The Penguin Strategically Prepares for Phase 2 of the Riddler’s Scheme in Gotham Before The Batman Part II

While Batman successfully imprisoned The Riddler in “The Batman,”the emergence of The Penguin signals a new chapter in Gotham City’s tumultuous saga. Following the chaos instigated by The Riddler, which left Gotham in ruin, the city’s citizens find themselves grappling with the aftermath. The floods wreaked havoc particularly in economically vulnerable neighborhoods, impacting lives and erasing families. Among those deeply affected is Victor Aguilar, who lost loved ones to the deluge. Although The Riddler resides in Arkham Asylum, his menacing ideologies continue to lurk in the corners of Gotham, fueling a desire for retribution against its corrupt systems.

With Carmine Falcone’s demise, chaos and ambition swirl within Gotham’s criminal landscape. The Penguin showcases the fierce competition among criminals vying for dominance in the city. The vacuum left by The Riddler’s actions has ignited a power struggle, ultimately leading to Oz Cobb’s ascent as a formidable figure within Gotham’s criminal hierarchy. He converts his newfound criminal authority into access to elite societal circles, entwining his influence with that of politicians and business tycoons. This dual role as both a crime lord and a corrupting force poses substantial risks, potentially escalating the turmoil in Gotham as the story paves its way toward “The Batman – Part II.”

The Riddler’s Imprisonment Wasn’t The End of His Reign of Terror

The Riddler’s influence endures through a loyal cadre of followers who continue to champion his cause, driven by a belief in his equity-seeking message. In the inaugural episode of The Penguin, a scene unfolds on the Gotham City Subway where Oz is approached by an individual handing out a flyer adorned with a Riddler-esque question mark. This flyer, alongside graffiti proclaiming “No more excuses,”incites citizens to uncover “Gotham’s true face,”echoing the Riddler’s themes.

Many citizens are disillusioned by the city’s elite and resonate with The Riddler’s disruptive ideology, which they perceive as a means to challenge systemic corruption. Even from his confinement, The Riddler’s actions might inspire a wave of copycat offenses, as his supporters remain emboldened. While his intentions targeted Gotham’s elite, ironically, it was the lower-class citizens who bore the brunt of his terrorism. This legacy of violence risks zeroing in on further chaos as his followers continue pursuing Riddler’s destructive goals.

The Penguin Suggests Gotham Is On The Verge of War

Throughout the theatrical release of “The Batman,”audiences were invited to visit a website, rataalada.com, accessed via a QR code that revealed puzzling messages from The Riddler. In its initial season, The Penguin regularly updated this site, insisting that “the revolution has just begun.”Although the GCPD has seized the domain, it offers clues that Riddler’s insurrection may be far from over, suggesting a potentially dire escalation as Oz becomes enmeshed in Gotham’s elite and political networks.

Oz Cobb has manipulative prowess, evidenced by his ability to ensnare Councilman Hady into framing Sofia for Maroni’s murder, solidifying his political ambitions. His actions threaten to corrupt Gotham’s institutions further, even despite Mayor Bella Real’s efforts to combat in-house criminality. Should socio-economic divides widen post-The Penguin, the seeds of an outright conflict might blossom—one ignited by Riddler’s violent acts and incendiary language.

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