Warning: contains spoilers for The Bat-Man: First Knight #1!Alfred Pennyworth has been integral to Batman’s narrative for decades, serving as Bruce Wayne’s butler, surrogate father, and closest ally. Over his 80-plus years in comic book history, Alfred has garnered immense popularity among fans, making his death in 2018 devastating. However, a new fate for the beloved butler has recently come to light, and it’s even more tragic than his demise at the hands of Bane.
Dan Jurgens, Mike Perkins, and Mike Spicer’s The Bat-Man: First Knight #1 kicks off a three-part series that revisits one of The Dark Knight’s earliest murder mysteries. Against the backdrop of a darker, more somber Gotham City still grappling with the aftermath of World War I, a new threat emerges in the form of a serial killer targeting city officials.
This Black Label title presents a gritty reinterpretation of Batman’s origins, drawing inspiration from his earliest comic appearances, notably including a subtle yet tragic explanation for Alfred’s absence in the unfolding narrative.
In DC’s New”Bat-Man: First Knight,’ Alfred Was Never Part of Bruce Wayne’s Life
Witnessing Commissioner Gordon being besieged by reporters, Bruce, in his civilian persona, extends an offer of a ride to the commissioner. Gordon accepts gratefully but expresses surprise at Bruce driving himself, noting the typical presence of a chauffeur among individuals of Bruce’s social status. Bruce responds casually, revealing, “The family butler used to do the job, but he moved when I went to college. I haven’t seen him since.” Despite its casual delivery, this remark unveils a wealth of information to fans, bearing profoundly melancholic implications.
This casual statement from Bruce reveals that Alfred stopped being a part of Bruce’s life after the latter went to college, indicating two things. Firstly, the two weren’t close in Bruce’s youth, as Alfred left and never returned. Secondly, the trusty butler wasn’t around when Bruce became Batman, thus never serving as Bruce’s main confidant and supporter. This revelation is particularly heartwrenching, as it means that in this universe, the iconic relationship between Alfred Pennyworth and Bruce Wayne never happened, erasing one of Batman’s most impactful and important character relationships.
Batman’s Original Costume Officially Returns, Including The One Detail No Movie Will Adapt
85 years after its debut, Batman’s original costume returns for a gritty, detective noir-esque retelling of one of The Dark Knight’s first mysteries.
Bane Killing Alfred Was Sad, But This New Fate Is Even Sadder
Alfred met his demise in 2018’s Batman #77 by Tom King, Tony Daniel, and Mikel Janin. This decision, which proved controversial among fans, cannot be blamed entirely on the creative team. Tom King revealed Alfred wasn’t supposed to die; it was meant to be a fake-out, but DC pushed for it to be permanent. Hence, the world’s favorite butler was killed by Bane, who snapped his neck in front of Damian Wayne to demonstrate the consequences of defying his rule in Gotham City. As of 2024, Alfred Pennyworth remains deceased in the main continuity (despite DC’s tendency to resurrect characters).
There is no denying the heartbreak of Alfred’s death in the City of Bane storyline. However, his fate in The Bat-Man: First Knight is arguably even more tragic, as it essentially erases a core member of the Bat-Family from history, along with his beloved dry-witted humor, and sarcasm. The contrast between Alfred dying and never existing as a Bat-Family member embodies Alfred Tennyson’s sentiment: “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” Meaning that it was better to have had and lost Alfred than never to have had him at all.
Without Alfred, Bruce Wayne Can’t Become The Batman We Know
In virtually every iteration of Batman, be it in movies, comics, or shows, Alfred Pennyworth remains a constant presence in Bruce’s life, transcending storylines and alternate universes alike. He serves as a cornerstone in Batman’s crusade, providing invaluable advice, medical expertise, manor upkeep, and tactical support. Yet, beyond his practical contributions, Alfred’s emotional support is equally vital, offering Bruce a sense of stability and humanity amid the chaos of his mission. Ultimately, Alfred Pennyworth has been one of the most significant influences on Bruce’s life, profoundly shaping Batman’s identity, character development, and enduring legacy as the Caped Crusader.
However, Alfred’s influence extends far beyond Bruce to encompass the latter’s children: Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Cassandra Cain, and Damian Wayne. Alfred played a crucial role in shaping these young vigilantes, offering them the same unwavering support and guidance he provided to Bruce. His impact on Damian, in particular, was profound. Damian demonstrated his respect and adoration for Alfred by naming his cat after the butler, a gesture that speaks volumes about their relationship. Even in Joshua Williamson’s ongoing Batman and Robin run, Damian fondly reminisces about Alfred, highlighting the enduring significance of Alfred’s presence within the Bat-Family.
Alfred Pennyworth Needs To Be Reintroduced Into Main Continuity
Despite The Bat-Man: First Knight existing outside of the main continuity, it serves as a poignant reminder of Alfred’s absence in the main continuity. As mentioned earlier, DC has a history of “killing off” characters only to later reveal that they never died or revive them in unexpected ways. Notable examples include characters like Jason Todd, Superman, Damian Wayne, and many others. However, as the years pass and Alfred remains deceased, the likelihood of his return seems increasingly slim.
Yet, there are significant continuity events on the horizon for DC, notably the Absolute Power event scheduled for the summer of 2024. While there has been no indication of Alfred making his long-awaited comeback, it’s events like these that offer the most hope and possibility, as they often involve major changes and developments in continuity, including the revival of long-lost characters. Even if Alfred Pennyworth doesn’t return to continuity anytime soon, skilled writers like Williamson are certain to make his absence felt by readers in Batman-related stories, ensuring that this beloved character lives on in spirit.
The Bat-Man: First Knight #1 is now available from DC Comics!
THE BAT-MAN: FIRST KNIGHT #1 (2024) | |
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