Age hasn’t dulled this old mob boss’ viciousness. But these days Penguin prefers to sell guns to gangs, not lead them.

Detective Comics #58 (October, 1941)

”We don’t make fancy words ‘ere, we make weapons. So unless you got a death wish, piss off!”

FROM THE FILES OF LEX LUTHOR:

Oh, what a little invasion can do to a man. When I met The Penguin, I admit I was confused as to Waller’s thinking in hiring a sinister little nothing to peddle weapons. But in reading my predecessor’s notes, I better understand what this former Gotham kingpin has to bring in terms of expertise, underworld connections and dedicated staff.

Despite all appearances, The Penguin is apparently a savvy businessman, a charismatic leader, and a criminal who knows how to wield his influence. He ran Gotham’s black markets, owned a considerable share of its seedier venues, and held rivals under his thumb. He even held his own against the Batman, in his time.

Or so the notes claim. As I walk past what I see as a pathetic little gremlin, berating his sorry henchmen in an accent I barely believe, I have trouble reconciling any of it with the boss he allegedly used to be.