Let’s talk about the Penguin. He’s obviously called that because of his stature. However, why the umbrellas? Yes, in past years he has become more of a crime boss and not a ‘supervillain’, but why did he have those umbrellas in the first place? Did they ever serve a purpose?
To answer this question, we’ll have to go back. Way back. Batman #1.
This has the Joker, who has an obvious gimmick. He’s a clown. He uses clown things. Now why the clown appearance? Most people would say that it’s because he’s the polar opposite of Batman. But Batman #1 came out in 1940. This was when campiness was high. There wasn’t much seriousness in comics back then. Which brings me to my next point.
This was 1940. There was World War II. It was terrifying. We were just getting out of the Great Depression. So we needed escapism. And perhaps we needed a bit of campiness.
Perhaps this is why DC succeeded more than Marvel back in the day. DC went for the escapism. Marvel went for the hero punching Hitler. Yes, the patriotism was fun, but it only reminded us of the dangers and those who were losing lives. But I digress.
Let’s not forget that this was a different time, a time where campiness was common. We had different views, and different standards. So we would have different definitions as well. There were many crime bosses in the time of Batman’s first publication. So could the writers have had a fear of these gangsters? Them being mocked and dumbed down to simple, corny villains who are easily defeated wouldn’t be taken very well. Or I could be crazy. Either way, instead, we got the supervillain.
So why the gimmick? Do we really need a supervillain to be based around one certain ability or thought? An easy to understand trick. Did we really need these? Or were they another part in the silliness and fun of comics?
I would say that they were needed and encouraged, considering the time. They were fun to read, and gave us a feeling of non-seriousness in evil and villains. The gimmicks allowed us to escape from the harshness and cruelty of the world.
But when it comes to today, I would say that the gimmicks are not needed, and are slowly dying out. Yes, the Penguin still has his signature umbrella, but he is much more a crime boss. Yes, the Joker has kept his appearance , but he is much more psychological and dangerous. So the gimmicks of supervillains have worked in the past, and some, for example, the Riddler, even today. But it is slowly leaving us, and sometimes, this is for the best, leaving campiness and fun to the seriousness and and psychology of today.
Until next time,
Comiccow6.