Real-Life Fungi in Fiction: The Origins of ‘Bliss’ in The Penguin

If you’ve been watching the latest Batman-universe television show, The Penguin, a fictional drug called “Bliss” debuts as a powerful new substance in Gotham. Derived from the real-life Bleeding Tooth Fungus (Hydnellum peckii), Bliss is portrayed as a euphoric stimulant, manufactured in underground labs. While the fungus’ crimson fluid looks sinister, it isn’t psychoactive. In reality, this mushroom contains chemical compounds with anticoagulant properties, resembling the blood thinner heparin.

This fungus, found in forests worldwide, is known for its striking appearance, with white caps oozing red fluid—earning nicknames like “Devil’s Tooth” and “Strawberries and Cream.” Though visually striking, again, the fungus is not psychoactive. Instead, it contains compounds like atromentin, a natural anticoagulant that’s also being researched for Alzheimer’s treatment.

The show’s depiction of Bliss as a potent euphoric is purely fictional. However, the Bleeding Tooth Fungus reflects nature’s ability to produce both bizarre beauty and untapped medical potential, making it a fitting symbol for Gotham’s gritty underground. The fictional narrative’s use of fungi in drug creation mirrors real-world efforts to explore psychedelic mushrooms’ therapeutic properties—minus the drama of Gotham’s crime scene.

The portrayal of Bliss also sparks broader discussions within the psychedelic community about the exploration of mycological compounds for healing rather than escapism. While Bliss remains a work of fiction, psychedelic fungi are actively being studied for their potential mental health benefits. As research into mushrooms like psilocybin continues, so does our understanding of nature’s complex impact on human consciousness.

Fusing Gotham’s darkness with mycological science highlights the enduring allure of fungi in popular culture. Despite the fictionalized portrayal, the show reminds us that the natural world, particularly fungi, holds many secrets yet to be unlocked—some with the potential for real-world impact on health and medicine.