| Type | Conglomerate |
| Location | Gotham City |
| Owner(s) | Current: Chip Shreck Former: Max Shreck & Fred Atkins |
| Featured in | Batman Returns (1992) |
Shreck's (aka the Shreck Corporation) is a successful and highly influential conglomerate headquartered in the grim metropolis of Gotham City where it oversees many unique enterprises. It is prominently featured in the 1992 film Batman Returns.
Overview[]
The heads of Shreck Corp., founder Max Shreck and son Chip Shreck
The Shreck Corporation was founded by the influential and incredibly wealthy philanthropist Max Shreck and the company slowly became one of the more prominent financial forces in Gotham City, almost rivaling the likes of Wayne Enterprises and had a hand in developing the economy and infrastructure of the city, with the company eventually attaining a very well-received image among citizens due to the popularity of the Shreck's Department Store.
In truth though, the Shreck Corporation was a mostly self-serving enterprise and most of their contributions to Gotham City were done out of self-interest to help increase Max Shreck's control over the city, with the company developing new housing projects which turned out to be firetraps, establishing new factories and businesses which created more harm and pollution than jobs, funding many of Gotham's mobs and crime syndicates under the guise of charity, and most notable of all was their attempt at constructing a new "power plant" which would actually slowly siphon power from the city and then sell it back to the city at inflated prices and ensure Shreck's continued iron grip over the city and doing anything he could get away with to make sure no one found out about his corrupt dealings, even if it meant cold-blooded murder.
History[]
These actions did not go unnoticed by some, in particular the dastardly supervillain who had been calling himself "The Penguin", who had slowly been collecting information on Shreck's corruption in order to use it against him and eventually blackmailing Shreck into doing his bidding. Another notable individual who had taken notice of Shreck's criminal activities was the head of Wayne Enterprises, Bruce Wayne, who had come into verbal conflict with Shreck before and eventually learned the truth behind his plans. Even Shreck's own assistant at the time, Selina Kyle, became aware of his plans which naturally made her uneasy.
Max Shreck did not let these three stand in his way though, lying through his teeth to keep Wayne and those who questioned him out of his hair, attempting to murder Ms. Kyle only to survive but with supposed "amnesia", and slowly trying to manipulate the Penguin with promises of wealth, fortune and mayorship over Gotham City to keep him in line and help ensure the unimpeded growth of his new power plant by having his "accomplice" approve any of his demands while in office. Unfortunately for Shreck though, his schemes did not go as planned, especially due to the interference of the dark knight of Gotham known as the Batman seeking to put an end Shreck's plot, and things only getting worse for Shreck as the Penguin rebelled against him and planned a gruesome plot of destruction for Gotham City, and the enigmatic vigilante known as Catwoman appearing to kill Shreck who he would later discover was his own assistant Ms. Kyle seeking revenge. In the end, the Penguin's insane plot was stopped by Batman and Shreck himself wound up being killed by Selina Kyle in an electrifying death.
Following these events, it is likely that Shreck's son, Chip Shreck, took over as the head of the company following his father's death, but whether he continued his father's schemes, was arrested for being an accomplice to his father, or took the company down a new path remains to be seen.
Staff[]
Founders[]
Max Shreck[]
- “One can never have too much power. If my life has a meaning, that's the meaning.”
- ―Max Shreck
Shreck Corp. President and Founder, Max Shreck
Maximillian "Max" Shreck was the late founder and president of Shreck's and a ruthless business mogul who used his wealth to manipulate Gotham City.
Shreck's tenure as the president of the Shreck Corporation was marked by his relentless pursuit of power and wealth. He was the owner and original founder of the department store Shreck's alongside his late business partner named Fred Atkins who mysteriously disappeared, supposedly as part of an "extended vacation", leaving Max Shreck complete control over the entire corporation. He would then steer the company into a corrupt powerhouse responsible for much corruption in Gotham City, from producing hazardous materials to funding various criminal organizations.
Shreck final days though were marked by his most corrupt plan to date―the construction of a giant capacitor in Gotham City under the guise of a power plant created with the intention was to steal and stockpile Gotham's power to serve as the ultimate legacy for both himself and his trusted son, Chip Shreck.
This plan was opposed though by both Bruce Wayne and Mayor Roscoe Jenkins, forcing Shreck to take drastic actions to ensure his plan went off without a hitch, even going so far as threatening Jenkins with the possibility of a recall election. However, Shreck's plans hit a slight snag when his secretary, Selina Kyle, discovered the true nature of the power plant. In an attempt to cover up his scheme, Shreck went as far as pushing her off the top of Shreck Tower. However, she survived and donned the guise of Catwoman, a deranged agent of vengeance.
Things only grew more difficult for Shreck after he was kidnapped by the notorious villain, the Penguin and his cronies from the Red Triangle Gang. However, Shreck saw this as an opportunity to further his own interests, deciding to take advantage of the Penguin's "tragic" backstory and pitiful appearance to promote the Penguin as a hero and launch his mayoral campaign against Jenkins, for if the Penguin sabotaged and beat Jenkins, it would give absolute free reign over the city, allowing him to build his power plant unhindered.
However, Shreck's plans would not come to fruition due to the interference of the Batman and Catwoman, and in a final confrontation, Catwoman achieved her ultimate revenge, electrocuting Shreck, leaving him a charred dead mess of his former self, putting an end to the Max Shreck's life and ambitions for a legacy.
Fred Atkins[]
- “Hiya, Max! Remember me? I'm Fred's hand! Wanna greet any other body parts?”
- ―The Penguin's attempt at sounding like Fred Atkins while holding his severed hand to a horrified Shreck
Shreck Corporation co-founder, Fred Atkins... at least what's left of him
Frederick Atkins was the co-founder of Shreck's and former business partner to Max Shreck prior to his rather untimely "extended vacation", courtesy of his partner Max Shreck himself.
Despite having been a key figure in Shreck's business affairs, Atkins took an unexpected leave of absence, supposedly having gone an extended vacation, but in truth, his life was cut short by none other than his partner Max Shreck, who had Fred murdered and dismembered, and his remains dumped in Gotham's sewer system, presumably by the courtesy of Shreck's ties to Gotham's mobs. The sewer-dwelling villain known as the Penguin, who had been stalking Shreck's illegal activity for some time, came upon the dumped remains of Atkins himself, giving him the ultimate black mailing instrument, with Fred's mutilated hand having been among the pieces of evidence that the Penguin presented to an abducted Shreck in his goal to manipulate the Shreck President, with Max Shreck being less than enthused to see his old business partner again, or at least what was left of him.
Despite his untimely demise, the exact reasons why Max Shreck had him murdered remain unknown.
CEO[]
- “Dad. Mr. Mayor. It is time to bring joy to the masses.”
- ―Chip Shreck to his father and the Penguin as they prepare their electoral campaign
Shreck Corp. CEO and Heir, Chip Shreck
Charles "Chip" Shreck is the chief executive officer of Shreck's and the son and heir of Max Shreck himself, having seemingly inherited his father's enterprise following his shocking death.
Born into immense wealth and privilege, Chip was very much a "chip off the old block". Max's trust and compassion for his son were without question, a shocking display of empathy for a man so cold to the rest of the world, with Max's plan to develop an energy-siphoning power-plant having only been conceived with the purpose of endowing Chip with a legacy.
Chip was always present with his father and would always make public appearances alongside him during several key events, including the Lighting of the Tree ceremony and the Maxquerade Ball, with the latter being the last time Chip would see his father alive. Chip's loyalty to his father was absolute and even aided his father during the Red Triangle Circus Gang's attack on Gotham Plaza. When the Penguin attempted to kidnap Chip with the intention of drowning him along with the city's other first-born sons, Max offered himself as a substitute, showing the extent of his loyalty towards his father, but Max proved just as surprisingly loyal to his son, ultimately choosing to sacrifice himself for his son in a rare display of compassion.
After Max's death, Chip presumably became the new president and owner of his father's company, but considering his father's ties to the Penguin and various other criminal activities, it is unknown if Chip was able to hide these matters from the public or if he was forced to face the consequences as his father's accomplice.
Employees[]
- Selena Kyle
- Chief of Shreck Security
Holdings[]
Shreck Tower[]
| Type | Corporate HQ |
| Location | Gotham Plaza, goGotham City |
| Owner(s) | Max Shreck Chip Shreck |
| Featured in | Batman Returns (1992) |
Shreck Tower is the main headquarters and financial epicenter of the Shreck Corporation, serving as a prominent structure in Gotham City. Rising from the foundation of the company's main business, Shreck's Department Store, this tall and spiraling tower looms over Gotham Plaza. Its imposing presence is accentuated by the grander-than-life statue of the head of the Shreck Cat, whose sinister grin perpetually smiles down on the city square as it spins ceaselessly.
The tower serves as the hub where Max Shreck, the ruthless business mogul, conducts his business affairs. It is a meeting place for the wealthy and powerful of Gotham City, as well as the criminal powerhouses. Here, Shreck plots his corrupt schemes, furthering his own interests at the expense of others.
At the top of the tower, just beneath the Shreck Cat statue, lies the main executive boardroom. This room is adorned with art, statues of the iconic Shreck Cat, and portraits of Max Shreck and his son. It was from this lofty perch that Max Shreck attempted to murder his secretary, Selina Kyle, after she discovered his secret criminal affairs.
However, Selina, who later becomes Catwoman, survived and exacts her revenge by destroying Shreck's Department Store and ultimately killing Max Shreck himself. Despite the destruction of the department store, the tower remains standing, a testament to the enduring legacy of Max Shreck's corrupt empire.
Shreck's Department Stores[]
| Type | Department Store Chain |
| Location | Gotham Plaza, Gotham City |
| Owner(s) | Max Shreck Chip Shreck |
| Featured in | Batman Returns (1992) |
Shreck's Department Store was a massive department store located in Gotham Plaza and served as the very foundation of the Shreck Corporation, both literally and figuratively, as the colossal Shreck Tower, the headquarters of Shreck Corp., rests in the middle of the Shreck Department Store, rising from its center like an imposing reminder of Shreck's influence.
The store is known for its grandeur and wide selection of goods, requiring the regular protection of Shreck Securitys. However, beneath its polished exterior, the store is also a site of various incidents and confrontations, especially when the sinister villain, the Penguin appears, seemingly working with Shreck as part of an enigmatic master plan.
However, the Shreck Department Store's days would be numbered when the vengeful Catwoman, in reality the former Shreck secretary Selina Kyle, targeted the store as part of her vendetta campaign against Max Shreck, scaring off its security guards and blowing up the entire department store after setting up a gas leak explosion. Although the tower itself remained relatively unscathed.
Whether the company rebuilt the store following Chip Shreck's ascension to the head of the company, or if Shreck's illegal activities put a damper on future business deals is uncertain.
Products[]
Shreck's Department Store was a one-stop-shop for a wide range of products catering to the diverse needs of Gotham City's residents. The store carried an extensive selection of goods, from automotive parts and sporting goods to clothing, jewelry, and home appliances. Each product was carefully selected to ensure quality and value for the customers. For the Christmas season, it even boasted a very festive design for the holidays.
Automotive Department[]
| Automotive Department | Description |
|---|---|
 |
The Automotive Department offered a comprehensive range of automotive parts and accessories. Whether you're looking for replacement parts, performance upgrades, or car care products, this department has you covered. The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to assist customers in finding the right products for their vehicles. |
Sporting Goods Department[]
| Sporting Goods Department | Description |
|---|---|
 |
The Sporting Goods Department was a haven for sports enthusiasts. It carries a wide variety of big name brand sporting goods for a range of sports, from baseball and basketball to golf and tennis. Whether you're a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, you'll find all the equipment and gear you need in this department. |
Clothing Department[]
| Clothing Department | Description |
|---|---|
 |
The Clothing Department offered a wide range of apparel for men, women, and children. From everyday wear to formal attire, this department had something for every occasion. The department prided itself on offering a variety of styles and sizes to cater to all customers. The department's finest wears were always on exhibition by courtesy of its high-end mannequins, which unfortunately found themselves decapitated by the Catwoman on the night of the department store's destruction. |
Jewelry Department[]
| Jewelry Department | Description |
|---|---|
 |
The Jewelry Department offered a dazzling array of fine jewelry. From timeless classics to the latest trends, customers could find pieces to suit their personal style. The department offered a range of items, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings, all crafted from high-quality materials that drew many socialites, gem lovers and especially Catwomen. |
Cookware & Appliances Department[]
| Cookware & Appliances Department | Description |
|---|---|
 |
The Cookware & Appliances Department is a dream come true for home cooks and professional chefs alike. It offers a wide range of kitchen appliances, cookware, and utensils. Whether you were looking for a new blender, a non-stick frying pan, or a set of chef's knives, this department had everything you needed to make cooking a pleasure. Unfortunately, it was this department which would spell doom for Shreck's as it was the microwaves stored here which the Catwoman used ignite the gas leak she had started, destroying the store. |
Shreck Security[]
| Type | Private Security Service |
| Location | Gotham City |
| Owner(s) | Max Shreck Chip Shreck |
| Featured in | Batman Returns (1992) |
- “Shreck's Security Guard: Don't hurt us, lady. Our take-home's less than three-hundred.”
“Catwoman: You're overpaid.” - ―Shreck Security guards and Catwoman
Shreck's Security is a private security firm owned and operated by Shreck Corp. The firm is responsible for overseeing the security of Max Shreck's company and properties, including his department store.
Two Shreck's Security Guards
The security personnel are easily identifiable by their tan-colored uniforms, as well as the badges on their chest, caps, and left shoulders, all of which bear the name "Shreck's Security" and feature the Shreck cat logo on them.
Max Shreck with his personal guards and the Chief of Shreck's Security
Two Shreck's Security guards were specifically assigned to the Shreck Department Store during closing hours, however, these two officers later found themselves at the mercy of the Catwoman and were forced to flee as she destroyed the Shreck Department Store. In addition to these guards, several other Shreck's Security personnel, along with the Chief of Shreck Security himself, are personally tasked with safeguarding Max Shreck and his son, Chip Shreck.
Shreck Power Plant[]
| Type | Power Plant |
| Location | Gotham City |
| Owner(s) | Max Shreck Chip Shreck |
| Featured in | Batman Returns (1992) |
Shreck's Power Plant was a proposed construction project in Gotham City, spearheaded by Max Shreck and presented as a solution to any potential energy crisis. However, the power plant was, in reality, a deceptive scheme.
Shreck's plan was to build a facility that acted more like a giant battery than a traditional power plant, having been designed to siphon power off the city's grid, store it, and then sell it back to the city at inflated prices. This project was intended to be a legacy for both Shreck himself and for his son, Chip Shreck, wishing to ensure a secure future for his son if he should pass away.
To initiate the construction of his "power plant", Shreck held a meeting with Mayor Roscoe Jenkins. However, the Mayor, aware of Gotham's power surplus, refused to sign off on the project, leading to intense hostilities between Shreck and Jenkins, with Shreck even threatening Jenkins with a recall election, but to do so, Shreck would need to find himself a rising star candidate to be able to compete with Jenkins.
Fortunately (or unfortunately) for Shreck, he would unwillingly come face-to-face with the "rising star" he had been looking for under some very questionable circumstances when he was kidnapped by the notorious villain, the Penguin. Shreck saw an opportunity to use the villain's pitiful appearance and his 'tragic' story of abandonment to make him the new idol of Gotham City, going onto use the Penguin's newfound popularity to his advantage. Shreck planned to set up a recall election, promote the Penguin as a new mayoral candidate, and have him approve the power plant project. However, this plan was met with opposition from Shreck's industry rival, Bruce Wayne, who was opposed to both the plant and the Penguin's involvement, knowing full well of the Penguin's dubious and criminal history.
Despite the opposition, Shreck continued with his plans until Batman intervened. Batman sabotaged the Penguin's election campaign by revealing the Penguin's true evil and arrogant nature to the public, causing his voters to turn against him and ruining both the Penguin and Shreck's plans.
Shreck Textile Plant[]
| Type | Textile Manufacturing Plant |
| Location | Gotham City |
| Owner(s) | Max Shreck Chip Shreck |
| Featured in | Batman Returns (1992) |
- “I got a whole lagoon of this crud in the back.”
- ―The Penguin
The Shreck Textile Plant is a facility owned by Shreck Corp and used by Shreck for other purposes beyond clothing. While it is presented as a "clean" textile plant, it is implicated in some nefarious activities. The Penguin, the deformed crime boss in Gotham City, revealed to a kidnapped Shreck that he had obtained a small canister of hazardous toxic waste that he claims originated from Shreck's own textile plant.
The Penguin further states that there is a whole lagoon of this toxic waste accumulating in the back of his lair, suggesting that the Shreck Textile Plant, under the guise of a textile manufacturing facility, might be involved in a corrupt chemical waste business. The exact nature of this business is not explicitly detailed, but the presence of the toxic waste implies potential environmental violations and unethical practices, further adding to the list of crimes committed by Shreck. The waste accumulating in the sewers may also be the cause of the unusually large mutant penguins that inhabit them and may have contributed to the Penguin's further physical degeneration.
Real Estate within Gotham City[]
- “If there were such documents... that's not an admission. I would've seen to it they were shredded.”
- ―Max Shreck when confronted about his questionable properties within Gotham City
Shreck's shredded real estate documents after being restored by the Penguin
As revealed through the Penguin's research of Max Shreck's past in his attempts to blackmail him, he discovered that Shreck secretly owned half the buildings in Gotham City that were no longer up to modern building and safety codes, making them literal firetraps, a fact which Shreck desperately tried to conceal, having even shredded the documents proving this in the past, but these shredded documents did not stay lost for long, as they were eventually recovered and taped back together by the Penguin alongside other incriminating pieces of evidence against Shreck which he used to blackmail the corrupt philanthropist.
Appearances[]
Batman Arkham City
Batman Arkham Knight - Catwoman’s Revenge
- Batman Returns
- Batman Returns (Novelization) by Craig Shaw Gardner
- Batman Returns (Comic)
- Batman Returns (Video Game)
- Batman: Arkham City
- Batman Arkham Knight - Catwoman's Revenge
Trivia[]
Shreck's in the Batman Returns comic
- Shreck's is seemingly a dark parody or a stand-in for the Macy's Department Store in New York, much like how Gotham itself is a comic book stand-in for New York.
- Tim Burton named Max Shreck after the real life German actor Max Schreck, who played the famous vampire Count Orlok in the 1922 horror film Nosferatu.
- The second draft of the film revealed that Shreck was originally the second son (or "golden boy") of the Cobblepot family and by extension the Penguin's long lost younger brother and an heir to the Cobblepot fortune, with Shreck eventually revealing that he forsook the Cobblepot name out of shame for what his parents had done to his older brother. Although this plotline was seemingly abandoned for the final cut of the film, the Penguin still alludes to the possibility that he might not be an only child and mentions how he was not his parents' "golden boy".
- In the first draft of the film though, Max Shreck and his company did not exist, with Harvey Dent (aka Two-Face) having originally been intended to fill Shreck's role in the film.
- According to the film's DVD commentary with Tim Burton, the design of the company's mascot was seemingly inspired by Felix the Cat and was a jab at how large and corrupt corporations tended to adopt cute animal mascots to hide their true nature, liken it to Mickey Mouse, with the commentary further adding that Shreck's cat was also meant to tie-in with the recurring Bat, Cat and Penguin animal motifs in the film, a fitting design choice for Catwoman's workplace.
- Initially many fans had assumed the head was based on that of the Cheshire Cat, and even the game Arkham City has the Shreck signs used by the Batman villain, the Mad Hatter.