Funko Pop! The Penguin from Batman Returns: A Sinister Collectible for Gotham’s Darkest Villain

When it comes to Batman’s rogues’ gallery, few villains are as unforgettable as Oswald Cobblepot, better known as The Penguin. While Gotham’s underworld is populated with colorful characters, The Penguin stands out as one of the most grotesque and complex. Thanks to Funko’s latest offering, you can now bring a piece of this dark Gotham tale to your collection with the Funko Pop! The Penguin from Batman Returns. But before we dive into why this particular Funko Pop! figure is a must-have, let’s take a closer look at the character’s sinister history and his unforgettable portrayal in Batman Returns.

The Origins of The Penguin: From Comics to the Big Screen

The Penguin has been a thorn in Batman’s side since his debut in 1941, in Detective Comics #58. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, The Penguin was inspired by the now-extinct Emperor Penguin, whose stature and sharp tuxedo-like appearance set the tone for one of Gotham’s most cunning criminals. Unlike many of Batman’s enemies who rely on brute strength or insanity, The Penguin is a mastermind of criminal enterprises, using his sharp wit, connections, and penchant for high-tech umbrellas to rise to the top of Gotham’s underworld.

Oswald Cobblepot’s backstory is steeped in tragedy and dark humor. Born into wealth, but with physical deformities that made him an outcast, Cobblepot was mercilessly bullied, leading him to embrace his inner darkness. This complex blend of social rejection and aristocratic roots gives The Penguin a unique edge, making him one of Batman’s most unpredictable foes.

But it wasn’t until Tim Burton’s Batman Returns (1992) that The Penguin’s character took on a truly monstrous form. Played by the incomparable Danny DeVito, this version of The Penguin was not just a criminal mastermind but a grotesque figure, almost a creature of Gotham’s sewers. Burton’s vision of The Penguin is both tragic and terrifying—a man transformed into a villain by the cruelties of life, his body a grotesque reflection of his inner turmoil.

The Penguin in Batman Returns: A Villain Like No Other

Tim Burton’s Batman Returns was a dark, gothic sequel to the 1989 hit Batman. While Michael Keaton’s brooding Batman and Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic Catwoman were central to the film, Danny DeVito’s portrayal of The Penguin stole the show in many ways. DeVito’s Penguin is not just a villain; he’s a monster in the truest sense, a twisted reflection of Gotham’s underbelly.

This version of The Penguin was abandoned as a child due to his deformities and left to survive in the sewers of Gotham, where he was raised by a family of penguins at the Gotham Zoo. The character is both pitiable and horrifying—DeVito’s performance infuses The Penguin with a grotesque humanity that makes him a tragic figure, as well as a formidable foe.

Dressed in tattered finery and armed with deadly umbrellas, The Penguin of Batman Returns is a grotesque aristocrat, hell-bent on revenge against the city that cast him aside. His ultimate goal to become Gotham’s mayor and exact his revenge is thwarted by Batman, but not before he leaves an indelible mark on the dark city.

Funko Pop! The Penguin: A Grotesque Beauty in Vinyl Form

The new Funko Pop! The Penguin from Batman Returns captures every twisted detail of DeVito’s unforgettable performance. This isn’t just another Funko Pop! figure; it’s a miniature work of art that encapsulates the eerie charm of one of Gotham’s most notorious villains.

The figure stands out with its unique design—The Penguin’s pale, sickly skin and dark, hollow eyes perfectly mimic the unsettling look of the character from the film. The attention to detail is remarkable, from the tiny fish sticking out of his mouth to his bedraggled tuxedo and the flippers that replace his hands. Funko has truly captured the essence of Tim Burton’s vision, bringing it to life in a way that’s both charming and chilling.

One of the most striking features of this Funko Pop! is the umbrella—an iconic weapon of The Penguin. Here, the umbrella is slightly open, revealing its deadly potential. The figure also captures The Penguin’s elaborate, circus-like hat, adding an extra layer of oddity to this already bizarre character.

For fans of Batman Returns, this figure is more than just a collectible; it’s a piece of cinematic history. The packaging itself is designed to evoke the dark, gothic atmosphere of the film, with the iconic Batman logo and a window that perfectly displays The Penguin in all his grotesque glory.

Why Every Batman Fan Needs This Funko Pop!

Whether you’re a longtime collector or new to the Funko Pop! world, this figure is a must-have for several reasons. First and foremost, it represents one of the most unique and memorable villains in Batman’s history. The Penguin, as portrayed by Danny DeVito, is a character that has transcended the film to become a symbol of the dark side of Gotham—a city where tragedy and villainy often walk hand in hand.

Secondly, the craftsmanship of this Funko Pop! is exceptional. Funko has taken the time to ensure that every detail, from The Penguin’s unsettling grin to the folds of his tattered clothing, is meticulously recreated. This figure is not just a toy; it’s a piece of art that captures the spirit of Tim Burton’s Gotham—a place where even the villains are beautifully twisted.

Lastly, the nostalgia factor cannot be overstated. Batman Returns is a film that defined a generation of Batman fans. It was a movie that dared to be darker, stranger, and more complex than typical superhero fare, and The Penguin was at the heart of that darkness. Owning this Funko Pop! figure is a way to celebrate that legacy, to remember a time when superhero movies pushed the boundaries of the genre.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Darkness of Gotham with The Penguin

The Funko Pop! The Penguin from Batman Returns is more than just a collectible; it’s a celebration of one of the most unique and memorable villains in the Batman universe. From his tragic backstory to his grotesque appearance, The Penguin is a character that continues to captivate audiences, and this figure perfectly captures that dark allure.

If you’re a fan of Batman Returns, a lover of Tim Burton’s gothic vision, or simply a collector of unique and beautifully crafted figures, this Funko Pop! is a must-have. It’s a reminder of a time when superhero movies were unafraid to explore the darker corners of their worlds, and when villains like The Penguin weren’t just bad—they were tragic, complex, and utterly unforgettable.

Add this Funko Pop! The Penguin to your collection today and let a piece of Gotham’s dark history take pride of place on your shelf. Just remember—keep a close eye on that umbrella!