The Batman universe is well known for its cast of colorful villains. But over the Dark Knights eight-decade career, the threats to Gotham City expand beyond the joke-telling, umbrella-swirling, riddle-setting inhabitants of Arkham Asylum. The Falcone family, also known as the Roman Empire, has been part of Gotham mythos for nearly 40 years. Appearing in some of Batmans greatest stories, theyve become a compelling part of the citys history on page and increasingly, thanks to shows like The Penguin, on screen.