The Best Penguin Comics To Read Before Watching HBO's The Penguin TV Series

As someone who has spent countless nights poring over comic books and graphic novels, I can confidently say that these deals are a veritable treasure trove for Batman fans and Penguin enthusiasts alike!


In simpler terms, the character known as The Penguin isn’t quite as menacing or powerful as some of Batman’s other enemies like The Joker or Bane. However, he is considered one of Batman’s most formidable adversaries due to his extensive criminal empire. Coming soon is a TV series on HBO, titled “The Penguin,” which will delve deeper into the life of Gotham City’s crime boss. The show is a spin-off from Matt Reeves’ 2022 film, “The Batman,” and will feature Colin Farrell reprising his role as The Penguin.

In the upcoming TV series, The Penguin will have more screen time than ever before. However, this character has a rich history in comic books as well, featuring in numerous storylines and one-shots. Here’s a quick rundown of some noteworthy comics that delve into The Penguin’s origins and his most significant battles with Gotham’s masked vigilante, Batman.

The Penguin series

The Best Penguin Comics To Read Before Watching HBO's The Penguin TV Series

A good place to begin exploring is the character’s most recent narrative, called “The Penguin.” This 13-issue comic book series, published from 2022 and concluded earlier this month, primarily focuses on our title antagonist who, following years of being away, has resurfaced in Gotham as a covert operative for the U.S. government.

In June, we put out the first installment of The Penguin comic book series, titled “The Penguin Vol. 1: The Prodigal Bird.” This compiles issues 1 through 6 from the initial run. Subsequent issues 7 through 12 will be compiled in “The Penguin Vol. 2,” slated for release on February 25, 2025. You can pre-order this volume on Amazon now. Moreover, if you’d like to read the entire series digitally, including the prequel Issue 0 that isn’t included in either trade paperback, it’s available as a Kindle edition.

  • The Penguin Vol. 1: The Prodigal Bird — $16.45 ($20)
  • The Penguin Vol. 2 — $20 | Preorder, releases February 25, 2025
  • The Penguin series on Kindle — $4/per issue | $52 for all 13

Batman: One Bad Day – Penguin

The Best Penguin Comics To Read Before Watching HBO's The Penguin TV Series

In various DC comics and graphic novels, The Penguin is featured prominently, even having his own tale in the Batman: One Bad Day compilation. This collection focuses on eight of Batman’s most notorious adversaries – The Penguin, The Riddler, Two-Face, Mr. Freeze, Catwoman, Bane, Clayface, and Ra’s al Ghul – and delves into the events that drove them to become criminals and villains, as depicted in their respective ‘difficult days’.

The Penguin’s story is available as a standalone graphic novel for $11 (was $18), or you can grab all eight stories, plus a special version of Batman: The Killing Joke, in the Batman: One Bad Day Hardcover Bos Set for $90 (was $160). The series is also included as part of the Kindle Unlimited library, which members can access as part of their $12/month subscription. New members can sign up at a discount and get their first three months for $12 until September 15.

  • Batman: One Bad Day – Penguin 1 — $11 ($18)
  • Batman: One Bad Day Box Set — $90 ($160) | Also included in Kindle Unlimited

Batman Arkham: Penguin

The Best Penguin Comics To Read Before Watching HBO's The Penguin TV Series

If you’re in search of a compilation of timeless Batman tales centered around The Penguin, you might be interested to know that the Batman Arkham: Penguin graphic novel is currently on sale for $16.76 (originally $20). This set gathers 10 issues from diverse Batman comic series, where you’ll find the Caped Crusader engaging in battles with The Penguin. Additionally, this collection can be purchased as an ebook for Kindle at a cost of $10, or it can be accessed via Kindle Unlimited.

  • Batman Arkham: Penguin — $16.76 ($20)
  • Batman Arkham: Penguin ebook — $10 | Also included in Kindle Unlimited

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice

The Best Penguin Comics To Read Before Watching HBO's The Penguin TV Series

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice presents a unique perspective on Gotham’s criminal mastermind, exploring the early life of the Penguin and his transformation into the city’s top gang leader. Originally released as a 5-issue series in 2012, this compelling storyline has been compiled into a 142-page graphic novel. While it may be challenging to find affordable physical copies, you can purchase the paperback edition from third-party vendors on Amazon. Additionally, you can acquire the digital version through Kindle for just $10, or enjoy it as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice Kindle edition — $10 | Also included in Kindle Unlimited

DC Comics Encyclopedias

The Best Penguin Comics To Read Before Watching HBO's The Penguin TV Series

In addition to The Penguin, he is also featured among approximately 1,200 other DC Comics characters in the recently released, expanded edition of the DC Comics Encyclopedia, currently retailing at $22 (originally $40). Alternatively, for a more concise choice, there’s an upcoming revised version of the DC Ultimate Character Guide coming out on November 5. This guide focuses on only 230 DC heroes and villains, such as The Penguin and other Batman adversaries. Pre-orders for the DC Ultimate Character Guide – New Edition are available at Amazon for $22.

  • The DC Comics Encyclopedia – New Edition — $22 ($40)
  • DC Ultimate Character Guide — $22 | Preorder, releases November 5

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2024-09-13 19:39