By Peter de Kuster

Introduction: A New Legend Rises in Gotham

In the gritty shadows of Gotham City, a new story unfolds. The Penguin (2024) is not just a tale of a villain’s rise—it’s a masterclass in transformation, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of power124. As Oz Cobb (aka The Penguin) claws his way up from the criminal underbelly to seize control of Gotham’s underworld, we are invited to witness a journey that mirrors the classic Hero’s Journey. But what if, as creative leaders, we saw our own lives through the same mythic lens? What if we recognized that, like Oz, we are the storytellers of our own destinies—capable of creating legends, or fading into obscurity?

The Penguin’s Plot: Power, Betrayal, and Transformation

Following the events of The Batman (2022), Oz Cobb is left in a city teetering on chaos. With the old order shattered, he senses opportunity. The series chronicles his rise: forging uneasy alliances, outwitting rivals, and confronting his own demons as he battles for the soul of Gotham. Each episode is a step deeper into danger, as Oz navigates betrayal, tests his cunning, and ultimately confronts the cost of his ambitions.

The Hero’s Journey and the 12 Archetypes in The Penguin

Let’s walk through Oz Cobb’s journey—and your own—using Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey and the 12 archetypes. At each stage, reflect: How does this phase echo in your creative leadership?

1. The Ordinary World (The Everyman)

Oz begins as a mid-level gangster, overshadowed by Gotham’s criminal elite
Reflection: Where in your life are you playing small, waiting for your moment?

2. Call to Adventure (The Rebel)

Chaos in Gotham offers Oz a chance to seize power.
Reflection: What opportunity is calling you to step up and lead?

3. Refusal of the Call (The Orphan)

Haunted by self-doubt and past failures, Oz hesitates.
Reflection: What fears or old stories hold you back from your next big move?

4. Meeting the Mentor (The Sage)

Oz learns from unlikely allies and past kingpins.
Reflection: Who are your mentors? Are you listening to their wisdom?

5. Crossing the First Threshold (The Explorer)

He commits to his path, making his first bold move.
Reflection: What’s your first step into the unknown?

6. Tests, Allies, Enemies (The Warrior, The Trickster, The Lover)

Oz faces betrayals, forges alliances, and tests his resolve.
Reflection: Who stands with you, and who stands in your way? How do you respond to conflict?

7. Approach to the Inmost Cave (The Creator)

He plans his takeover, risking everything.
Reflection: What bold creation or change are you preparing?

8. Ordeal (The Hero)

A major setback threatens all Oz has built.
Reflection: How do you handle failure or crisis? Do you rise or retreat?

9. Reward (The Ruler)

Surviving the ordeal, Oz gains new power—but at a cost.
Reflection: What have you won on your journey? What have you sacrificed?

10. The Road Back (The Caregiver)

Oz must protect what he’s gained, facing new threats.
Reflection: How do you nurture and defend your achievements and your people?

11. Resurrection (The Magician)

Transformed, Oz emerges as a new force in Gotham.
Reflection: How have you changed? What new strengths have you discovered?

12. Return with the Elixir (The Sage)

He returns, not just with power, but with hard-earned wisdom.
Reflection: What lessons will you bring back to your world? How will you inspire others?

Conclusion: You Are the Storyteller of Your Life

The Penguin is more than a crime saga—it’s a mirror for our own journeys as creative leaders. Oz Cobb’s rise reminds us that we can choose to rewrite our stories, face our fears, and create our own legends. Will you seize your moment, or let your story be written by others?

Questions to Take Away

• Where are you in your own Hero’s Journey?
• Which archetype do you embody most—and which do you need to develop?
• What is the “Gotham” you want to conquer in your life or business?
• Who are your allies, mentors, and adversaries?
• What story do you want to tell about your leadership?

Story Coaching with Peter de Kuster

Are you ready to become the hero—or legend—of your own story? Join me, Peter de Kuster, for private story coaching designed for creative leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to transform their narrative and impact8.

Who Is This For?

• Creative entrepreneurs and professionals
• Leaders seeking clarity and inspiration
• Anyone ready to break free from old stories and craft a new legend

What Are the Benefits?

• Deep clarity on your purpose and mission
• Tools to rewrite limiting stories and unlock new possibilities
• A personalized Hero’s Journey map for your life and business
• Lasting impact on your confidence, creativity, and leadership

Price

• 24-hour private story coaching (three days, one-on-one): €7,500 (excluding VAT)8

Ready to create your own legend?
Contact me at peter@wearesomeone.nl

Because your story is your life. And you are the storyteller.