Penguin

History

Oswald Cobblepot, though born in a wealthy and socially placed family, had a hard time growing up. Due to his short, stubby appearance, and distinctive nose; he'd get teased and mocked by other children who would often compare him to a bird. Feeling like an outcast was the main cause that drove him to a criminal life. "Penguin" was one of the nicknames that other children would call young Oswald to tease him. He took this name and used birds as a theme for his life of crime. Another trait that comes from his childhood is his classic umbrella. When he was young, his mother would make him carry an umbrella with him all the time to prevent him from rain as she feared that he might get ill and die like his father before him.

Infinite Crisis

The Penguin featured briefly in the events of Infinite Crisis. In the limited series' seventh issue, he is briefly seen as part of the Battle of Metropolis, a multi-character fight started by the Secret Society of Super Villains.

One Year Later

While the Penguin is away from Gotham City, the Great White and Tally Man kill many of the villains who worked for Penguin, and frame Harvey Dent. Great White had planned to take over Gotham's criminal syndicate and weaken all his competition; Penguin included. Upon his return to Gotham, the Penguin continues to claim that he has gone "straight" and reopens the Iceberg Lounge nightclub, selling overpriced Penguin merchandise. He urges Riddler to avoid crime, as it's more lucrative in their current, non-criminal lifestyle.

He's "hired" by Batman as a snitch, using his criminal contacts to give Batman an edge over Gotham's criminals. He is also in a gang war with Tobias Whale and Intergang a war that, ultimately, he loses along with his privileged position, due to having lost Batman's support after his mysterious disappearance, and Intergang taking advantage by the return of the Apokoliptan Gods.

Iceberg Lounge

Lately, Mr. Cobblepot has used his notoriety in his favor and has turned away from a life of crime to pursue a more honorable profession as the proprietary of the popular Gotham City's night club "Iceberg Lounge." Truth be told, the Iceberg Lounge isn't exactly completely kosher, but Batman let's it slide because it is a good source for information on the Gotham's outlaws. In the Gotham underground, the Penguin has returned to crime and formed an short lived alliance with Tobias Whale.

Abilities and Weapons

During his criminal career, The Penguin has shown many different types of umbrellas; most of which are rarely used for protection from the rain. He has had many weapons shaped like umbrellas. These weapons rage from the occasional knife-umbrella to high powered umbrella-shotguns. He's also used some umbrellas for transportation. There's been the gliding umbrella and the ever so popular umbrella chopper. Other umbrellas have been used to cast webs for trapping people, lighters and flamethrowers, tranquilizer guns and gas expelling umbrellas.

Elseworlds

Batman vs Lobo (One Shot)- The Penguin in this Elseworld is a much smaller version. He resembles a cross between a Penguin and a Squid; his feet resemble a squid's tentacles. He was killed when Lobo stuck a large cigar in his mouth and lit it; the cigar exploded removing his face.

Live Action Appearances

Film

Batman (1966) – played by Burgess Meredith

Batman Return (1992) - played by Danny DeVito

Television

Batman (1960’s) – played by Burgess Meredith

Superfriends (1970’s) - played by Frank Welker

Batman, the animated series - voiced by Paul Williams

The Batman - voiced by Tom Kenny
Batman The Brave and the Bold - Cameo appearance