John Layman | DC Comics

This Just Happened: Emperor Penguin's New Title

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read DETECTIVE COMICS #20 yet and do not wish to know what happens, stop reading this post now (major spoilers ahead!)

Who could forget when, a few months back, Ignatius Ogilvy pulled a fast one on Oswald Cobblepot by declaring himself Emperor Penguin?

“I wanted to explore the idea that once in a while a henchman comes along with a brain and some ambition, and rises above the others,” series writer John Layman recently teased to NERDIST while discussing Ogilvy. But how much more can the character rise after Cobblepot exacts his revenge and takes him down at the end of the main story in DETECTIVE COMICS #20?

Well, based on the issue’s back-up story, “Empire of The Son,” it seems that Ogilvy’s devious plans are far from over. A new inmate at Blackgate Penitentiary, Ogilvy meets the prison’s “Boss,” and reveals not only some previously untold details about his origin, but also about what specifically triggered him to take control of Cobblepot’s empire. But just as the Boss tells him that he’s willing to help him rank highly within the power structure of Blackgate, Oglivy pulls another unexpected move: he murders him with his bare hands!

As Ogilvy is escorted to his own cell, the other inmates exchange whispers about how he killed the Boss. It is then that Ogilvy retires his Emperor Penguin moniker and embraces his new self-appointed title: Emperor Blackgate!

Above, take a look at the final page of “Empire of the Son” as Ogilvy settles into his new home at Blackgate Penitentiary and declares himself Emperor Blackgate. What could this mean for the prison – and for Gotham City at large? Place your bets in the comments section below.

DETECTIVE COMICS #20, in stores now, comes to you from the creative team of writer John Layman and artists Jason Fabok and Andy Clarke.

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detective comics, John Layman, Jason Fabok, andy clarke

Exclusive Preview of DETECTIVE COMICS #19

Ever since its debut in 1937, DETECTIVE COMICS has been a staple of the DC Universe. Responsible for introducing the world to iconic characters such as Batman, Robin and Batgirl, it’s no wonder that DC Comics is pulling out all the stops by making this month’s issue of the series a special 80-page spectacular to celebrate a very important milestone for the series.

In stores tomorrow, the 900^th issue of DETECTIVE COMICS (DETECTIVE COMICS #19) features a magnificent collection of stories featuring the Dark Knight and the citizens of Gotham City.

“The 900,” written by John Layman and illustrated by Jason Fabok, reveals a previously unmentioned corner of Gotham City now forced into the spotlight when the residents are infected by the deadly Manbat virus.

Next up is “Birth of a Family,” written by John Layman and illustrated by Andy Clarke, where Francine Langstrom makes a shocking decision in order to save her husband Kurt (a.k.a. Manbat) from himself.

Then in James Tynion IV’s “War Council” illustrated by Mikel Janin, Bane reveals discovers another enemy standing in the way of his quest to rule Gotham.

After that, Mr. Combustible reveals Emperor Penguin’s dastardly deeds to his former employer in “Birdwatching,” written by John Layman and illustrated by Henrik Jonsson and Sandu Florea.

And finally in “Through a Blue Lens,” written by John Layman and illustrated Jason Masters, the members of Gotham’s finest reveal their true feelings concerning Batman.

Plus, don’t miss additional pin up art placed throughout the issue from artists such as Dustin Nguyen, Chris Burnham, Brett Booth, and Francesco Francavilla! Check out the gallery above for an exclusive preview of this landmark issue.

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detective comics, Batman, John Layman, Jason Fabok, andy clarke, James Tynion IV, mikel janin, Henrik Jonsson, Sandu Florea, Jason Masters, dustin nguyen, chris burnham, brett booth, francesco francavilla

This Just Happened: A New Emperor Rises

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read DETECTIVE COMICS #15 yet and do not wish to know what happens, stop reading this post now (major spoilers ahead!)

Earlier this week, we shed a spotlight on DETECTIVE COMICS #15 to tease the issue’s significant impact on Gotham City. In this issue, the Dark Knight battles a love struck Clayface, who’s looking for his wife, Poison Ivy. After convincing him that his marriage is a sham, Batman leaves the brokenhearted Clayface in the hands of the Gotham City Police Department as he prepares for what could be his greatest battle yet.

Meanwhile, a terrified Penguin trusts Ignatius Ogilvy with his empire while he goes away to obey the elusive demands made by The Joker! Once Oswald departs, Ogilvy frees a trapped Poison Ivy from her coffin and reveals his true colors. He plans to take control over Penguin’s empire and to rule Gotham City himself as Emperor Penguin!

“This story is all about a Penguin minion who deposes Penguin and declares himself Emperor Penguin,” writer John Layman teased to COMIC BOOK RESOURCES. “I didn't want to suddenly have this right hand man at the beginning come in and depose Penguin. It's been a slow rollout where we first had to establish his place in the universe, and then we can see him knock Penguin off his perch.”

Below, take a look at the final page of DETECTIVE COMICS for the first appearance of Emperor Penguin. And be sure to pick up future issues of DETECTIVE COMICS to find out what the Emperor plans to do with his self-declared title.

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detective comics, John Layman

DETECTIVE COMICS Joins “Death of the Family”

This winter, The Joker is on the loose and is seeking revenge against the Bat-family in the acclaimed comic book event, “Death of the Family.”

Fans have already seen the beginning of this crossover’s impact on series such as BATMAN, BATGIRL, CATWOMAN, and SUICIDE SQUAD. This week, another title will feel the consequences of the Clown Prince of Crime’s bloody return to Gotham City: DETECTIVE COMICS #15.

“It’s weird because when I came on, I didn’t know about ‘Death of the Family’ and I had this Penguin-oriented story and then the Snyder stuff got presented me, and it actually really worked with what I needed to do,” writer John Layman revealed to POPMATTERS. “Penguin has to be at a certain place for my story to work. And it was just sort of synchronicity that I could hand him over to Scott.”

“What I do with the next two issues is tell a story that's all about ‘This is Gotham when Joker's in town,’” Layman continued to COMIC BOOK RESOURCES. “Yes, it's got some specifics to ‘Death of the Family,’ but if for whatever reason, if you can only buy DETECTIVE, I still want to give you something satisfying on its own. This shows how the city is affected when Joker's in town, and it doesn't necessarily have to be ‘Death of the Family’ specific, although it is."

“Drawing the Joker has been pretty great, but honestly, John Layman has come up with a really awesome and unique spin for our Joker themed issues. I can't say much about it, but the stories for these books are simply incredible,” artist Jason Fabok teased to NEWSARAMA.

To read more from John Layman, check out the full interviews with him that ran this morning on POPMATTERS and COMIC BOOK RESOURCES. To read more from Jason Fabok, read the complete interview the artist conducted with NEWSARAMA. And don’t forget to visit all three outlets for a preview of DETECTIVE COMICS #15, which flies onto shelves this Wednesday.

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detective comics, John Layman, Jason Fabok, Death of the Family

Announcing a New Writer and Artist for DETECTIVE COMICS

This fall, John Layman (CHEW) will be writing DETECTIVE COMICS. And joining him to tell his twisted stories about the Dark Knight will be fan-favorite artist Jason Fabok. So what’s in store for DC Comics’ flagship title? We asked the duo to shed some light on what fans can expect from their collaboration.

“Obviously, this is a happily surreal and exciting turn-of-events for my career,” Layman told THE SOURCE. “Not only is this my first work within the DC Universe, but I get to work on one of DC’s undisputedly coolest and highest-profile characters. I’m going to take a look at the role of criminal organizations within Gotham City, hopefully from a perspective that does not get considered very often (if at all). From the symbiotic relationship a master criminal must have with Gotham in order to survive, to the lowly, often faceless criminal underling hoping to rise up the ranks. All that, plus Batman’s gonna play with a bunch of crazy new toys and kick all kinds of butt.”

“First, I want to express how thankful I am to have this opportunity. I am humbled that DC Comics would entrust me with one of their greatest titles,” continued Fabok. “To work on a Batman title has been the number one goal that I set for my career and I am honored to have this opportunity to make my dream become a reality. I'm really hoping to deliver a dark, epic Batman with hints of the art deco stylings of the old animated series and the more modern take seen in recent incarnations. I am hoping to let my influences gush out onto the page and create something that is familiar, classic and yet my own. As for working with John Layman, I couldn't be more excited. John is a great visual storyteller and he packs every page with meaningful panels that bring the story forward and add incredible depth. Together we hope to deliver a quality Batman tale, filled with mystery, twists, turns, shockers and most of all, fun!”

DETECTIVE COMICS #13 flies into stores on October 3rd. Below, take an exclusive first look at Fabok’s cover for the issue.