Every so often there’s a series that’s so good, you just wait until the shine wears off. The Penguin is that series for me with the first two issues being some of the best of the year. The Penguin #3 continues the quality with another issue that continues a hell of a setup.

The Penguin knows that to return to power in Gotham City he’s going to need a crew that’s not based in the city or caught up in the Gotham War…so he makes a play for a surprising group. Enter, the Force of July!

Who is the Force of July? It really doesn’t matter as writer Tom King delivers an issue that shows motive for each character and a bit of their personality. The Penguin #3 is a hell of an issue and Oswald builds out his new squad of goons after realizing the old crew just won’t do. It’s another fantastic issue as we see the methodical nature that Penguin “recruits” each member. He analyzes their wants, their needs, and when that doesn’t exist, makes them an offer they can’t refuse. Like the second issue with The Help, it’s another example of the brilliance of the character, bringing him up to a level to really appreciate. Being a gangster with a gimmick is no longer a thing. Instead, we have a brilliant mind who’s able to get what he wants using violence as a last resort.

King also has some sly commentary about heroes that were part of the government. There’s some statements by Force of July that hint of their crimes and thoughts about what they’ve done in the past and what they think about that. It’s all rather interesting and intriguing thoughts on not just America’s action abroad but also a bit about the people who commit it as well. You also have an interesting layer of the US using the Penguin to achieve its goals which then has the Penguin using former US interests to achieve his. There’s something there about the intertwined bullshit that is US “interests” and who it’s willing to get in bed with no matter what they’re willing to do and how the snake eats its own tail.

The art by Rafael De Latorre continues to be on point and nail every moment. With color by Marcelo Maiolo and lettering by Clayton Cowles there’s a drabness about the look but it’s not depressing. It feels and looks like a comic about a character dragging himself up from the bottom again. Rocky… but with more violence, crime, and blackmail. What’s fantastic is the comic’s ability to transition so easily between moments that are so different from each other and the style still working so well. Really in the end, every story told within is a tragedy and the look of the comic delivers that with the focus of every panel. All of that is emphasized by the dialogue and thoughts, the lettering playing a huge role in this issue delivering the motive for each character.

The Penguin #3 is another fantastic issue of a comic that has “best of the year” qualities about it. Each issue has delivered in unexpected ways. It has added layers to the character of the Penguin elevating him from his trick umbrella past. Most importantly, it has given us a character that you feel empathy towards while also being completely frightened by. It’s one that shouldn’t be missed.

Story: Tom King Art: Rafael De Latorre
Color: Marcelo Maiolo Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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