garfield Lynns (New Earth)|Firefly]] to kill Penguin, but the pyromaniac was stopped by Catwoman. Penguin's forces were weakened but the crime lord emerged unscathed.<ref>{{c|Battle for the Cowl: The Underground Vol 1 1}}</ref>
  +
  +
Some time later, word about [[Victoria Vale (New Earth)|Vicki Vale]]'s discovery of Batman's secret identity was spread in the underground of Gotham and Penguin started looking for the reporter to capture her. When a couple of amateur criminals wanted to join Penguin's crew, he sent them to kidnap Vale and bring her back to him, but they failed miserably.<ref>{{c|Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Commissioner Gordon Vol 1 1}}</ref>
  +
  ⚫
During a meeting with members of the Penitente drug cartel, the Penguin was attacked by [[Jason Todd (New Earth)|Red Hood]] who nearly killed Cobblepot and [[Gabriel Santo (New Earth)|Gabriel Santo]].
  +
  +
===Convergence===
  +
{{Convergence}}
  +
{{Incomplete}}
  +
Penguin and Gotham were taken by [[Vril Dox (Futures End)|Brainiac]] and [[Arak (Prime Earth)|Telos]] and were trapped for a year. Cobblepot attempts to force Ivy to work for him, but he is foiled by, Batman, Robin, Red Hood and Scarlet.
   
 
| Powers =
 
| Powers =
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** {{Business Management}}: Oswald's criminal operations would succeed without a hitch if not for the actions of [[Batman]]. Oswald has existed both above and below the law with his businesses; running a legitimate night club as well as selling drugs from within it.
  
** {{Business Management}}: Oswald's criminal operations would succeed without a hitch if not for the actions of [[Batman]]. Oswald has existed both above and below the law with his businesses; running a legitimate night club as well as selling drugs from within it.
 
** {{Leadership}}: Penguin always travels with henchmen on any criminal mission or even to the zoo. He controls bodyguards, chefs, servants, gang members, villains and so on with masterful talent. Oswald has led both legal and illegal operations within [[Gotham City]]; under any conditions.
  
** {{Leadership}}: Penguin always travels with henchmen on any criminal mission or even to the zoo. He controls bodyguards, chefs, servants, gang members, villains and so on with masterful talent. Oswald has led both legal and illegal operations within [[Gotham City]]; under any conditions.
−
** '''Avian Trainer''': Penguin has used his knowledge of birds for criminal purposes as well as personal purposes. Like [[Catwoman]] does with cats, he shares a special kinship with birds, especially the [[wikipedia:African penguin|African penguin]].
+
** {{Animal Training|Avian Trainer}}: Penguin has used his knowledge of birds for criminal purposes as well as personal purposes. Like [[Catwoman]] does with cats, he shares a special kinship with birds, especially the [[wikipedia:African penguin|African penguin]].
  +
** {{Hand-to-Hand Combat (Advanced)}}: Oswald dedicated part of his life to the martial arts, to beat those who mocked his appearance. Being a master in judo and boxing<ref>{{c|Secret Origins Special Vol 2 1}}</ref>
 
* '''Cold Tolerance''': The Penguin can tolerate sub-freezing temperatures longer than most people. He can spend extended times outdoors in the winter before frostbite, hypothermia or even discomfort begin. This ability is not superhuman; he is just at the far end of normal human cold tolerance.
  
* '''Cold Tolerance''': The Penguin can tolerate sub-freezing temperatures longer than most people. He can spend extended times outdoors in the winter before frostbite, hypothermia or even discomfort begin. This ability is not superhuman; he is just at the far end of normal human cold tolerance.
   
 
| Strength =
 
| Strength =
 
| Weaknesses =
 
| Weaknesses =
  +
* {{Mental Illness|Obsession}}: Cobblepot, at least in his early career, is obsessed with commiting avian-themed crimes and bird motifs.
−  
 
| Equipment =
 
| Equipment =
 
| Transportation =
 
| Transportation =
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* '''[[Penguin's Umbrella|Trick Umbrellas]]''': The Penguin employs an assortment of "trick" umbrellas, many of which can be used as weapons as well. A few of his umbrellas are equipped with motorized flight capabilities, and he often uses such devices in order to affect an expedient escape.
 
* '''[[Penguin's Umbrella|Trick Umbrellas]]''': The Penguin employs an assortment of "trick" umbrellas, many of which can be used as weapons as well. A few of his umbrellas are equipped with motorized flight capabilities, and he often uses such devices in order to affect an expedient escape.
   
  +
| Notes = * '''[[Oswald Cobblepot (Earth-Two)|The Penguin]]''' first appeared in [[Earth-Two]] continuity in {{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 58}} by [[Bill Finger]] and [[Bob Kane]]. He first appeared in [[Post-Crisis]] [[New Earth]] continuity in {{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 568}} by [[Joey Cavalieri]] and [[Klaus Janson]].
⚫
| Notes =
 
  +
−
* In a Saturday Night Live skit called "Superman's Funeral," the Penguin attended Superman's Funeral and made the same sound he made for laughing as he did when he cried.
  
−
* In the continuity of the ''[[Super Friends Vol 1|Super Friends]]'' comic book series, the Penguin was the leader of a team of villains known as the Super Foes. The Super Foes were analogous to the [[Legion of Doom]] from the [[Super Friends (TV Series)|Super Friends cartoon]] series. The Penguin recruited his own personal sidekick, [[Chick]], and instructed him to infiltrate the [[Hall of Justice]].
  
 
| Trivia =
 
| Trivia =
−
* The Penguin's corpulence and short height causes him to waddle when he walks, giving credence to the distasteful "Penguin" sobriquet that has plagued him all of his life. Adding to the unflattering pseudonym, Cobblepot also has a distended, pointy nose which closely resembles a bird’s beak.
+
* The Penguin's corpulence and short height causes him to waddle when he walks, giving credence to the distasteful "Penguin" sobriquet that has plagued him all of his life. Adding to the unflattering pseudonym, Cobblepot also has a distended, pointy nose which closely resembles a bird's beak.
⚫
| Recommended = {{Penguin RR}}
  
   
−
| Wikipedia = Penguin (comics)
 +
| Recommended = {{Penguin RR}}
  +
| DC = None
  ⚫
| Wikipedia = Penguin (character)
 
| Links =
 
| Links =
 
}}
  
}}
  +
⚫
{{Batman}}
  
 
{{Outsiders}}
  
{{Outsiders}}
 
{{Suicide Squad}}
  
{{Suicide Squad}}
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[[Category:Secret Society of Super-Villains III members]]
  
[[Category:Secret Society of Super-Villains III members]]
 
[[Category:Independently Wealthy]]
  
[[Category:Independently Wealthy]]
  +
[[Category:Monocles]]

Revision as of 17:35, 19 February 2020

Quote1 Whatever Penguin might be, he's anything but a buffoon. He plans his crimes with military precision. His thinking is brilliant-- circuitous and multi-leveled. His appearance makes you want to underestimate him, but don't fall into that trap. - His major fault is his massive ego. He thinks he's as physically adept as he is intelligent. If he allowed able-bodied henchmen to commit his crimes rather than trying to do it himself... our job would be far more difficult. Quote2
— Batman src


The Penguin is a fancy criminal and self-styled entrepreneur, who uses his business as a front to cover his criminal activities. Penguin started as many criminals in Gotham City, by performing crimes with a specific theme surrounding birds. Eventually, Penguin outgrew his hands-on crimes and became the mastermind of organized crime in Gotham, making him a valuable asset for both criminals and heroes alike.

Origins and Early Crimes

Born Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot, the Penguin was bullied as a child for his short stature, obesity, and beak-like nose. These traits made him an outcast in his rich, high society family; their rejection drove him to become a criminal. When Penguin was a young child, his father died of pneumonia after being drenched in a downpour. Because of this, his mother became over-protective and forced him to carry an umbrella whenever he went outside — even on sunny days. In keeping with his family's tradition of wealth, the Penguin lives a life of crime, yet executes it with his own self-proclaimed class and style.

Unlike most of the villains in Gotham, the Penguin is a gentleman villain, in control of his own actions and perfectly sane, features that serve to maintain a unique relationship with his archenemy, Batman. During the early days after Batman's appearance, Cobblepot joined Harvey Dent AKA Two-Face, and several other Gotham criminals to bring down the crime family led by Sofia Falcone. Cobblepot was only with the group very briefly and was arrested after a firefight at the docks with Tony Zucco and Eddie Skeevers.

Later, Penguin managed to get a hold of a lethal drug developed by Ra's al Ghul, but his plans of spreading it in Gotham and use it to blackmail the city were stopped by Batman and Talia, Ra's' daughter.[2]

Suicide Squad

The Penguin attempted to steal rare falcons from the Gotham University, but his plan was thwarted by Batman and he was arrested.[3] When he was released on parole, he claimed to have fallen in love and gone straight. His new girlfriend wouldn't tolerate criminal behavior. Cobblepot ran a legitimate umbrella factory staffed by ex-cons, but he was sent back to prison because this counts as "consorting with known felons."[4]

Much later, Amanda Waller recruited him to the Suicide Squad for one mission, in exchange for prison release. Penguin helped them plan a top secret mission where they rescued imprisoned author Zoya Trigorin from the Soviet Union. He was forced to accompany them behind enemy lines, because Rick Flag wanted him to have a stake in his own plans.[5] They were forced to fight the Russian army, and Penguin was nearly killed.[6] In the confrontation, Penguin realized Russia is not an appropriate country for him or his criminal activities and after a deadly mission, they escape the country.[7]

Crimes and Affairs

Upon returning to Gotham, Penguin returned to prison, where he met Mortimer Kadaver. While in prison, they came up with a breakout plan and it all started with Penguin's sudden death. The Penguin was buried after his fake death, thanks to Kadaver who used hypnosis to send Penguin into a death-like trance.[8] His henchmen released Penguin from his tomb and once he was revived, he was forced to accept Kadaver into his gang and they started a crime spree. Eventually, Penguin double-crossed Kadaver and shortly afterwards, he was stopped by Batman.[9]

Batman Vol 1 448

The Penguin Affair

Penguin soon arranged his own escape from prison and located Harold Allnut, a mechanics and engineering genius who Penguin manipulated to create a bird controlling device. Harold's machine allowed Penguin to control large flocks of birds with microwaves, forcing the animals to create chaos and destruction in Gotham.[10] Penguin's intention was to sell the machine to international criminals and kill Harold afterwards, but part of his plan was also the kidnapping of a notorious actress, with whom Penguin had become infatuated. Using the bird device, Penguin kidnapped the actress and attacked Batman in the Batcave.[11] However, as he was selling the invention to other criminals, Penguin's plan was thwarted by Batman, who had deduced the device's mechanism, and Harold himself, who turned against Penguin, allowing Batman's ultimate victory over Cobblepot.[12]

Legitimate Businessman

Penguin eventually established himself as a legitimate businessman in charge of his nightclub, the Iceberg Lounge. However, it was just a facade in order to control criminal activities from a privileged position.[13]

After a while, Penguin organized a large criminal ring that consisted on kidnapping pregnant girls and sell their kids to adoption. However, Penguin was attacked by a strange villain and the penthouse of the Iceberg Lounge was bombed when his crime was revealed.[14]

Penguin survived the explosion and learned that the people behind the attack were a new group called The Body. Penguin then gathered three helicopters and attacked a large group of members of The Body, saving Batman in the process. Before leaving, Penguin warned Batman about the new enemy.[15]

When the great gang war broke out in Gotham, Penguin auctioned weapons he stole from the US Navy,[16] as well as meta-humans and assassins among the many gang parties in Gotham. During this time, Penguin was confronted by Hush, who was looking for Riddler.[17] Shorly after, Gotham was drowned in chaos and the police ordered a civil curfew for the entire city. Penguin took control of the Gotham Power Company and caused a massive blackout in the city.[18]

Infinite Crisis

The Penguin becomes swept up in the events of Infinite Crisis. He is part of the Battle of Metropolis, a multi-character brawl started by the Secret Society of Super Villains. The Penguin, along with several other villains, are bowled over by the surprise appearance of Bart Allen.

One Year Later

While the Penguin was away from Gotham City, the Great White Shark and the Tally Man killed many of the villains who worked for the Penguin (including the KGBeast, Magpie, Orca and the Ventriloquist), and framed Harvey Dent. The Shark had planned to take over Gotham's criminal syndicate and weaken all his competition - Penguin included. Upon his return to Gotham, the Penguin continues to claim that he has gone "straight" and reopened the Iceberg Lounge nightclub, selling overpriced penguin merchandise. He urges the Riddler to avoid crime, as it's more lucrative in their current, non-criminal lifestyle.

Batman R.I.P.

 Main article: Batman R.I.P.

Penguin was briefly approached by Slam Bradley who wanted information over Hush's current whereabouts.[19]

When Batman disappeared from Gotham, Penguin was the first target of the vigilantes of the city.

Robin talked to Penguin and offered a large amount of money in exchange of information about Batman's whereabouts.[20] Shorly after, Penguin showed Robin a picture proving that Batman was alive but somehow insane.[21] Some days later, Batgirl attacked Penguin in order to learn Batman's location, but Penguin knew nothing about it. Furthermore and due to her agressive attack on him, Penguin ended his partnership with Batman.[22]

A few days later, Penguin was pleased to let the meta-human criminals of Gotham get rid of Intergang for him. Penguin even applauded Man-Bat after he massacred some men of Intergang, who had been using the Iceberg Lounge as a meeting point.[23]

Battle for the Cowl

 Main article: Batman: Battle for the Cowl

After the death of Batman, Penguin became one of the main crime lords in Gotham. Around this time, Penguin was informed that someone had damaged Two-Face's crime ring and he was taking the blame for the hit.[24] When Penguin learned that the responsible was a new Black Mask, he hired Riddler's service as a detective to find the criminal. However, Black Mask struck first by sending Firefly to kill Penguin, but the pyromaniac was stopped by Catwoman. Penguin's forces were weakened but the crime lord emerged unscathed.[25]

Some time later, word about Vicki Vale's discovery of Batman's secret identity was spread in the underground of Gotham and Penguin started looking for the reporter to capture her. When a couple of amateur criminals wanted to join Penguin's crew, he sent them to kidnap Vale and bring her back to him, but they failed miserably.[26]

During a meeting with members of the Penitente drug cartel, the Penguin was attacked by Red Hood who nearly killed Cobblepot and Gabriel Santo.

Convergence

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Convergence
This section of the history takes place during Convergence, a massive crossover event revisiting characters from past eras and realities. The villains Brainiac and Telos plucked them from their own timeline and stored them together, causing them to cross over into each others' reality. Its precise chronological placement and canonicity may be unclear.
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Penguin and Gotham were taken by Brainiac and Telos and were trapped for a year. Cobblepot attempts to force Ivy to work for him, but he is foiled by, Batman, Robin, Red Hood and Scarlet.


Abilities

  • Genius Level Intellect: From an early age Penguin was never very physically strong or appealing and this forced him to learn to live life with a keen intellect. It should be noted that his intellect is almost always sinister in nature even in the most mundane of decisions.
    • Business Management: Oswald's criminal operations would succeed without a hitch if not for the actions of Batman. Oswald has existed both above and below the law with his businesses; running a legitimate night club as well as selling drugs from within it.
    • Leadership: Penguin always travels with henchmen on any criminal mission or even to the zoo. He controls bodyguards, chefs, servants, gang members, villains and so on with masterful talent. Oswald has led both legal and illegal operations within Gotham City; under any conditions.
    • Avian Trainer: Penguin has used his knowledge of birds for criminal purposes as well as personal purposes. Like Catwoman does with cats, he shares a special kinship with birds, especially the African penguin.
    • Hand-to-Hand Combat (Advanced): Oswald dedicated part of his life to the martial arts, to beat those who mocked his appearance. Being a master in judo and boxing[27]
  • Cold Tolerance: The Penguin can tolerate sub-freezing temperatures longer than most people. He can spend extended times outdoors in the winter before frostbite, hypothermia or even discomfort begin. This ability is not superhuman; he is just at the far end of normal human cold tolerance.

Weaknesses

  • Obsession: Cobblepot, at least in his early career, is obsessed with commiting avian-themed crimes and bird motifs.


Weapons

  • Trick Umbrellas: The Penguin employs an assortment of "trick" umbrellas, many of which can be used as weapons as well. A few of his umbrellas are equipped with motorized flight capabilities, and he often uses such devices in order to affect an expedient escape.


  • The Penguin's corpulence and short height causes him to waddle when he walks, giving credence to the distasteful "Penguin" sobriquet that has plagued him all of his life. Adding to the unflattering pseudonym, Cobblepot also has a distended, pointy nose which closely resembles a bird's beak.

Related

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Gotham Underground #9
  2. ↑ Detective Comics Annual #1
  3. ↑ Detective Comics #568
  4. ↑ Batman Annual #11
  5. ↑ Suicide Squad #5
  6. ↑ Suicide Squad #6
  7. ↑ Suicide Squad #7
  8. ↑ Detective Comics #610
  9. ↑ Detective Comics #611
  10. ↑ Batman #448
  11. ↑ Detective Comics #615
  12. ↑ Batman #449
  13. ↑ Detective Comics #683
  14. ↑ Detective Comics #803
  15. ↑ Detective Comics #806
  16. ↑ Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #182
  17. ↑ Batman: Gotham Knights #56
  18. ↑ Nightwing (Volume 2) #97
  19. ↑ Detective Comics #850
  20. ↑ Robin (Volume 2) #175
  21. ↑ Robin (Volume 2) #176
  22. ↑ Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #11
  23. ↑ Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #13
  24. ↑ Batman: Battle for the Cowl #2
  25. ↑ Battle for the Cowl: The Underground #1
  26. ↑ Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Commissioner Gordon #1
  27. ↑ Secret Origins Special (Volume 2) #1


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