Are you excited about HBO’s The Penguin? With the debut episode of Colin Farrell’s crime drama garnering rave reviews and the second episode dropping this weekend, it only seemed right that this week’s Weekend Escape spotlight Oswald Cobblepot.

The Penguin has lost everything in The Prodigal Bird, the first collected edition of DC’s recently concluded Penguin series from Tom King and Rafael De Latorre. Now he’s reclaiming his empire and destroying anybody who stands in the way. Oswald Cobbelpot might seem like a goofy man with an umbrella, but you’re about to find out why he’s one of Batman’s greatest foes.

While The Prodigal Bird isn’t set in the same continuity as Colin Farrell’s version of the Penguin, the comic offers an equally compelling look at the criminal mastermind and serves as a great companion piece to the show. Best of all, if you like this first collection and want more, you can immediately dive into the second half of the series, which as of next week can be read in full on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.
 

The Premise:

Oswald Cobblepot thought he had left his life as the Penguin behind. After faking his death, he’s quietly retired to Metropolis, given up his criminal empire and settled down with a new fiancée. However, it isn’t long before his old life comes back to haunt him. Amanda Waller’s government agents track Oswald down and tell him he needs to reclaim his old empire, and then hand it over to them.

Faced with no other choice, Oswald begins assembling a team and sets his sights on Gotham. Along the way, we learn more about the Penguin’s past, and how the Dark Knight secretly helped him rise to power.
 

Let’s Talk Talent:

The Penguin: The Prodigal Bird is written by Tom King, a writer who is no stranger to Gotham. King is known for many things, including his long run on Batman, which contained huge moments like the Bat-Cat wedding, the death of Alfred Pennyworth and Nightwing’s shocking near-death experience. The Prodigal Bird is a character driven thriller that plays to King’s strengths. As is typical with King, he uses a distinct style of narration here, having every character except Penguin provide internal monologue. King also gives us a more intimate look at Gotham’s underworld, introducing interesting new characters.

The comic is penciled by Rafael de Latorre, who gives each issue a distinctly noir vibe. Even the silent and calm scenes of characters dining have a sense of menace, thanks to Rafael’s artwork. There are a few chapters penciled by Stevan Subic, who blends horror with moments of humanity. (Adding to the comic’s shared DNA with Matt Reeves’ cinematic Gotham, Subic also illustrated The Riddler: Year One, which told the origin story of that universe’s Riddler.) Combined, the two artists allow Oswald to seem vulnerable and sympathetic, while simultaneously feeling like the scariest character in the book.
 

A Few Reasons to Read:

• If you love dark and gritty crime noir stories, then you’ll love The Penguin: The Prodigal Bird. It’s Ocean’s Eleven meets The Sopranos set in the DC Universe.
   
• You have never seen the Penguin quite like this. If you have ever wondered why a short and stout man is one of Batman’s greatest enemies, this comic will answer the question. Penguin is terrifying and violence follows him wherever he goes. Plus, Oswald has a calculating mind, always planning a few steps ahead.

• The Prodigal Bird gives us a new wrinkle in Oswald’s backstory. Have you ever wondered why the Penguin was free to operate the Iceberg Lounge under Batman’s nose for many years? It turns out Oswald and the Dark Knight had an uneasy partnership. In fact, Batman is partially responsible for Oswald developing his Penguin persona. Are you intrigued? Read this comic to learn how it all played out!
   
• Tom King utilizes an interesting storytelling technique where every character gets internal narration, except the Penguin. We know everything that everyone else is thinking, but we have no clue what’s going on in Oswald’s head. This adds to his mystique, making Penguin a more foreboding figure. Plus, it means some of the plot twists (and there are a few) come as an even bigger surprise.
   

Why It’s Worth Your Time:

There’s likely an alternate world in the multiverse where the critically acclaimed HBO Penguin series was instead based on The Penguin: The Prodigal Bird. Reading each issue is a cinematic experience and you never know where the story will go next. It’s exciting, unexpected, violent and twisted. If you’re a new comic book reader, you don’t need to learn years of continuity to enjoy this storyline. In fact, if you’re simply a fan of the Matt Reeves Batman saga, this comic is the perfect comic book jumping on point for you. It’s a thrilling crime drama that serves as a doorway to the greater DC Universe and its often-dark underbelly.
 

The Penguin Vol. 1: The Prodigal Bird by Tom King, Rafael de Latorre and Marcelo Maiolo is available in bookstores, comic shops, libraries and online retailers. It can also be read on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.

Joshua Lapin-Bertone writes about TV, movies and comics for DC.com, is a regular contributor to the Couch Club and writes our monthly Batman column, "Gotham Gazette." Follow him on Twitter at @TBUJosh.

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Joshua Lapin-Bertone and do not necessarily reflect those of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.