Oswald Cobblepot’s plan to return to Gotham City is about to be executed, but he’s going to need one last, key piece…and only a beautiful face from his past can provide it. Enter the femme fatale, Lisa St. Claire. The Penguin #4 is another fantastic entry in the series that shows off Oswald’s twisted relationship with pretty much everyone.

Four issues in and The Penguin continues to deliver. Every issue has been amazing. Every issue has been packed with moments that make you feel sympathy for and fear The Penguin. Written by Tom King, The Penguin #4 is another amazing issue that dives further into the deprave relationships the character has making you wonder if anything is normal when it comes to him. It also highlights how sad his being dragged away from his recent domestic bliss really is.

Recruited by the US government, Oswald is on a mission to take back what’s his in Gotham. To do that, he needs to rebuild his crew and has been doing so methodically. His latest focus is on Lisa St. Claire, his ex-wife and currently running a casino.

For those that don’t know the relationship and history, no need to worry. King does an amazing job of running through what you need to know in the casual conversation between the two as they catch up and reconnect. We also get so much about their relationship, good and bad, and where the Penguin stands with his current crew. The end result is a story that’s full of ups and down and a clear understanding that when it comes to The Penguin and people, no interaction is normal.

The art by Rafael De Latorre continues to amaze. With color by Marcelo Maiolo and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the comic is beautiful to look at. There’s a tension throughout that builds as Oswald and Lisa reconnect and of course builds until a cathartic explosion. There continues to be an amazing focus on the facial reactions and body language that hit home to emotional struggle Oswald is internally going through. You get a sense of what he’s thinking or reacting just by a small detail in his face or how his body moves. Small details like that tell a hell of a story here.

The Penguin #4 is another amazing issue in a series that stands out as one of the best on the shelves right now from any publisher. Don’t sleep on this one. It’s delivered excellence with every issue.

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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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle