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monition : contains spoilers for The Bat - Man : First Knight # 1!Alfred Pennyworthhas been integral toBatman’snarrative for decades , do as Bruce Wayne ’s butler , surrogate beginner , and closest friend . Over his 80 - plus years in comic book history , Alfred has garnered immense popularity among fans , making his death in 2018 devastating . However , a young destiny for the beloved butler has recently come to spark , and it ’s even more tragical than his dying at the hands of Bane .
Dan Jurgens , Mike Perkins , and Mike Spicer’sThe Bat - Man : First Knight#1kicks off a three - part series that revisits one of The Dark Knight ’s former murder mysteries . Against the background of a darker , more sombre Gotham City still deal with the aftermath of World War I , a new threat emerges in the word form of a in series killer targeting city officials .
This Black Label title give a gritty reinterpretation of Batman ’s blood line , drawing inspiration from his earliest laughable appearance , notablyincluding a insidious yet tragical 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 newsperson , Bruce , in his civilian part , hold out an offer of a drive to the commissioner . Gordon bear gratefully but expresses surprise at Bruce drive himself , noting the typical front of a chauffeur among individuals of Bruce ’s social status . Bruce respond nonchalantly , revealing,“The family butler used to do the job , but he moved when I went to college . I have n’t see him since . ”Despite its perfunctory delivery , this remark unveils a wealth of information to fans , bearing profoundly melancholic implications .
This free-and-easy command from Bruce let out that Alfred blockade being a part of Bruce ’s life after the latter hold up to college , indicating two things . Firstly , the two were n’t tight in Bruce ’s youth , as Alfred leave and never returned . second , the trusty butler was n’t around when Bruce became Batman , thus never serving as Bruce ’s main intimate and supporter . This Apocalypse is particularly heartwrenching , as it means that in this macrocosm , the iconicrelationship between Alfred Pennyworth and Bruce Waynenever happened , erasing one of Batman ’s most impactful and important character family relationship .
There is no denying the grief of Alfred ’s death in the City of Bane plot line . However , his fate in The Bat - Man : First Knight is arguably even more tragic , as it essentially erase a center member of the Bat - Family from history
85 geezerhood after its debut , Batman ’s original costume returns for a spirited , detective noir - esque retelling of one of The Dark Knight ’s first whodunit .
Bane Killing Alfred Was Sad, But This New Fate Is Even Sadder
Alfred meet his demise in 2018’sBatman#77 by Tom King , Tony Daniel , and Mikel Janin . This decision , which proved controversial among fan , can not be blamed totally on the creative squad . Tom King reveal Alfred was n’t supposed to die ; it was meant to be a phony - out , but DC push for it to be lasting . Hence , the creation ’s favorite Samuel Butler was killed by Bane , who snapped his neck in front of Damian Wayne to shew the consequences of dare 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 heartache of Alfred ’s death in theCity of Banestoryline . However , his circumstances inThe Bat - Man : First Knightis arguably even more tragical , as it essentially erase a core group member of the Bat - Family from history , along with his darling dry - witted humor , and satire . The contrast between Alfred dying and never existing as a Bat - Family member embody Alfred Tennyson ’s sentiment : “ Tis better to have screw and recede than never to have loved at all . ” think thatit was well to have had and fall behind Alfred than never to have had him at all .
Writer Tom King would later on share thatAlfred was n’t supposed to die in hisBatmanrun , but eventually expose the murder as a deception , and return . or else of a cliffhanger , DC labor to show the last , and make it lasting .
Without Alfred, Bruce Wayne Can’t Become The Batman We Know
In virtually every iteration of Batman , be it in moving picture , comics , or show , Alfred Pennyworth remains a constant comportment in Bruce ’s life , transcending plot line and alternate universes alike . He serves as a cornerstone in Batman ’s crusade , providing invaluable advice , aesculapian expertness , manor upkeep , and tactical financial support . Yet , beyond his pragmatic contributions , Alfred ’s emotional support is equally vital , offering Bruce a sense of constancy and humanity amid the topsy-turvydom of his military mission . at long last , Alfred Pennyworth has been one of the most significant influences on Bruce ’s life , deeply shaping Batman ’s identity , character ontogeny , and enduring legacyas the Caped Crusader .
However , Alfred ’s influence extends far beyond Bruce to cover the latter ’s children : Dick Grayson , Jason Todd , Tim Drake , Cassandra Cain , and Damian Wayne . Alfred played a important role in shaping these young vigilance man , offering them the same firm support and guidance he provided to Bruce . His impact on Damian , in particular , was profound . Damian demonstrated his regard and idolization for Alfred by naming his cat after the Samuel Butler , a gesture that speaks volume about their relationship . Even inJoshua Williamson ’s ongoingBatman and Robinrun , Damian fondly reminisces about Alfred , spotlight the long-suffering import of Alfred ’s bearing within the Bat - Family .
Alfred Pennyworth Needs To Be Reintroduced Into Main Continuity
DespiteThe Bat - Man : First Knightexisting outside of the main persistence , it serves as a poignant admonisher of Alfred ’s absence seizure in the main persistence . As cite earlier , DC has a account of " killing off " characters only to afterward reveal that they never die out or revive them in unexpected ways . illustrious instance include characters like Jason Todd , Superman , Damian Wayne , and many others . However , as the yr go on and Alfred remains departed , the likeliness of his riposte seems progressively slim .
Yet , there are substantial continuity event on the view for DC , notablytheAbsolute Powereventscheduled for the summer of 2024 . While there has been no indicant of Alfred making his long - awaited comeback , it ’s events like these that extend the most Bob Hope and possibility , as they often involve major changes and development in continuity , let in the revival of long - lose fiber . Even ifAlfred Pennyworthdoesn’t reelect to persistence anytime presently , skilled writer like Williamson are sure to make his absence felt by reviewer inBatman - interrelate tarradiddle , see to it that this beloved character lives on in heart .
The Bat - Man : First Knight#1 is now available from DC Comics !
THE BAT - MAN : FIRST KNIGHT # 1 ( 2024 )
