As a lifelong fan of the Dark Knight, I must say that the intricate web of characters and their intertwining stories in “The Penguin” is nothing short of captivating. The inclusion of Marcus Wise, a character first introduced in “Robin” Vol. 2 #170, showcases the rich tapestry of narratives that the creators are drawing from to flesh out this series.
As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement about the upcoming installment in Matt Reeves’s gripping crime saga, which kicked off with “The Batman” in 2022 and is set to continue with “The Batman – Part II,” scheduled for release in 2026. The intriguing tale of “The Penguin” serves as the second act in this epic narrative, unfolding only a week after The Riddler’s chaotic flooding of Gotham City.
Initially, much attention in The Penguin‘s early media coverage focused on playing down its comic book aspects. This was demonstrated by the character’s name change from Oswald Copplepott to Oz Cobb and the announcement that he would no longer wear the traditional top hat. However, it’s worth noting that some of the series’ secondary characters share roots with those found in Batman comics.
In “The Penguin”, we encounter several infamous gangster antagonists often seen in early Batman tales, as he embarks on his journey to combat crime. These are the underworld figures who will eventually be overshadowed by a fresh crop of criminals – the emergence of super villains. This transition was hinted at in “The Batman’s” conclusion, where The Riddler and The Joker had a clandestine conversation. Here’s a breakdown of all the DC characters featured in “The Penguin”.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for the first 3 episodes of The Penguin.
8 Oz Cobb/The Penguin
In the 2022 movie The Batman, Oz Cobb, the main character from The Penguin, was introduced. This role was played by actor Colin Farrell and he carries over this part in the HBO series. The film established Oz as the proprietor of The Iceberg Lounge, a hangout for many criminal figures in Gotham’s underworld. He serves as the right-hand man to crime boss Carmine Falcone, yet Falcone never held him in high regard. This dynamic sets the stage for Oz’s ambition to seize power in his own TV show later on.
As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t stand the moniker “The Penguin” that folks sling my way. You see, it’s not just a joke about how I walk – there’s a hint of mockery in the waddle comparison because of my club foot. But life hasn’t always been this way for me. I lost two brothers when I was still young and growing up, leaving me as the sole caregiver to my mother. It’s an ongoing challenge, but it’s shaped who I am today.
Comic Book and Past Adaptations
Originally recognized as Oswald Cobblepot, The Penguin first appeared in Detective Comics #58 back in December 1941, a creation of Bob Kane and Bill Finger. This character is one of Batman’s most enduring adversaries, having been part of his rogues gallery for over eight decades. Commonly referred to as a “criminal gentleman,” he straddles the divide between Gotham’s old-school gangsters and the emerging supervillains of today.
The character gained massive recognition due to Burgess Meredith’s portrayal in the ’60s Batman series. Later, in Batman Returns (1992), Danny DeVito brought a completely revamped, monstrous version of The Penguin to life. Lastly, Robin Lord Taylor introduced a fresh, contemporary interpretation of The Penguin for modern audiences through his portrayal on the show Gotham.
7 Sofia Falcone
Sofia Falcone, portrayed by the actress Cristin Milioti known from “How I Met Your Mother”, is the child of Carmine Falcone, the sister of Alberto Falcone, and a half-sibling to Selina Kyle/Catwoman. She had been imprisoned in Arkham Asylum due to a string of violent killings, and has just come out from confinement.
Although Carmine Falcone’s former associates are biased towards viewing a woman like Sofia with disdain because they perceive her as operating in a male-dominated world and unstable, they should not underestimate her. In reality, Sofia is both intelligent and ruthless, and she aims to avenge her brother and seize control over her father’s criminal organization.
The Hangman Killer
Sofia Falcone was introduced by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale in “Batman: The Long Halloween” #6, which hit shelves in May 1997. In a fateful turn of events, Catwoman shoved her out of a window; however, it was later unveiled that she miraculously survived the fall during the 1999 to 2000 series “Batman: Dark Victory,” the follow-up to “The Long Halloween.” To conceal her new role as Gotham City’s latest murderer, known as The Hangman, Sofia feigns the need for a wheelchair and wears a neckbrace. Actress Crystal Reed portrayed Sofia Falcone on the television series “Gotham.
6 Alberto Falcone
In the movie “The Batman”, Alberto Falcone, the drug-addicted son of Carmine Falcone, appears poised to take over the Falcone crime family following his father’s demise. However, due to his abrasive personality, he is met with a violent end at the hands of Oz, who shoots and kills Alberto. This tragic event serves as the catalyst for the ensuing series events. Insights into Alberto’s character are primarily obtained through news reports or his own sister, who shares that he regularly visited her at Arkham Asylum and expressed a desire to free her. Michael Zegen, famously known for his role in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, portrays Alberto Falcone in the film.
The Holiday Killer
In October 1996, much like my sister Sofia, I made my debut in “Batman: The Long Halloween” #1. The brilliant minds behind my creation were Jeph Loeb, the writer, and Tim Sale, the artist. Contrasting with the Penguin’s sidekick, I appear to be a meek character initially, not one whom Carmine Falcone desires to lead his criminal empire.
Alberto plays a significant antagonist role in the comic “The Long Halloween,” unmasked as The Holiday Killer, who cold-bloodedly murders family members to establish notoriety. Given his prominence earlier, his demise in “The Penguin” came as quite a surprise for readers.
5 Salvatore Maroni
Salvatore Maroni was hinted at being a major criminal apprehended by the Gotham City Police Department in “The Batman,” with assistance from his adversary Carmine Falcone. He later materializes in “The Penguin,” portrayed by Clancy Brown, who has previously worked within the DC Universe as he provided the voice for Lex Luthor in “Superman: The Animated Series” and “Justice League Unlimited.
Maroni, who’s currently serving time at Blackgate Penitentiary, has a unique background. His spouse, Nadia Maroni, is linked to Iranian criminal organizations. This means that while the majority of the Maroni crime family is of Italian descent, there’s also a significant Persian influence. This suggests that Maroni holds his wife in high regard and values her culture deeply. Their son, Taj Maroni, is involved in managing the family’s criminal activities and has recently entered into an arrangement with Oz Cobb.
The Man Who Made Two-Face
Initially introduced in Detective Comics issue #66 (August 1942), Salvatore “Sal” Maroni is a character that was brought to life by Batman creators Bill Finger and Bob Kane. This character gained notoriety for scarring Harvey Dent during a court trial, subsequently turning him into the villain Two-Face. In the comic books, Tony Zucco – one of Maroni’s enforcers – is also responsible for the tragic deaths of Dick Grayson’s parents, setting him on the journey towards becoming Robin. Previously, Eric Roberts and David Zayas have portrayed Maroni in The Dark Knight and Gotham respectively.
4 Johnny Viti
Johnny Viti serves as an underboss within the Falcone crime family, yet he expresses contempt towards Oz Cobb, often doubting him and attempting to assert his authority over him. In a clandestine relationship is Johnny with Tina Falcone, who is none other than Luca Falcone’s wife. Interestingly enough, Luca Falcone holds a special place in Johnny’s family as well, serving as Johnny’s father-in-law. Michael Kelly portrays this intriguing character; the same actor who brought Steve Lombard to life in the 2013 film Man of Steel.
Destined to Die
John Vitti was brought to life by writer Frank Miller and artist David Mazzucchelli, and first appeared in Batman comic book issue #407 in May 1987 within the acclaimed “Batman: Year One” storyline. He is recognized for being the gangster who kidnapped Jim Gordon’s son, James Gordon Jr., and his act of tossing the child off a bridge may have had profound psychological effects that led to him becoming a serial killer as an adult. Eventually, John Vitti meets his end in “Batman: The Long Halloween” #1, serving as the first victim of The Holiday Killer.
3 Milos Grapa
Milos Falcone, once a bodyguard for Carmine Falcone, did not appear in “The Batman”. Presently, he holds a significant position within the Falcone Crime family and appears to hold a prominent seat at their table, earning great respect. Actor James Madio portrays him, having previously played a henchman for a criminal in the superhero movie “Kick-Ass”.
A Lesser Known Comic Character
Similar to several characters from the comic “The Penguin”, Milos Grapa made his debut in Batman: The Long Halloween #1, a creation of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale. In this graphic novel, he is portrayed as Carmine Falcone’s loyal bodyguard and confidant. Tragically, Milos meets his end in issue #3, becoming the Holiday Killer’s victim on Christmas Day. Notably, The Penguin serves as Milos Grapa’s first live-action portrayal.
2 Detective Marcus Wise
In the second episode of “The Penguin,” titled “Inside Man,” we are introduced to the character Marcus Wise. He is a detective from the Gotham City Police Department, but unbeknownst to many, he is secretly working for Carmine Falcone while battling an addiction to a fictional drug known as drops. After a raid on their drop shipment by the Maronis, Sofia Falcone enlists Wise to find the mole within their operation. Despite his disheveled appearance and seemingly ineffective work, he comes close to exposing Oz’s betrayal by capturing Ervad Hakimi, one of Maroni’s enforcers. Craig Walker portrays Marcus Wise on “The Penguin.
A Robin Connection
In March 2008, Marcus Wise made his first appearance in Robin Volume 2, Issue 170. This character was conceived by writer Chuck Dixon and portrays a crooked police officer within the Gotham City Police Department. Marcus Wise is a secondary figure who last surfaced in 2010, prior to the New 52. Although Marcus Wise isn’t usually featured in tales from the early years of Gotham, his inclusion demonstrates that the creators are drawing inspiration from various periods.
1 Carmine Falcone
As a passionate cinephile immersed in the world of Gotham City, I can confidently say that none reigned supreme in the criminal underworld quite like Carmine Falcone in “The Batman.” His influence stretched far and wide, entangling him with all the key players. He was, unbeknownst to many, Selina Kyle’s/Catwoman’s father, held sway over The Penguin as his boss, and had a connection to Bruce Wayne/Batman’s late father. Tragically, he met his end at the hands of The Riddler.
In the movie, John Turturro originally played the character, but for The Penguin, it has been confirmed that Mark Strong will take on the role in flashback sequences as Turturro was unavailable. This is Strong’s third significant role as a DC villain, following his portrayal of Sinestro in Green Lantern (2011) and Dr. Sivana in Shazam! (2019), with a brief appearance in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023).
The Most Famous Gangster in Gotham
Carmine Falcone is easily one of Batman’s most famous gangster criminals. He was created by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli and debuted in Batman #405 in 1987 during the Batman: Year One storyline.
In the comic book “Batman: Year One,” Catwoman inflicts three deep scratches on Falcone’s face. Later, in the storyline of “The Long Halloween,” Falcone meets his demise at the hands of Two-Face.
In the movie “The Batman,” plot elements heavily borrowed from the story arcs of the character Carmine Falcone, notably the notion that Thomas Wayne saved a young Carmine Falcone by performing surgery on him at his mansion. The film reveals that Falcone physically harmed Selina Kyle’s mother and is her biological father, while the comics are less clear on this point. Tom Wilkinson portrayed Carmine Falcone in “Batman Begins,” and John Doman played the character in “Gotham.
The Penguin
is now available to stream on Max with new episodes dropping each week.
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2024-10-08 00:02