Warning: This list contains spoilers for The Batman.
The Penguin is one of the most iconic supervillains in comic book history and has appeared in several movies including 2022's The Batman. His portrayal in the movie is inspired in part by some of the best Penguin comic books stories and sagas ever, and his live-action future, which includes an HBO Max spinoff series, is likely to build on some of his best comics from the last 80 years.
The Penguin is one of the greatest villains of Batman in DC Comics and his best stories are often snapshots of his singular brilliance and evil, like The Killing Peck from 1989. They also serve to humanize him and develop him beyond his early depictions in comics as well as other media, especially the 1966 Adam West television series.
One of the best Penguin comic book stories is the first. 1941's Detective Comics #58, "One of the Most Perfect Frame-Ups!" remains key for establishing so much of the character's look and personality, including his trademark umbrella.
The story is relatively simple as they all were in this period, and the Penguin would continue to evolve over the next 80 years. But it all starts in this early landmark issue from legendary comic book writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane.
Penguin is one of Batman's best villains in the comics and many of his best comics add depth and dimension to his character. One of the best modern comics to build on his character is Batman #23.3 from 2013, titled "Bullies."
This story provides a unique take on Penguin's origin, including his childhood friendship with a future governor, and how the Penguin's brilliance and cruelty combine into unexpected violence from a character who is often considered somewhat silly.
The end of the new movie sets Penguin up to exploit a power vacuum in a ruined Gotham and one of his best comics is a likely indicator of his future in live-action. The Bread and Circuses segment of No Man's Land establishes Penguin as a major player in Gotham after an earthquake.
No Man's Land, one of the best Batman comic book story arcs ever, presents Penguin at arguably his most powerful. He rules a huge chunk of Gotham, which has been cut off from the outside world and is completely dependent on anyone who can provide order.
Showcase '94 #7 is one of the best Penguin comic books for showing how cruelly simple the Penguin can be. This one-shot from 1994 is built entirely around a negotiation between Penguin and Jim Gordon, whose wife the Penguin has kidnapped.
The story drives both men to extremes, with Gordon crossing the line and beating the Penguin to get information out of him. It's a taut, effective story written by Peter David and drawn by P. Craig Russell.
One of the best Penguin comics features one of the best versions of the character. In a great Detective Comics storyline from 2013, one of the Penguin's own henchmen usurps him, leading to Oswald Cobblepot joining forces with his rival Batman.
One of the most unexpected aspects of Batman and The Penguin's rivalry sees them combine their intellect and power to take down the Emperor Penguin, Ignatius Ogilvy, who uses Penguin's criminal empire in even more evil ways than Cobblepot.
One of the best modern Penguin comic books could have a potential impact on his future in live-action. The Penguin in Batman: Earth One is a powerful crime boss who is revealed to be the true culprit behind the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne.
This new take on the Penguin could potentially influence him in sequels or perhaps the HBO Max series featuring Penguin. Though the movie implies it was Carmine Falcone behind the murders, Penguin is one of his top lieutenants.
Secret Origins Special #1 provides one of the best modern updates to the Penguin's origin. Appearing alongside some of the best Riddler comics ever, "The Killing Peck" examines how the character's childhood informed his cruelty as an adult.
The story features one of the most idiosyncratic takes on The Penguin by Sam Keith, early in his career and a few years before his work on The Maxx. The cover image, by legendary artist Brian Bolland, remains one of the most iconic images of the character.
One of the best Penguin stories presents an alternate take on the character that gives readers perhaps his most idealized version. Penguin Triumphant is a one-shot about a reformed Penguin who challenges Bruce Wayne the businessman instead of Batman.
The story could potentially be realized in some form in live-action if a more powerful Penguin goes after Bruce Wayne as a power player in Gotham in future movies or streaming series, without knowing that Wayne and Batman are one and the same.
Joker's Asylum: Penguin is a 2008 one-shot that shows the humanity in Penguin. Typically depicted as cruel and greedy, this comic adds layers to Oswald Cobblepot by showing his empathy toward a young woman who reminds him of a girl from his past.
But he's The Penguin, so the comic deftly essays his simple cruelty when things don't go his way. Written by Jason Aaron, responsible for some of the best Thor comics of the 2010s, it's a great issue for old and new readers.
Penguin: Pain and Prejudice is another great comic book adding dimension to the Penguin and arguably the best. Written by Gregg Hurwitz and drawn by Symon Kudranski, this 2012 mini-series reveals the villain was the victim of a lot of abuse as a child.
Rather than a simplistic villain with petty ambitions, the story presents The Penguin as a victim who becomes an abuser and it's a complex, ambitious take on one of the most iconic characters in the history of comic books.
