Earlier today, we announced that acclaimed novelist Gregg Hurwitz will be taking over as the series writer for BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT, beginning with issue #10 in June. But in the meantime, don't miss the miniseries Hurwitz is currently writing, PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE.

In PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE, readers were introduced to a new side of Oswald Cobblepot, one of the most notorious and treacherous members in Batman’s gallery of rogues. In the miniseries’ epic finale, it’ll be up to The Dark Knight to save the children of Gotham City. But will he be able to put a stop to Penguin’s plan for revenge before it’s too late?

“Living with Oswald Cobblepot for five months—you'd think it'd be an unappealing proposition,” Hurwitz exclusively told THE SOURCE. “But it was the most fun I've had in comics. I hope you enjoyed my and Szymon's dark little tale of the dark little man. I can promise you this: it's about to get even darker, so buckle up!”

“Gregg’s story was a perfect match for my art. He had very clear and detailed visions for each panel,” continued series artist Szymon Kudranski. “There doesn’t necessarily need to be dialogue or narration in every scene/panel. Artwork should speak for itself and I hope that showed in this miniseries. Sometimes silent panels have bigger impacts and can replace 1000 words. Mostly, I try to operate with shadows and catch the mood. My biggest challenge was to draw Penguin as a child – how to make him scary without gore and blood, but also in a way that would make him sympathetic at the same time. I was also very happy with John Kalisz on board as the series’ colorist. It's not easy to color my art but John always found the perfect colors to not ‘destroy’ the greyscaled art. His palette for Penguin is exactly how I envisioned it.”

Pick up PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE #5 when it hits stores next Wednesday.

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Can the Penguin have finally found love? Despite his harsh childhood and his brutal leanings, Oswald Cobblepot has a new raison d’etre in the feminine form of a potential soulmate – but the balance between his courtship and his life of crime is undermining his bid for power in Gotham City.

The penultimate issue of the critically acclaimed series from bestselling novelist Gregg Hurwitz and artist Szymon Kudranski, PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREDJUDICE #4 goes on sale tomorrow.

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DETECTIVE COMICS #5 will feature a one-shot back-up story, highlighting an alternate, gutter-level view of the Penguin’s plot against Gotham. Written by Tony S. Daniel (writer/artist of DETECTIVE COMICS) and drawn by Szymon Kudranski, the eight-page story will offer another perspective on the unfolding events of the series, tying back to DETECTIVE COMICS’ primary arc – and will also feature a surprise guest appearance by another Gotham regular.

DETECTIVE COMICS #5 won’t hit shelves until January, but we’ve got a look at the back-up’s atmospheric first page right here on THE SOURCE.

Wow. Where to begin? These are exciting times at DC Comics...our new 52 titles are off to a great start, and we have YOU to thank for all of the positive buzz. There are so many exciting projects in my office I could mention...Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's BATMAN...our new BATWING series...the all-new BLACKHAWKS...but today I'm talking about one project in particular...

Pain. Prejudice. Two words I don't normally associate with things that are great, but hey, an editor can change the way he thinks about things, right? And this project has definitely changed my way of looking at things. This project is an eye-opener, pure and simple.

PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE is more than just a character study, more than just a five-issue miniseries debuting this October. PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE is a seductive, in-depth look into the past, present (and perhaps the future) of Batman's most complex foe, Oswald Cobblepot--THE PENGUIN.

So you think you're familiar with the intimate secrets of Cobblepot's dark past? Think again.

L.A. Times best-selling author and suspense novelist Gregg Hurwitz delivers a sinister, macabre tale that is brilliantly illustrated by graphic artist Szymon Kudranski (BRUCE WAYNE: THE ROAD HOME, MANHUNTER, Spawn). Both creators are at the top of their game with this project. I couldn't be more happy.

Well, actually I could be more happy...I'd be happy if everyone reading this column rushes to pick up (or download!) a copy of PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE. You won't want to miss it. Trust me--it's an eye opener!

Mike Marts -- BATMAN Group Editor