Warning! Preview pages for The Penguin #1 ahead!One of Batman's worst enemies has finally uncovered the hero's biggest secret. A flashforward reveals the Caped Crusader's relationship with one surprising Gotham villain is about to change forever.

In a preview for The Penguin #1 by Tom King and Rafael de Latorre, Batman is in the Gotham River and things aren't going well. The Dark Knight has been shot, and the bullet is digging itself deeper into his lungs. Batman has also been stabbed, preventing him from moving his arms. Even worse, the Batmobile is failing and none of his contingencies are activating, leaving the hero with no way to get help as his iconic vehicle sinks into the river's murky depths. But Batman isn't alone. He calls out to the person riding with him, the Penguin, to see if he's still alive. Oswald Cobblepot tells the hero to leave him alone and shockingly uses Batman's real name. Batman and the Penguin accept their fate and prepare to die together. However, this moment is revealed to occur in the future. Currently, Cobblepot is still living under his assumed name in Metropolis and being fitted for a new suit.

The Penguin is Going to Discover Batman's Real Name

Tom King Penguin #1 cover
The-Penguin-1-2
The-Penguin-1-3
The-Penguin-1-4
The-Penguin-1-5
The-Penguin-1-6
The-Penguin-1-7
The-Penguin-1-8
The-Penguin-1-9

Batman's classic villain the Penguin has been out of the game for a while. Last year, Penguin faked his death and framed Batman, an event that triggered Batman's robotic contingency Failsafe and nearly got the hero killed. As Batman dealt with that nightmare, Penguin retired to Metropolis, dyed his hair, took on a new identity, and opened up a flower shop. Though Catwoman was able to track the former crime lord down, she left Oswald in peace, giving him the chance to change his life for the better.

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like the Penguin is going to make the most of his second chance. It's not clear who has endangered Oswald and Batman's lives, though it wouldn't be a surprise if it was Penguin's ruthless children, Addison and Aiden Cobblepot. But what's really surprising is Penguin calling Batman 'Bruce'. Right now, Oswald has no clue that Bruce and Batman are the same person (he certainly had no idea when he framed Batman for murder). But in the year ahead, Penguin is going to find out his nemesis' identity, undoubtedly changing their relationship forever.

Batman and Penguin are Becoming Allies in the Future

Comic book art: Penguin holding a smoking gun and his iconic penguin-themed umbrella.

The Penguin might not be a threat to Gotham at the moment, but his children are. They've already killed to secure the Iceberg Lounge and are keen to take up their father's villainous legacy. Their actions may drive Bruce to reluctantly team up with Oswald, leading the villain to discover who Batman really is. Assuming they survive the Gotham River, which they're certain to, the Penguin is finally going to know his greatest adversary's name. Is he going to use that information to ruin Bruce Wayne, or is Oswald going to prove how much he's changed by letting bygones be bygones? Fans are going to have to wait and see what lies ahead for Batman and Oswald Cobblepot when The Penguin #1 releases later today.