The Penguin #2

Writer: Tom King Artist: Rafael de Latorre Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: September 27, 2023 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 8 User Reviews: 13
8.0Critic Rating
7.9User Rating

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Oswald Cobblepot is preparing to take back the Gotham underworld at the behest of the U.S. government, but to wage this war, he's going to need some ruthless soldiers. For starters...the Help, the merciless assassin Penguin first encountered in the epic Batman: Killing Time. But can the Penguin free the Help from a prison of his own making? Whoever wins, everyone dies. The tough-as-nails series continues!

  • 9.5
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Sep 26, 2023

    Big risk devoting the entire second issue to only two players and not following up on many of the plots in the first issue, but as usual for King, it worked brilliantly. Read Full Review

  • 9.4
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally Sep 26, 2023

    De Latorre delivers some beautiful art in the issue. The visuals are brilliantly detailed and capture the dark and growing menace within the story. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Dark Knight News - Philip Clark Sep 27, 2023

    The vibe that King delivered with the first issue of this new series continues over into The Penguin #2. The repeated use of muted colors and expressive close-ups really lean into the noir, gangster motif. The creative team really continues to deliver with this series, so there's not much else to say except that someone should turn this into a TV show! Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Nerd Initiative - Ken M. Sep 26, 2023

    King, De Latorre and the team dont miss a beat with another fantastic issue of the return of Gothams Crime King. Superb writing orchestrates a plot that deceptively keeps readers guessing with exceptional art. The series has come out of the gate swinging and you dont want to miss your chance picking it up. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Graphic Policy - Brett Sep 27, 2023

    The Penguin #2 cements the series as one of the best of the year so far. Two issues in, both have demonstrated a quality that's amazing on every level. It's one that's not to be missed a gem of DC's “Dawn of DC” line. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    AIPT - David Brooke Sep 26, 2023

    Ultimately, this issue reveals how genuinely frightening and evil Penguin is when he has his mind set on something. He's quite small and can't fight, but he's as dangerous as they come. So far, King and De Latorre are establishing a level of danger Penguin exudes, first from an outside perspective and in this issue through his sheer act of willpower and tenaciousness. The Penguin isn't just a Batman villain but a force to be feared. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Batman-News - William Martin Sep 26, 2023

    There is still enjoyment to be had with this issue and I wouldn't call it bad, but it isn't nearly as engaging as the first. The story assumes too much about the reader's knowledge and even without that, Penguin as a character is significantly less likable or sympathetic, making staying engaged a hard sell. The art is still beautiful but that isn't enough to keep me invested if the writing doesn't get back to what worked in part one. This isn't a good sign but I still hope that this comic justifies itself and proves this is just a bump in the road. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    ComicBook.com - Chase Magnett Sep 27, 2023

    All of this action occurs within a setting that is wonderfully realized by De LaTorre with violent sequences every bit as impactful, but it's difficult not to question whether there's actually a story worth telling beneath those appealing aesthetics after this second outing. Read Full Review

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