The Penguinhas just hinted at the most likely storyline forThe Batman Part II, which has huge potential consequences and makes perfect sense. WithDC’sThe Batman, Matt Reeves introduced a gritty, noir-like version of Gotham City and its Dark Knight protector. The film’s climax left Gotham City in chaos, withThe Penguinpicking up the narrative shortly afterward. As such,The Penguinhas proffered the biggest hints at what might unfold inThe Batman Part II, with the biggest hint coming fromThe Penguinepisode 2.
The Penguinrecommences the narrative afterThe Batman, after the Riddler’s final plan results in a catastrophic flood. This destructive event created a fractured Gotham, setting the stage for further exploration of a city on the brink of collapse. A reference to a classicBatmanstoryline confirms the current state of Gotham post-The Batmanbut also provides a tantalizing glimpse into what could be the central plotline for the upcomingThe Batman Part 2.
The Penguin Confirms Gotham Has A No Man’s Land
The Penguinepisode 2 referencesaBatmanstory during a conversation between Vic and Rox when they meet in Penguin’s apartment. Rox casually asks Vic where he’s from, to which he replies,“Crown Point.”Rox responds:“My cousin lived there, she said it’s like a no-man’s land now or something. I mean, they lost everything.”
This line serves as more than just a passing comment. It directly confirms that parts of Gotham City are still ravaged by the flood caused by the Riddler inThe Batman. The fact that Crown Point, a district of Gotham, is referred to as a"no-man’s land"implies that sections of the city have become lawless and abandoned. The damage to Gotham’s infrastructure has left certain areas uninhabitable, with civilians struggling to survive. This references a classicBatmanstoryline, “Batman: No Man’s Land.”
DC’s No Man’s Land Comics Story Explained
The “No Man’s Land” storyline is one of DC Comics’ most ambitious crossover events, spanning an entire year from 1999 to 2000 across various Batman-related titles. The story begins with Gotham City being hit by a devastating earthquake. The U.S. government declares Gotham a disaster zone and subsequently cuts it off from the rest of the country, declaring it “no man’s land.” The bridges leading out of Gotham are destroyed, and the city’s infrastructure is left in shambles. Gothamites are trapped in a ruined city, fending for themselves without government aid or basic utilities.
What makes “No Man’s Land” particularly memorable is how it explores the collapse of Gotham’s societal order. In the vacuum left by government abandonment, Gotham’s villains rise to claim territory. Penguin, Two-Face, Poison Ivy, and many others carve out their own domains within the broken city, turning Gotham into a battleground for control. Each faction operates its own version of the law, while the city’s remaining citizens form gangs for protection or try to survive in the cracks between criminal rule.
Crucially, Batman is absent for much of the early part of the story. Having disappeared after the earthquake, Bruce Wayne initially believes Gotham cannot be saved. It’s only after several months that he returns, having had a change of heart. When Batman finally re-emerges, he finds a city in chaos and begins his campaign to take back Gotham, slowly reestablishing order alongside his allies.
No Man’s Land Was Perfectly Set Up By The Batman’s Ending
Theending ofThe Batmansaw Gotham City in a state of total devastation. Riddler’s plan, which involved breaching Gotham’s sea walls and flooding the city, left large parts of Gotham underwater. In the final moments, Batman is seen helping survivors in the wake of the disaster, signaling his role as a protector. However, the damage was extensive, and the film hinted that Gotham’s recovery would be slow and painful.
This destructive finale serves as the perfect setup for a No Man’s Land-esquenarrative inThe Batman Part II.The Penguinseries further confirms this setup by showing how Gotham has yet to recover from the flood. Crime is on the rise, and different criminal factions are beginning to assert control, with Oz Cobb (Penguin) positioning himself as a new kingpin in the power vacuum left by Carmine Falcone’s death. Another key parallel is Batman’s role - or lack thereof. InThe Penguin, Batman is notably absent, suggesting that he may be missing or lying low.
This would make sense as Batman is left at a crossroads inThe Batman, reeling from how he inadvertently assisted the Riddler’s crimes.The Batman Part IImay see a version of Batman who has distanced himself from the city, similar to how he disappears during the early parts of “No Man’s Land” in the comics. AsThe Penguinunfolds, it seems increasingly likely that elements of “No Man’s Land” will be adapted, with Gotham’s recovery serving as the backdrop for Batman’s internal struggles inThe Batman Part II.
The Penguin
Cast
Created by Lauren LeFranc, The Penguin is a crime-drama spin-off television series of 2022’s film The Batman. Set shortly after the events of The Batman, Oz Cobb, A.K.A. the Penguin, begins his rise in the underworld of Gotham City as he contends with the daughter of his late boss, Carmine Falcone, for control of the crime family’s empire.
The Batman Part II
The Batman Part II is the sequel to Matt Reeve’s The Batman, released in 2022, and will continue where the original film left off. The film shares a universe with the HBO Max original Penguin series and sees the return of the Riddler and a different incarnation of the Joker.
