The conversation of Batman’s greatest villains is a popular subject among fans of the Caped Crusader and general comic book readers. Joker, Bane, Riddler, and Ra’s al Ghul are always mentioned. They’re the ones who give Bruce the hardest fight. In most universes, they know his secret identity making them more dangerous. The Batman Who Laughs (we’ll call him TBWL for short) says they aren’t the last ones alive in most worlds.
During The Batman Who Laughs No. 3, Bruce Wayne’s evil counterpart goes after Oswald Cobble (the Penguin) at the Iceberg Lounge. Oz and his goons put up a fight, but they aren’t good enough to defeat their Batman. They had no chance against someone who’s killed multiple versions of the Dark Knight.
Before TBWL defeats Oz and his crew, he drops a bomb on readers. He tells Cobblepot, “People assume that Batman’s last enemy on most worlds out there is Joker. Maybe Riddler or Ra’s…but it’s you.” TBWL says there are worlds where Oswald wins after Oz gets the public on his side. The most important comes next.
On one Earth Batman and Penguin compete to see who’s on top. Eventually, Batman runs Oz out of town with the help of his friend Bruce Wayne. That’s when TBWL brings Bruce Wayne from his story into this reality and kills him in front of Oz.
TBHL laughs and leaves Penguin with information. Cobblepot's dice aren’t loaded because of a guy working for him named Matches Malone (who’s Bruce Wayne in disguise).
- Comic book: The Batman Who Laughs No. 3
- Writer: Scott Snyder
- Artist: Jock (Mark Simpson)
This shouldn’t be shocking. Unlike most of Batman’s villains, Oswald Cobblepot tries his best to avoid the Dark Knight. He knows there’s nothing he can do that will take him out and he doesn’t have enough henchmen to throw at him. Even if he did, there’s the rest of the Bat Family and other heroes to worry about. Instead, Oz would likely mind his business, keep making money, and try to stay out of Batman’s way.
If you think about it, this makes sense for another reason. The Dark Knight’s approach to dealing with Cobblepot has to be subtle. Oz is a, *chuckle* legitimate businessman who provides the rich and elite with gambling, drugs, and illegal means of having fun. That means Batman can’t attack him head-on like he would know criminals like Joker or Poison Ivy. This is why you’ll see Bruce Wayne going after Oz more than the Caped Crusader.
No wonder Tom King used the Penguin as the star of his twelve-issue series (The Penguin). He understands that there’s more to Ozwald Cobblepot than people think. Hopefully, things like this will be explored during HBO’s The Penguin or in The Batman. Stay tuned to Caped Crusades to see if that happens.
Do you believe that Penguin is one of Batman's best enemies? What other moments should be highlighted? We want to hear from you. You can email us at entertainment@fansided.com.