‘Batman’ comic books inspired Iowa actor

Robin Lord Taylor remembers seeing the “Batman” film starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson on its opening night in 1989.

But the villains portrayed on film aren’t the one the Solon High School graduate is channeling in the Batman television prequel “Gotham” that premieres at 7 p.m. today on Fox. Instead, he says, the comic version of Oswald Cobblepot — yes, that’s the Penguin’s real name — inspired his performance.

“I’m definitely influenced by Danny DeVito’s performance (in the 1992 film “Batman Returns”) and even Burgess Meredith’s performance (in the 1960s “Batman” TV series), but since we’re starting with him as a younger kid, it was just (DC Comics) in particular that were incredibly valuable,” Taylor said.

After Taylor landed the role, he said, DC Comics Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns sent him the issues “Penguin: Pain and Prejudice,” “Batman: Earth One” and “Secret Origins Special Vol. 2.”

Taylor said the comics set the background for him, dealing with the Penguin’s early years, his name, interests and his difficult childhood when he was teased mercilessly by other kids.

“(That) just sort of crystallized where he’s coming from,” Taylor said.

“Gotham,” starring Ben McKenzie as Detective James Gordon, begins with the murder of young Bruce Wayne’s parents. In the series, Cobblepot starts out as an underling to crime boss Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett Smith).

Although his Penguin is shaped by comics, Taylor said his aim is to make the character someone “that people can identify with on a personal level.”

“Once you know what someone’s gone through — no matter what horrible, horrible things that they’ve done, you sympathize with them,” Taylor said. “That’s just how it is.”

— Associated Press