DC Database
Register
No edit summary
Tag: sourceedit
m (→‎Publication History: fixing refs)
(48 intermediate revisions by 14 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
 
| Theme = Batman
 
| Theme = Batman
 
| Image = Alfred Pennyworth 0001.jpg
 
| Image = Alfred Pennyworth 0001.jpg
| RealName = [[Alfred Pennyworth|Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth]]
+
| RealName = Alfred Pennyworth
| CurrentAlias = Alfred Pennyworth
+
| CurrentAlias =
 
| Aliases =
 
| Aliases =
 
| Alignment = Good
 
| Alignment = Good
 
| Identity = Public
 
| Identity = Public
 
| Affiliation = [[Batman Family]], [[Outsiders (New Earth)|Outsiders]]
 
| Affiliation = [[Batman Family]], [[Outsiders (New Earth)|Outsiders]]
| Relatives =
+
| Relatives = Unnamed father
 
| Universe = New Earth
 
| Universe = New Earth
 
| BaseOfOperations = [[Wayne Manor]]; [[Batcave]]; [[Gotham City]]
 
| BaseOfOperations = [[Wayne Manor]]; [[Batcave]]; [[Gotham City]]
   
 
| Gender = Male
 
| Gender = Male
| Height = 5'10"
+
| Height = 6'<!-- Batman Annual #13 Who's Who -->
 
| Weight = 160 lbs.
 
| Weight = 160 lbs.
 
| Eyes = Blue
 
| Eyes = Blue
| Hair = Black
+
| Hair = Black, Balding
 
| UnusualFeatures =
 
| UnusualFeatures =
   
Line 26: Line 26:
 
| Origin =
 
| Origin =
 
| PlaceOfBirth = [[England]]
 
| PlaceOfBirth = [[England]]
| Creators = Bob Kane; Jerry Robinson
+
| Creators = Don Cameron; Bob Kane
| First = Detective Comics #567
+
| First = Detective Comics Vol 1 567
  +
| Last = Batman Vol 1 713
   
| Quotation = We soldier on undaunted, you and I, Master Bruce. And if I '''may''' say so, sir... I couldn't beg, borrow or steal a '''finer''' way to live my life.
+
| Quotation = We soldier on undaunted, you and I, Master Bruce. And if I '''may''' say so, sir... I couldn't beg, borrow or steal a '''finer''' way to live my life.
 
| Speaker = [[Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)|Alfred Pennyworth]]
 
| Speaker = [[Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)|Alfred Pennyworth]]
 
| QuoteSource = Batman: The Return Vol 1 1
 
| QuoteSource = Batman: The Return Vol 1 1
  +
  +
| Overview =
 
'''Alfred Pennyworth''' is the [[British]] butler and valet to the [[Wayne Family]]. He took up the role of legal guardian of [[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Bruce Wayne]], after the murders of Bruce's parents, Dr. [[Thomas Wayne (New Earth)|Thomas Wayne]] and his wife [[Martha Kane (New Earth)|Martha]].
   
 
| HistoryText =
 
| HistoryText =
 
===Origin===
 
===Origin===
  +
When Alfred was young, he would accompany his father on hunting trips in [[Wikipedia:Essex|Essex]] during the summer.<ref>{{c|Batman Secret Files and Origins Vol 1 1}}</ref>
'''Alfred Pennyworth''' is the [[British]] butler and valet to the [[Wayne Family]]. He took up the role of legal guardian of [[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Bruce Wayne]] after the murder of [[Thomas Wayne (New Earth)|Thomas]] and [[Martha Kane (New Earth)|Martha Wayne]].
 
  +
 
Born under the name of ''Alfred Beagle'', he grew up in [[England]] and joined the army once he became of age. He served in various conflicts all over the world, gaining skill as a field medic. After retiring from the army he became an actor, and later a teacher for MI5, instructing its agents in subterfuge through the use of stagecraft.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 806}}</ref> During this time Alfred received a special mission, loaning his services to the MI7. After this mission ended, Alfred was forced to retire from service, adopt a new identity and move to the [[United States of America]]. Alfred legally changed his last name to Pennyworth and started working as a butler for the Wayne Family,<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #807}}</ref> carrying over the family tradition, per his father's dying wish.<ref name=BMA13>{{c|Batman Annual Vol 1 13}}</ref>
  +
 
After several months, Alfred voiced the desire to return home to continue acting. However, these plans were forgotten when young Bruce returned home from school early after being bullied. Alfred taught Bruce how to defeat the bully strategically rather than using brute force. Armed with Alfred's tutelage, young Bruce managed to take care of his bully problem. Alfred stayed on as the family butler at Bruce's request.{{Cn}}
  +
  +
After the murders of [[Thomas Wayne (New Earth)|Thomas]] and [[Martha Kane (New Earth)|Martha Wayne]], Bruce avoided becoming a ward of the state by falsifying records and bribing social workers. Alfred acted as Bruce's guardian alongside [[Leslie Thompkins (New Earth)|Leslie Thompkins]] until Bruce left Gotham at the age of fourteen.<ref>{{c|Secret Origins of the World's Greatest Super-Heroes}}</ref><ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 0}}</ref><ref>{{c|Batman: Shadow of the Bat Vol 1 0}}</ref>
   
  +
Alfred and Leslie became attracted to each other during their guardianship, and after Bruce left, they began a romantic relationship. They casually saw each other until the events of [[Batman: Knightfall|Knightfall]].<ref>{{c|Batman: Gotham Knights Vol 1 7}}</ref>
Born under the name of ''Alfred Beagle'', he grew up in [[England]] and joined the army once he became of age. He served in various conflicts all over the world, gaining skill as a field medic. After retiring from the army he became an actor, and later a teacher for the MI5, instructing its agents in subterfuge through the use of stagecraft.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #806}}</ref> During this time Alfred received a special mission, loaning his services to the MI7. After this mission ended, Alfred was forced to retire from service, adopt a new identity and move to the [[United States of America]]. Alfred legally changed his last name to Pennyworth and started working as a butler for the Wayne Family.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #807}}</ref>
 
   
  +
===Batman and Robin===
After several months, Alfred voices the desire to return home to continue acting. However, these plans are forgotten when young Master Wayne returns home from school early after being bullied. Alfred teaches Bruce how to defeat the bully strategically rather than using brute force. Armed with Alfred's tutelage, young Bruce manages to take care of his bully problem. Alfred stays on as the family butler at Bruce's request.
 
  +
{{Main|Batman: Year One|Batman: Year Three}}
 
Alfred remained as the sole guardian of [[Wayne Manor]] until the eventual return of Bruce Wayne, after many years of study and training. It was on his return that he supported Bruce's plan to take back [[Gotham City]] from the criminals and helped him as best he could. Alfred tended to Bruce's wounds after his first outing, but only after Bruce discovered a bat in the study that inspired him to don a costume to strike fear into criminals. When [[James Gordon (New Earth)|Lieutenant Gordon]] and his [[Barbara Eileen Gordon (New Earth)|wife]] paid a visit to Wayne Manor while doing some investigation about the "Batman", Alfred helped Bruce disguise himself as a self-absorbed playboy millionaire and thus escaped suspicion of Bruce's "involvement" in Batman's attacks against the city mob.<ref>[[Batman: Year One]]</ref>
   
  +
{{Image|Alfred Pennyworth 0069.jpg|Alfred Pennyworth|right}}
After the murder of [[Thomas Wayne (New Earth)|Thomas]] and [[Martha Kane (New Earth)|Martha Wayne]], Alfred was named Bruce's legal guardian, however, social services combated the will thinking that Bruce should not be raised by a servant. However, Bruce managed to remain in Alfred's care by, despite his young age, bribing the social service agent into allowing Alfred to raise him.{{Citation}}
 
  +
After a successful first year, Alfred became the most trusted ally of the Batman, often providing everything to make the Dark Knight's quest easier. In the same was as Alfred as a father figure for Bruce, who he considered as his own son,<ref name=BMA13/> he also played an important role in the inclusion of [[Richard Grayson (New Earth)|Dick Grayson]] as Bruce Wayne's ward and his smooth transition to become Robin, the Boy Wonder. However, in an effort to rectify past mistakes made with Bruce, Alfred tried his best to be a friend to Dick, more than he ever was for Bruce. As a result of this conscious effort, Alfred kept tabs on [[Anthony Zucco (New Earth)|Tony Zucco]], the man who killed Dick's parents and he would always plea the parole board to keep the criminal locked in prison once he was captured by Batman and Robin. Alfred did this for eleven years, keeping the truth from Dick and Bruce, but in the last year, his efforts were in vain and Zucco was released. Although Alfred considered this a deep personal failure, all unfinished business between Zucco, Dick and Bruce were promptly solved.<ref>[[Batman: Year Three]]</ref>
   
  +
===Enter Tim Drake===
Alfred raises young Bruce Wayne together with [[Leslie Thompkins (New Earth)|Dr. Leslie Thompkins]] a close friend and colleague of Thomas Wayne. Later, Bruce decided to travel abroad and Alfred stayed at Wayne Manor and begins a short lived romance with Dr. Leslie Tompkins.
 
  +
{{Main|Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying}}
  +
Alfred remained the most trusted ally of Batman and Robin, even after Dick Grayson's separation from the team after six years and during [[Jason Todd (New Earth)|Jason Todd]]'s time as The Boy Wonder until his death at the hands of the Joker. However, Alfred played a vital role in the introduction of [[Timothy Drake (New Earth)|Tim Drake]] into the Batman's life. When Dick Grayson brought Tim to Wayne Manor, Alfred was shocked to learn that Tim had deduced everything about Batman and Robin. When Dick joined Batman as Nightwing and fell for a deadly trap prepared by [[Harvey Dent (New Earth)|Two-Face]], Alfred allowed Tim to wear the Robin costume and he took the youngster to Batman's location, where the two of them confronted the crook. Their initial confrontation allowed Batman and Nightwing to capture Two-Face shortly afterwards. After a succesful mission, Alfred convinced Bruce to allow Tim to become the new Robin.<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 442}}</ref> However, this also meant that Alfred was in charge of the initial stages of Tim's training before he could start training with Batman.<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 443}}</ref>
   
====Batman Begins====
+
===Sword of Azrael===
{{Main|Batman: Year One}}
+
{{Main|Batman: Sword of Azrael}}
  +
Certain day, Bruce started investigating the case of a crime related to [[Carleton LeHah (New Earth)|Carleton Lehah]] and apparently an [[Jean-Paul Ludovic Valley (New Earth)|avenging angel]]. Alfred traveled along with Bruce to [[Switzerland]], where their helicopter was attacked by Lehah.<ref>{{c|Batman: Sword of Azrael Vol 1 1}}</ref> Alfred and Bruce survived the attack and landed on the mountains, where they were attacked again, this time by the figure known as [[Jean-Paul Valley (New Earth)|Azrael]]. Batman fough them away and he found a shelter to stay along with Alfred.<ref>{{c|Batman: Sword of Azrael Vol 1 2}}</ref> Following their investigation, then went to a hospital where they confronted Lehah, who attacked Alfred and kidnapped Bruce. Alfred was later taken hostage by Azrael and his men, but he convinced them to work together to stop Lehah and rescue Bruce.<ref>{{c|Batman: Sword of Azrael Vol 1 3}}</ref> They tracked down the villain back to America, where they rescued Bruce, but failed to capture Lehah. After this, Azrael, whose real identity was Jean-Paul Valley, joined Bruce to be trained as a vigilante.<ref>{{c|Batman: Sword of Azrael Vol 1 4}}</ref>
Alfred is pleased that young Master Bruce returned home to [[Wayne Manor]] after many years of study and training. It is on his return that he supports Bruce's plan to take back [[Gotham City]] from the criminals and helps him as best he can. After his first outing it is Alfred that patches him up, but only after Bruce discovers a bat in the study that inspires him to don a costume to strike fear into criminals. When [[James Gordon (New Earth)|Lieutenant Gordon]] and his [[Barbara Eileen Gordon (New Earth)|wife]] come to visit Bruce Alfred helps Bruce disguise himself as a self-absorb playboy millionaire and thus escaped suspicion of Bruce's "involvement" in Batman's attacks against the city mob.
 
   
 
===Knightfall===
 
===Knightfall===
 
{{Main|Batman: Knightfall}}
 
{{Main|Batman: Knightfall}}
Alfred noticed that Bruce wasn't the same after the moral defeat when [[Roman Sionis (New Earth)|Black Mask]] escaped from the law.<ref>{{c|Batman #485}}</ref> He tried to make Bruce slow down and give himself a rest, but Bruce was driven, even when he was clearly losing his physical and mental conditions, but Alfred understood that's the way Bruce is.<ref>{{c|Batman #486}}</ref> However, when things started looking bad, Alfred began worrying.<ref>{{c|Batman #487}}</ref> Alfred attended Bruce's wounds after his first encounter with [[Ulysses Hadrian Armstrong (New Earth)|The General]]<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #654}}</ref> and he was utterly scared when he found Batman asleep on the batcave staircase.<ref>{{c|Batman #488}}</ref> Alfred was fast to take care of Robin when he arrived at the Batcave after escaping from [[Bane (New Earth)|Bane]] and he called Bruce to the cave so he could talk with Robin.<ref>{{c|Batman #494}}</ref>
+
Back in Gotham, Alfred noticed that Bruce wasn't the same after the moral defeat when [[Roman Sionis (New Earth)|Black Mask]] escaped from the law.<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 485}}</ref> Alfred's concern showed,<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 486}}</ref><ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 487}}</ref> specially after Batman's encounter with [[Ulysses Hadrian Armstrong (New Earth)|The General]]<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 654}}</ref> and also when he found Batman asleep on the batcave's staircase.<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 488}}</ref> During this trying times, Alfred was always present to tend Batman and Robin's wounds<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 494}}</ref> and he also tried to keep [[Shondra Kinsolving (New Earth)|Dr. Kinsolving]] unaware of Bruce's strenuous activities.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 661}}</ref>
   
  +
Despite Bruce's intent on self-destroy, Alfred would keep reminding him about his affairs as Bruce Wayne.<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 495}}</ref> Alfred became aware of Bruce's decision to shut out Tim while he was working on a case against Two-Face,<ref>{{c|Showcase '93 Vol 1 7}}</ref> and he decided that Batman most certainly would need help. Alfred and Robin went looking for Two-Face and they saved Batman's life by doing so.<ref>{{c|Showcase '93 Vol 1 8}}</ref>
While Bruce was battling the many Arkham inmates, Alfred stayed at home and often answered [[Shondra Kinsolving (New Earth)|Dr. Kinsolving]]'s calls for Bruce. After Bruce came home from an encounter with [[Garfield Lynns (New Earth)|Firefly]], Alfred suggested Bruce to take a good rest and even consider leaving the city for a while, but his comment was ignored.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #661}}</ref> Alfred reminded Bruce of a Charity Function and Bruce agreed to go before passing out on his bed. Alfred woke Bruce as late as possible, allowing him to recover and attend the appointment as well.<ref>{{c|Batman #495}}</ref>
 
   
Afterwards, Alfred watched along Robin how [[Edward Nashton (New Earth)|Riddler]] took over a TV show and Alfred took Robin to the place in the [[Bat-van]].<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #662}}</ref> Alfred and Tim returned to the Batcave, where they watched the news about Batman trying to rescue [[Armand Krol (New Earth)|Mayor Krol]] from [[Joker (New Earth)|Joker]] and [[Jonathan Crane (New Earth)|Scarecrow]].<ref>{{c|Batman #496}}</ref>
+
When the [[Edward Nashton (New Earth)|Riddler]] took over a TV show, Alfred took Robin to the place in the [[Bat-van]] and his assistance was essential in the capture of the madman,<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 662}}</ref> while Batman was trying to rescue [[Armand Krol (New Earth)|Mayor Krol]] from [[Joker (New Earth)|Joker]] and [[Jonathan Crane (New Earth)|Scarecrow]].<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 496}}</ref> A few hours later, Tim went home and Alfred stayed alone at Wayne Manor, where he was knocked unconscious by Bane.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 663}}</ref> By the time Alfred recovered, he noticed Batman was being destroyed by Bane and with all his strength, he managed to crawl out of Wayne Manor and walked to the [[Drake Manor]], looking for Tim's help.<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 497}}</ref>
   
  +
A few moments later, Alfred, Tim and Jean-Paul Valley rescued Batman from the streets, disguised as paramedics from Mercy General Hospital, and with their own dummy ambulance, and they took Bruce to the Batcave, where Alfred did his best with the medical equipment available, but despite his efforts, Alfred knew that Bruce's back had been broken and he would be paralyzed for life.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 664}}</ref> In order to give Bruce the proper medical treatment without exposing his identity, Alfred arranged for Dr. Kinsolving to come to Wayne Manor to look over Bruce. Alfred and Tim wrecked one of Bruce's cars to convince Dr. Kinsolving that Bruce had been in a car crash and he also acquired top medical equipment for Shondra to work at Wayne Manor without having to leave.<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 498}}</ref> A few nights later, Alfred helped Bruce after Dr. Kinsolving and Jack Drake were kidnapped<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 665}}</ref> and together, they started their quest to locate them, with their first destination being the island of [[Santa Prisca]].<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 499}}</ref>
A few hours later, Tim went home and Alfred stayed alone at Wayne Manor, when [[Bane (New Earth)|Bane]] appeared in the place and attacked the butler, leaving him unconscious.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #663}}</ref>
 
   
===[[Knightquest]]===
+
===Resignation===
  +
{{Main|Batman: Knightquest}}
Alfred accompanies Master Wayne to the [[UK]], and is angered when he insists on endangering his own health while paraplegic. This was the culmination of several weeks of Wayne's self-destructive behaviour, and when Wayne returns to [[Gotham City]], Alfred remains in Britain, tendering his resignation. He spends some time on holiday he travels to various exotic locations such as [[Antarctica]] and the [[Caribbean]] before returning to Great Britain. [[Richard Grayson (New Earth)|Dick Grayson]] tracks him down several months later and convinces him to return to America.
 
  +
[[Image:Batman Legends of the Dark Knight Vol 1 60.jpg|thumb|right|Alfred resigns]]
  +
Alfred and Bruce continued their quest to find Shondra and Jack Drake and after a failed rescue attempt at Santa Prisca,<ref>{{c|Justice League Task Force #5}}</ref><ref>{{c|Justice League Task Force #6}}</ref> Alfred travelled with Bruce to his home land of England, where they tracked down Shondra and Jack with help from [[George Cross (New Earth)|The Hood]].<ref>{{c|Batman: Shadow of the Bat #21}}</ref><ref>{{c|Batman: Shadow of the Bat #23}}</ref>
  +
  +
After rescuing Jack Drake, Alfred tagged along with Bruce on his search for Shondra,<ref>{{c|Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #59}}</ref> but they soon returned to Gotham, where doctors told Bruce to lay off. Alfred tried to get Bruce to rest, but Bruce was determined to track down Shondra and Asp, forcing Alfred to present his resignation as he wouldn't stand watching Bruce kill himself. As his last act, Alfred went to Wayne Manor to retrieve his stuff, clean the house and ask Jean-Paul to help Bruce if he could. After this, Alfred moved away from Gotham City and out of Bruce's life.<ref>{{c|Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #60}}</ref>
  +
  +
Months later, [[Richard Grayson (New Earth)|Dick Grayson]] tracked Alfred down to [[London]], where he managed to convince him to return to America.<ref>{{c|Nightwing: Alfred's Return #1}}</ref>
   
 
===No Man's Land===
 
===No Man's Land===
 
{{Main|Batman: No Man's Land}}
 
{{Main|Batman: No Man's Land}}
 
 
His resourcefulness came to the fore during the time when Gotham was declared "[[No Man's Land]]", <ref>{{c|Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Vol 1 117}}</ref>. Batman was missing for weeks, leaving Alfred alone to watch the city. He used his skills as an actor, storyteller, medic, and spy to survive and collect information on the recently destroyed society. Alfred even used hand-to-hand combat in a rare on-panel fight sequence between him and a pair of slavers that ended with his rescue by a just-returned Batman.
 
His resourcefulness came to the fore during the time when Gotham was declared "[[No Man's Land]]", <ref>{{c|Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Vol 1 117}}</ref>. Batman was missing for weeks, leaving Alfred alone to watch the city. He used his skills as an actor, storyteller, medic, and spy to survive and collect information on the recently destroyed society. Alfred even used hand-to-hand combat in a rare on-panel fight sequence between him and a pair of slavers that ended with his rescue by a just-returned Batman.
   
 
===War Games===
 
===War Games===
 
{{Main|Batman: War Games}}
 
{{Main|Batman: War Games}}
After a whole year, the city was part of the country again and many changes came with it. Tim Drake stopped being Robin and Batman allowed [[Stephanie Brown (New Earth)|Stephanie Brown]] to become the next Robin; a decision that Alfred opposed.<ref>{{c|Robin Vol 4 126}}</ref> When Stephanie was fired from the role, the [[Batman: War Games|greatest gang war]] broke out in Gotham and Tim was forced to return to his role as Robin. Alfred was responsible for giving him back his suit and welcomed him back to the [[Batman Family|Bat Family]].<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #798}}</ref> Alfred located Nightwing after he was shot on the leg and took him to the mobile batcave.<ref name=B634>{{c|Batman #634}}</ref> Alfred healed Nightwing and after the procedure was finished, Alfred forced Nightwing to stay in bed and prevented him from going out to battle.<ref name=B633>{{c|Batman #633}}</ref> When the whole war was over, Alfred shared a glass of wine with Bruce and Dick, remembering past events.<ref name=B634/>
+
After a whole year, the city was part of the country again and many changes came with it. Tim Drake stopped being Robin and Batman allowed [[Stephanie Brown (New Earth)|Stephanie Brown]] to become the next Robin; a decision that Alfred opposed.<ref>{{c|Robin Vol 2 126}}</ref> When Stephanie was fired from the role, the [[Batman: War Games|greatest gang war]] broke out in Gotham and Tim was forced to return to his role as Robin. Alfred was responsible for giving him back his suit and welcomed him back to the [[Batman Family|Bat Family]].<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #798}}</ref> Alfred located Nightwing after he was shot on the leg and took him to the mobile batcave.<ref name=B634>{{c|Batman #634}}</ref> Alfred healed Nightwing and after the procedure was finished, Alfred forced Nightwing to stay in bed and prevented him from going out to battle.<ref name=B633>{{c|Batman #633}}</ref> When the whole war was over, Alfred shared a glass of wine with Bruce and Dick, remembering past events.<ref name=B634/>
   
 
Shortly after, Alfred delivered a videotape of a broadcast by [[Arturo Rodriguez (New Earth)|Arturo Rodriguez]] to Bruce.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #801}}</ref> The mystery behind the videotape caused Bruce to learn that someone was responsible for Stephanie's death and Alfred helped Bruce record a conversation among thugs on a night club in order to learn more about it<ref>{{c|Batman #643}}</ref> and filtered the information for Batman.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #810}}</ref> Alfred witnessed along with Bruce how the events of the War Games were solved by Bruce himself and he was glad to put it all behind.<ref>{{c|Batman #644}}</ref>
 
Shortly after, Alfred delivered a videotape of a broadcast by [[Arturo Rodriguez (New Earth)|Arturo Rodriguez]] to Bruce.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #801}}</ref> The mystery behind the videotape caused Bruce to learn that someone was responsible for Stephanie's death and Alfred helped Bruce record a conversation among thugs on a night club in order to learn more about it<ref>{{c|Batman #643}}</ref> and filtered the information for Batman.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #810}}</ref> Alfred witnessed along with Bruce how the events of the War Games were solved by Bruce himself and he was glad to put it all behind.<ref>{{c|Batman #644}}</ref>
Line 75: Line 95:
 
===Under the Hood===
 
===Under the Hood===
 
{{Main|Batman: Under the Hood}}
 
{{Main|Batman: Under the Hood}}
After a few days, Alfred was contacted by [[Lucius Fox (New Earth)|Lucius Fox]], who was looking for Bruce. Alfred did his best to diverge Fox's attention as Bruce was exrtemely busy working as Batman. However, Fox went to Wayne Manor and Alfred was forced to call Bruce to talk with Fox. After the bad news about [[Wayne Enterprises]], Alfred kept an optimistic mind, saying that Bruce won't feel the need for more gadgets and equipment than he already had.<ref>{{c|Batman #635}}</ref> Shortly after, Bruce learned that [[Jason Todd (New Earth)|Jason Todd]] was alive and became the criminal Red Hood. Alfred offered to remove Jason's Robin suit from the display case in the batcave, but Bruce wanted to keep it.<ref>{{c|Batman #641}}</ref>
+
After a few days, Alfred was contacted by [[Lucius Fox (New Earth)|Lucius Fox]], who was looking for Bruce. Alfred did his best to diverge Fox's attention as Bruce was extremely busy working as Batman. However, Fox went to Wayne Manor and Alfred was forced to call Bruce to talk with Fox. After the bad news about [[Wayne Enterprises]], Alfred kept an optimistic mind, saying that Bruce won't feel the need for more gadgets and equipment than he already had.<ref>{{c|Batman #635}}</ref> Shortly after, Bruce learned that [[Jason Todd (New Earth)|Jason Todd]] was alive and became the criminal Red Hood. Alfred offered to remove Jason's Robin suit from the display case in the Batcave, but Bruce wanted to keep it.<ref>{{c|Batman #641}}</ref>
   
 
Alfred assisted Bruce on his quest to discover what happened to Jason Todd after his death and together they examined the gravesite and the coffin where Jason was buried. Alfred was concerned for Bruce's well-being and after long days of non-stop work, they discovered that there was never a body inside that coffin.<ref>{{c|Batman #645}}</ref>
 
Alfred assisted Bruce on his quest to discover what happened to Jason Todd after his death and together they examined the gravesite and the coffin where Jason was buried. Alfred was concerned for Bruce's well-being and after long days of non-stop work, they discovered that there was never a body inside that coffin.<ref>{{c|Batman #645}}</ref>
   
Later, Alfred received a package from Jason, delivered to Wayne Manor. Alfred took the package to the batcave and examined it thoroughly. He discovered a lock of green hair inside and an address as well. Alfred informed Batman about this and Batman asked him to run a DNA test on the green hair.<ref name=B648>{{c|Batman #648}}</ref>
+
Later, Alfred received a package from Jason, delivered to Wayne Manor. Alfred took the package to the Batcave and examined it thoroughly. He discovered a lock of green hair inside and an address as well. Alfred informed Batman about this and Batman asked him to run a DNA test on the green hair.<ref name=B648>{{c|Batman #648}}</ref>
   
 
===Batman R.I.P.===
 
===Batman R.I.P.===
 
{{Main|Batman R.I.P.|Batman: Heart of Hush}}
 
{{Main|Batman R.I.P.|Batman: Heart of Hush}}
When Hush reappeared, he had performed a plastic surgery on his face to look indentical to Bruce Wayne. With his new face, he tried to trick Alfred to let him into the Batcave, but Alfred had been warned by the real Bruce about Hush's plan and when the impostor broke into Wayne Manor, Alfred fought the villain with remarkable fighting skills for one so frail and old versus one so young. However, Hush managed to stab Alfred in the shoulder and was about to kill the faithful butler when Batman arrived. As the fight continued in the Batcave, Alfred activated the robotic T-Rex and distracted Hush long enough for Robin and Nightwing to arrive. After Hush was defeated, Alfred stitched Bruce's wounds.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #850}}</ref>
+
When Hush reappeared, he had performed a plastic surgery on his face to look identical to Bruce Wayne. With his new face, he tried to trick Alfred to let him into the Batcave, but Alfred had been warned by the real Bruce about Hush's plan and when the impostor broke into Wayne Manor, Alfred fought the villain with remarkable fighting skills for one so frail and old versus one so young. However, Hush managed to stab Alfred in the shoulder and was about to kill the faithful butler when Batman arrived. As the fight continued in the Batcave, Alfred activated the robotic T-Rex and distracted Hush long enough for Robin and Nightwing to arrive. After Hush was defeated, Alfred stitched Bruce's wounds.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 850}}</ref>
   
Some time later, Bruce started dating [[Jezebel Jet (New Earth)|Jezebel Jet]] and even revealed his secret to her. Tim Drake asked Alfred about Bruce's well-being and Alfred replied that it would be futile for normal people try to understand Bruce's mind. After this, Tim asked him about the DNA test between Bruce and [[Damian Wayne (Prime Earth)|Damian]], but Alfred refused to tell him, just like he was indicated by Bruce.<ref>{{c|Batman #676}}</ref>
+
Some time later, Bruce started dating [[Jezebel Jet (New Earth)|Jezebel Jet]] and even revealed his secret to her. Tim Drake asked Alfred about Bruce's well-being and Alfred replied that it would be futile for normal people try to understand Bruce's mind. After this, Tim asked him about the DNA test between Bruce and [[Damian Wayne (New Earth)|Damian]], but Alfred refused to tell him, just like he was indicated by Bruce.<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 676}}</ref>
   
{{Image|Alfred Pennyworth 0039.jpg|Alfred injured by The Black Glove|100px|right}}A few days later, Alfred was washing the Batmobile and later he tried to heal some of Bruce's battle wounds, despite Bruce's reluctance. Bruce told Alfred about a new mysterious group called [[Black Glove]] and in order to learn more, he sent Alfred to watch and old movie by the same name. When Alfred returned home, he found the Batcave in flames and most of it, destroyed. He was soon ambushed by [[Guy Dax (New Earth)|Le Bossu]] and his gargoyles, who beat Alfred to a pulp.<ref>{{c|Batman #677}}</ref> Bruised and beaten, Alfred was held hostage by [[Simon Hurt (New Earth)|Doctor Hurt]] in the batcave and witnessed how the [[Club of Villains]] and the [[Black Glove]] used Batman's secret lair as their base of operations.<ref>{{c|Batman #678}}</ref> As their hostage, Alfred endured Hurt's attacks and [[Tristessa Delicias (New Earth)|Scorpiana]]'s torture methods.<ref>{{c|Batman #679}}</ref> Shortly after, Alfred was rescued by Damian Wayne, who took Alfred out of the burning Batcave on the batmobile and they rushed towars Arkham to aid Batman, pushing an ambulance off a bridge, much to Alfred's dismay.<ref>{{c|Batman #681}}</ref>
+
{{Image|Alfred Pennyworth 0039.jpg|Alfred injured by The Black Glove|100px|right}}A few days later, Alfred was washing the Batmobile and later he tried to heal some of Bruce's battle wounds, despite Bruce's reluctance. Bruce told Alfred about a new mysterious group called [[Black Glove]] and in order to learn more, he sent Alfred to watch and old movie by the same name. When Alfred returned home, he found the Batcave in flames and most of it, destroyed. He was soon ambushed by [[Guy Dax (New Earth)|Le Bossu]] and his gargoyles, who beat Alfred to a pulp.<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 677}}</ref> Bruised and beaten, Alfred was held hostage by [[Simon Hurt (New Earth)|Doctor Hurt]] in the batcave and witnessed how the [[Club of Villains]] and the [[Black Glove]] used Batman's secret lair as their base of operations.<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 678}}</ref> As their hostage, Alfred endured Hurt's attacks and [[Tristessa Delicias (New Earth)|Scorpiana]]'s torture methods.<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 679}}</ref> Shortly after, Alfred was rescued by Damian Wayne, who took Alfred out of the burning Batcave on the batmobile and they rushed towards Arkham to aid Batman, pushing an ambulance off a bridge, much to Alfred's dismay.<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 681}}</ref>
   
After Batman's final disappearance, Alfred returned to the Batcave, where he found Batgirl making a list of heroes to create a team similar to the Outsiders, but with the intention of replacing Batman. Alfred suggested that the list consisted only of people seeking redemption for past actions much like Batgirl and he also suggested that she should let Nightwing be part of her plan, but ultimately she refused.<ref>[[Batman and the Outsiders Vol 2 13]]</ref>
+
After Batman's final disappearance, Alfred returned to the Batcave, where he found Batgirl making a list of heroes to create a team similar to the Outsiders, but with the intention of replacing Batman. Alfred suggested that the list consisted only of people seeking redemption for past actions much like Batgirl and he also suggested that she should let Nightwing be part of her plan, but ultimately she refused.<ref>{{c|Batman and the Outsiders Vol 2 13}}</ref>
   
 
Shortly after, Alfred spotted Nightwing gliding towards Wayne Manor and he met the young hero at the Batcave, where he landed, seriously injured. Alfred performed surgery on Nightwing and removed two bullets from his shoulder, having learned the right procedure by watching Discovery Channel. Alfred dosed Nightwing, allowing him to recover and after Nightwing left the cave, Alfred analyzed the bullets and found traces of [[Scarecrow's Fear Toxin]], leaving him no option but to inform Dick.<ref name=N148>{{c|Nightwing Vol 2 148}}</ref>
 
Shortly after, Alfred spotted Nightwing gliding towards Wayne Manor and he met the young hero at the Batcave, where he landed, seriously injured. Alfred performed surgery on Nightwing and removed two bullets from his shoulder, having learned the right procedure by watching Discovery Channel. Alfred dosed Nightwing, allowing him to recover and after Nightwing left the cave, Alfred analyzed the bullets and found traces of [[Scarecrow's Fear Toxin]], leaving him no option but to inform Dick.<ref name=N148>{{c|Nightwing Vol 2 148}}</ref>
   
Alfred was present when Dick jumped from the stratosphere to Earth and witnessed the extraordinary feat along with Tim Drake.<ref>{{c|Nightwing #151}}</ref> Shorly after, Alfred travelled to Japan to take care of some of Bruce's unfinished business. While in Japan, Alfred was contacted by Nightwing asking for leads on the latest case and Alfred gave him the required information.<ref>{{c|Nightwing #152}}</ref>
+
Alfred was present when Dick jumped from the stratosphere to Earth and witnessed the extraordinary feat along with Tim Drake.<ref>{{c|Nightwing Vol 2 151}}</ref> Shorly after, Alfred travelled to Japan to take care of some of Bruce's unfinished business. While in Japan, Alfred was contacted by Nightwing asking for leads on the latest case and Alfred gave him the required information.<ref>{{c|Nightwing Vol 2 152}}</ref>
   
A few days later, Alfred returned and having no one else to call, he summoned Nightwing to Gotham after Two-Face's reappearance.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics #851}}</ref> After the first failed attempt of capturing the villains, Alfred comforted Nightwing and told him to learn from his mistakes, just like Batman did in the beginning.<ref>{{c|Batman #684}}</ref>
+
A few days later, Alfred returned and having no one else to call, he summoned Nightwing to Gotham after Two-Face's reappearance.<ref>{{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 851}}</ref> After the first failed attempt of capturing the villains, Alfred comforted Nightwing and told him to learn from his mistakes, just like Batman did in the beginning.<ref>{{c|Batman Vol 1 684}}</ref> When Nightwing finally decided to return to Gotham, Alfred picked him from the train station and took him home, where together with the help of Tim, they rebuilt the Batcave and agreed to continue with their mission in memory of Bruce.<ref>{{c|Nightwing Vol 2 153}}</ref>
   
 
===[[Outsiders]]===
 
===[[Outsiders]]===
 
After Batman's death, Alfred set up a new [[Outsiders (New Earth)|Outsiders]] team, in an effort to fill Batman's shoes with their combined efforts.{{Citation}}
 
After Batman's death, Alfred set up a new [[Outsiders (New Earth)|Outsiders]] team, in an effort to fill Batman's shoes with their combined efforts.{{Citation}}
  +
  +
<!-- Battle for the Cowl -->
  +
Alfred was concerned about Gotham's situation without Batman and he urged Nightwing to pick up the mantle of the bat and follow his mentor's steps by becoming the Batman, but Nightwing refused.<ref name=BFTC01>{{c|Batman: Battle for the Cowl Vol 1 1}}</ref> Moments later, when Nightwing returned to the cave with an injured Damian, Alfred healed them both and encouraged Dick to finally become Batman.<ref>{{c|Batman: Battle for the Cowl Vol 1 2}}</ref> After Nightwing went to stop Jason Todd, Alfred allowed Damian to join the battle by sending him with [[Beryl Hutchinson (New Earth)|Squire]]. When Dick came out victorious, Alfred, still at his service, witnessed how Grayson took the mantle of the bat and became Batman.<ref>{{c|Batman: Battle for the Cowl Vol 1 3}}</ref>
  +
  +
<!-- Return of BW -->
  +
Some time later, Alfred learned that [[Victoria Vale (New Earth)|Vicki Vale]] was trying to prove a connection between Batman and Bruce Wayne. Alfred used Thomas Elliot, to impersonate Bruce and try to eliminate her suspicions.<ref>{{c|Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Batman and Robin Vol 1 1}}</ref> However, Vicki wasn't convinced and she went to Wayne Manor, where she revealed to Alfred that she had one of Batman's tracers to prove it all. Alfred used his acting skills to take the device away from her and avoided confirming her theory.<ref>{{c|Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Red Robin Vol 1 1}}</ref>
  +
  +
After Bruce Wayne's official comeback, Alfred joined Bruce on a worldwide travel to set up the [[Batman Incorporated]] organization.<ref>{{c|Batman: The Return #1}}</ref>
   
 
| Powers =
 
| Powers =
 
| Abilities =
 
| Abilities =
 
* {{Acting}}: He can work undercover on cases for Batman.
 
* {{Hand-to-Hand Combat (Advanced)}}
 
* {{Hand-to-Hand Combat (Advanced)}}
 
* {{Leadership}}
 
* {{Leadership}}
* {{Military Protocol}}
 
* {{Tactical Analysis}}
 
 
* {{Medicine}}: A former field medic, Alfred is capable of performing minor surgery and stitching wounds for the members of the [[Batman Family]].<ref name=B633/><ref name=N148/>
 
* {{Medicine}}: A former field medic, Alfred is capable of performing minor surgery and stitching wounds for the members of the [[Batman Family]].<ref name=B633/><ref name=N148/>
 
* {{Military Protocol}}
* {{Acting}}: He can work undercover on cases for Batman.
 
 
* {{Mimicry}}: His ability for vocal mimicry means he can impersonate Bruce Wayne on the telephone convincingly.
 
* {{Mimicry}}: His ability for vocal mimicry means he can impersonate Bruce Wayne on the telephone convincingly.
  +
* {{Stick Fighting}}: Alfred has been shown to spar with Dick Grayson, using wooden sticks.<ref name=BFTC01/>
 
* {{Tactical Analysis}}
 
| Strength =
 
| Strength =
   
Line 117: Line 146:
 
| Notes =
 
| Notes =
 
===Publication History===
 
===Publication History===
 
* Evidence suggests that Alfred was created by the writers of the [[Batman (1943 Serial)|1943 Batman serial]]; [[Victor McLeod]], [[Leslie Swabacker]] and [[Harry L. Fraser]], and that DC Comics assigned Don Cameron to write the first Alfred story to introuce the character to the comics in {{c|Batman Vol 1 16}}; which was published earlier than the serial's airing.<ref>Batman: The Complete History (1999)</ref> This is why the original character was a robust, clean shaved man; although the series' version was always intended to be thin and with a slim mustache. William Austin was eventually cast as Alfred in the Batman serial and the DC editors wanted the printed page version of Alfred to resemble his cinematic counterpart, so in {{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 83}} (January 1944), Alfred vacationed at a health resort, where he slimmed down and grew a moustache. This look has remained with the character ever since, even surviving the apparent death of the [[Alfred Pennyworth (Earth-One)|Earth-One version of Alfred]] (in {{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 328}} in 1964) and his resurrection (in {{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 356}} in 1966).
:*Created by writer [[Bob Kane]] and artist [[Jerry Robinson]], he first appeared in [[Batman Vol 1 16|''Batman'' #16]] (April-May 1943), overweight and clean-shaven. This specific incarnation was later named as [[Alfred Beagle (Earth-Two)|Alfred Beagle]] and used as the family manager of the [[Earth-Two]] [[Batman (Earth-Two)|Wayne]] and [[Robin (Earth-Two)|Grayson]].
 
 
* When Earth-Two was formally reintroduced into regular DC comic usage, the old heavier Beagle would be brought back.
:*This printed page version of Alfred would be changed after "Alfred the Butler" was presented in the 1943 Batman movie serial. William Austin, the actor who played Alfred, was trim and sported a thin moustache. DC editors wanted the printed page version of Alfred to resemble his cinematic counterpart, so in [[Detective Comics Vol 1 83|''Detective Comics'' #83]] (January 1944), Alfred vacationed at a health resort, where he slimmed down and grew a moustache. This look has remained with the character ever since, even surviving the apparent death of the [[Alfred Pennyworth (Earth-One)|Earth-One version of Alfred]] (in [[Detective Comics Vol 1 328|''Detective Comics'' #328]] in 1964) and his resurrection (in [[Detective Comics Vol 1 356|''Detective Comics'' #356]] in 1966).
 
  +
* For the most part of Alfred's early appearances in the Golden and Silver Ages, he did not have an official last name -- the name "Beagle" had been used once or twice in the Golden Age, but that was later forgotten and Alfred was only Alfred. The "Pennyworth" last name was first used in the [[Batman (comic strip)|Batman comic strip]] in a story written by former Editor-in-Chief [[Whitney Ellsworth]], and was eventually introduced in the comics in {{c|Batman #216}} in 1969.<ref>"Letters to the Batcave" - {{c|Batman Vol 1 220}}</ref>
:*When Earth-Two was formally reintroduced into regular DC comic usage, the old heavier Beagle would be brought back.
 
   
 
| Trivia =
 
| Trivia =
Line 126: Line 155:
 
* The character is very popular, having received a nomination for the R.A.C. "Squiddy" Award for Favorite Supporting Character in 1994 and for Best Character in 2001. He was also nominated for the Wizard Fan Award for Favorite Supporting Male Character in 1994.
 
* The character is very popular, having received a nomination for the R.A.C. "Squiddy" Award for Favorite Supporting Character in 1994 and for Best Character in 2001. He was also nominated for the Wizard Fan Award for Favorite Supporting Male Character in 1994.
 
* The New Earth Alfred was the first mainstream Alfred to have been shown to have been Bruce Wayne's butler from childhood, and to have raised Bruce after his parents' deaths. Both the [[Alfred Beagle (Earth-Two)|Earth-Two]] and [[Alfred Pennyworth (Earth-One)|Earth-One]] Alfreds came to work for Bruce after he had became Batman. The idea that Alfred raised Bruce was introduced on the ''[[Alfred Pennyworth (Super Friends)|Super Friends]]'' TV show, and was brought into comics in ''[[Alfred Pennyworth (Earth-31)|Batman: The Dark Knight Returns]]'' before being brought into the main continuity.
 
* The New Earth Alfred was the first mainstream Alfred to have been shown to have been Bruce Wayne's butler from childhood, and to have raised Bruce after his parents' deaths. Both the [[Alfred Beagle (Earth-Two)|Earth-Two]] and [[Alfred Pennyworth (Earth-One)|Earth-One]] Alfreds came to work for Bruce after he had became Batman. The idea that Alfred raised Bruce was introduced on the ''[[Alfred Pennyworth (Super Friends)|Super Friends]]'' TV show, and was brought into comics in ''[[Alfred Pennyworth (Earth-31)|Batman: The Dark Knight Returns]]'' before being brought into the main continuity.
  +
* [[Richard Grayson (New Earth)|Dick Grayson]] has referred to Alfred as his "best friend" on multiple occasions.<ref>{{c|Nightwing Vol 1 1}}</ref><ref name=NWAR1>{{c|Nightwing: Alfred's Return Vol 1 1}}</ref>
  +
* Alfred has admitted to having been drunk twice in his life; before he left England for America, and the night he left Gotham City.<ref name=NWAR1/>
   
 
| DC = alfred-pennyworth
 
| DC = alfred-pennyworth
Line 131: Line 162:
 
* [[w:c:batmantheanimatedseries:Alfred Pennyworth|Alfred Pennyworth profile from Batman: The Animated Series]]
 
* [[w:c:batmantheanimatedseries:Alfred Pennyworth|Alfred Pennyworth profile from Batman: The Animated Series]]
 
}}
 
}}
  +
{{Batman}}
 
 
{{Batman Family Member}}
 
{{Batman Family Member}}
 
{{Outsiders Member}}
 
{{Outsiders Member}}

Revision as of 16:45, 3 April 2020

Quote1 We soldier on undaunted, you and I, Master Bruce. And if I may say so, sir... I couldn't beg, borrow or steal a finer way to live my life. Quote2
Alfred Pennyworth src

Alfred Pennyworth is the British butler and valet to the Wayne Family. He took up the role of legal guardian of Bruce Wayne, after the murders of Bruce's parents, Dr. Thomas Wayne and his wife Martha.

Origin

When Alfred was young, he would accompany his father on hunting trips in Essex during the summer.[1]

Born under the name of Alfred Beagle, he grew up in England and joined the army once he became of age. He served in various conflicts all over the world, gaining skill as a field medic. After retiring from the army he became an actor, and later a teacher for MI5, instructing its agents in subterfuge through the use of stagecraft.[2] During this time Alfred received a special mission, loaning his services to the MI7. After this mission ended, Alfred was forced to retire from service, adopt a new identity and move to the United States of America. Alfred legally changed his last name to Pennyworth and started working as a butler for the Wayne Family,[3] carrying over the family tradition, per his father's dying wish.[4]

After several months, Alfred voiced the desire to return home to continue acting. However, these plans were forgotten when young Bruce returned home from school early after being bullied. Alfred taught Bruce how to defeat the bully strategically rather than using brute force. Armed with Alfred's tutelage, young Bruce managed to take care of his bully problem. Alfred stayed on as the family butler at Bruce's request.[citation needed]

After the murders of Thomas and Martha Wayne, Bruce avoided becoming a ward of the state by falsifying records and bribing social workers. Alfred acted as Bruce's guardian alongside Leslie Thompkins until Bruce left Gotham at the age of fourteen.[5][6][7]

Alfred and Leslie became attracted to each other during their guardianship, and after Bruce left, they began a romantic relationship. They casually saw each other until the events of Knightfall.[8]

Batman and Robin

 Main articles: Batman: Year One and Batman: Year Three

Alfred remained as the sole guardian of Wayne Manor until the eventual return of Bruce Wayne, after many years of study and training. It was on his return that he supported Bruce's plan to take back Gotham City from the criminals and helped him as best he could. Alfred tended to Bruce's wounds after his first outing, but only after Bruce discovered a bat in the study that inspired him to don a costume to strike fear into criminals. When Lieutenant Gordon and his wife paid a visit to Wayne Manor while doing some investigation about the "Batman", Alfred helped Bruce disguise himself as a self-absorbed playboy millionaire and thus escaped suspicion of Bruce's "involvement" in Batman's attacks against the city mob.[9]

Alfred Pennyworth 0069

Alfred Pennyworth

After a successful first year, Alfred became the most trusted ally of the Batman, often providing everything to make the Dark Knight's quest easier. In the same was as Alfred as a father figure for Bruce, who he considered as his own son,[4] he also played an important role in the inclusion of Dick Grayson as Bruce Wayne's ward and his smooth transition to become Robin, the Boy Wonder. However, in an effort to rectify past mistakes made with Bruce, Alfred tried his best to be a friend to Dick, more than he ever was for Bruce. As a result of this conscious effort, Alfred kept tabs on Tony Zucco, the man who killed Dick's parents and he would always plea the parole board to keep the criminal locked in prison once he was captured by Batman and Robin. Alfred did this for eleven years, keeping the truth from Dick and Bruce, but in the last year, his efforts were in vain and Zucco was released. Although Alfred considered this a deep personal failure, all unfinished business between Zucco, Dick and Bruce were promptly solved.[10]

Enter Tim Drake

 Main article: Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying

Alfred remained the most trusted ally of Batman and Robin, even after Dick Grayson's separation from the team after six years and during Jason Todd's time as The Boy Wonder until his death at the hands of the Joker. However, Alfred played a vital role in the introduction of Tim Drake into the Batman's life. When Dick Grayson brought Tim to Wayne Manor, Alfred was shocked to learn that Tim had deduced everything about Batman and Robin. When Dick joined Batman as Nightwing and fell for a deadly trap prepared by Two-Face, Alfred allowed Tim to wear the Robin costume and he took the youngster to Batman's location, where the two of them confronted the crook. Their initial confrontation allowed Batman and Nightwing to capture Two-Face shortly afterwards. After a succesful mission, Alfred convinced Bruce to allow Tim to become the new Robin.[11] However, this also meant that Alfred was in charge of the initial stages of Tim's training before he could start training with Batman.[12]

Sword of Azrael

 Main article: Batman: Sword of Azrael

Certain day, Bruce started investigating the case of a crime related to Carleton Lehah and apparently an avenging angel. Alfred traveled along with Bruce to Switzerland, where their helicopter was attacked by Lehah.[13] Alfred and Bruce survived the attack and landed on the mountains, where they were attacked again, this time by the figure known as Azrael. Batman fough them away and he found a shelter to stay along with Alfred.[14] Following their investigation, then went to a hospital where they confronted Lehah, who attacked Alfred and kidnapped Bruce. Alfred was later taken hostage by Azrael and his men, but he convinced them to work together to stop Lehah and rescue Bruce.[15] They tracked down the villain back to America, where they rescued Bruce, but failed to capture Lehah. After this, Azrael, whose real identity was Jean-Paul Valley, joined Bruce to be trained as a vigilante.[16]

Knightfall

 Main article: Batman: Knightfall

Back in Gotham, Alfred noticed that Bruce wasn't the same after the moral defeat when Black Mask escaped from the law.[17] Alfred's concern showed,[18][19] specially after Batman's encounter with The General[20] and also when he found Batman asleep on the batcave's staircase.[21] During this trying times, Alfred was always present to tend Batman and Robin's wounds[22] and he also tried to keep Dr. Kinsolving unaware of Bruce's strenuous activities.[23]

Despite Bruce's intent on self-destroy, Alfred would keep reminding him about his affairs as Bruce Wayne.[24] Alfred became aware of Bruce's decision to shut out Tim while he was working on a case against Two-Face,[25] and he decided that Batman most certainly would need help. Alfred and Robin went looking for Two-Face and they saved Batman's life by doing so.[26]

When the Riddler took over a TV show, Alfred took Robin to the place in the Bat-van and his assistance was essential in the capture of the madman,[27] while Batman was trying to rescue Mayor Krol from Joker and Scarecrow.[28] A few hours later, Tim went home and Alfred stayed alone at Wayne Manor, where he was knocked unconscious by Bane.[29] By the time Alfred recovered, he noticed Batman was being destroyed by Bane and with all his strength, he managed to crawl out of Wayne Manor and walked to the Drake Manor, looking for Tim's help.[30]

A few moments later, Alfred, Tim and Jean-Paul Valley rescued Batman from the streets, disguised as paramedics from Mercy General Hospital, and with their own dummy ambulance, and they took Bruce to the Batcave, where Alfred did his best with the medical equipment available, but despite his efforts, Alfred knew that Bruce's back had been broken and he would be paralyzed for life.[31] In order to give Bruce the proper medical treatment without exposing his identity, Alfred arranged for Dr. Kinsolving to come to Wayne Manor to look over Bruce. Alfred and Tim wrecked one of Bruce's cars to convince Dr. Kinsolving that Bruce had been in a car crash and he also acquired top medical equipment for Shondra to work at Wayne Manor without having to leave.[32] A few nights later, Alfred helped Bruce after Dr. Kinsolving and Jack Drake were kidnapped[33] and together, they started their quest to locate them, with their first destination being the island of Santa Prisca.[34]

Resignation

 Main article: Batman: Knightquest

Batman Legends of the Dark Knight Vol 1 60

Alfred resigns

Alfred and Bruce continued their quest to find Shondra and Jack Drake and after a failed rescue attempt at Santa Prisca,[35][36] Alfred travelled with Bruce to his home land of England, where they tracked down Shondra and Jack with help from The Hood.[37][38]

After rescuing Jack Drake, Alfred tagged along with Bruce on his search for Shondra,[39] but they soon returned to Gotham, where doctors told Bruce to lay off. Alfred tried to get Bruce to rest, but Bruce was determined to track down Shondra and Asp, forcing Alfred to present his resignation as he wouldn't stand watching Bruce kill himself. As his last act, Alfred went to Wayne Manor to retrieve his stuff, clean the house and ask Jean-Paul to help Bruce if he could. After this, Alfred moved away from Gotham City and out of Bruce's life.[40]

Months later, Dick Grayson tracked Alfred down to London, where he managed to convince him to return to America.[41]

No Man's Land

 Main article: Batman: No Man's Land

His resourcefulness came to the fore during the time when Gotham was declared "No Man's Land", [42]. Batman was missing for weeks, leaving Alfred alone to watch the city. He used his skills as an actor, storyteller, medic, and spy to survive and collect information on the recently destroyed society. Alfred even used hand-to-hand combat in a rare on-panel fight sequence between him and a pair of slavers that ended with his rescue by a just-returned Batman.

War Games

 Main article: Batman: War Games

After a whole year, the city was part of the country again and many changes came with it. Tim Drake stopped being Robin and Batman allowed Stephanie Brown to become the next Robin; a decision that Alfred opposed.[43] When Stephanie was fired from the role, the greatest gang war broke out in Gotham and Tim was forced to return to his role as Robin. Alfred was responsible for giving him back his suit and welcomed him back to the Bat Family.[44] Alfred located Nightwing after he was shot on the leg and took him to the mobile batcave.[45] Alfred healed Nightwing and after the procedure was finished, Alfred forced Nightwing to stay in bed and prevented him from going out to battle.[46] When the whole war was over, Alfred shared a glass of wine with Bruce and Dick, remembering past events.[45]

Shortly after, Alfred delivered a videotape of a broadcast by Arturo Rodriguez to Bruce.[47] The mystery behind the videotape caused Bruce to learn that someone was responsible for Stephanie's death and Alfred helped Bruce record a conversation among thugs on a night club in order to learn more about it[48] and filtered the information for Batman.[49] Alfred witnessed along with Bruce how the events of the War Games were solved by Bruce himself and he was glad to put it all behind.[50]

Under the Hood

 Main article: Batman: Under the Hood

After a few days, Alfred was contacted by Lucius Fox, who was looking for Bruce. Alfred did his best to diverge Fox's attention as Bruce was extremely busy working as Batman. However, Fox went to Wayne Manor and Alfred was forced to call Bruce to talk with Fox. After the bad news about Wayne Enterprises, Alfred kept an optimistic mind, saying that Bruce won't feel the need for more gadgets and equipment than he already had.[51] Shortly after, Bruce learned that Jason Todd was alive and became the criminal Red Hood. Alfred offered to remove Jason's Robin suit from the display case in the Batcave, but Bruce wanted to keep it.[52]

Alfred assisted Bruce on his quest to discover what happened to Jason Todd after his death and together they examined the gravesite and the coffin where Jason was buried. Alfred was concerned for Bruce's well-being and after long days of non-stop work, they discovered that there was never a body inside that coffin.[53]

Later, Alfred received a package from Jason, delivered to Wayne Manor. Alfred took the package to the Batcave and examined it thoroughly. He discovered a lock of green hair inside and an address as well. Alfred informed Batman about this and Batman asked him to run a DNA test on the green hair.[54]

Batman R.I.P.

 Main articles: Batman R.I.P. and Batman: Heart of Hush

When Hush reappeared, he had performed a plastic surgery on his face to look identical to Bruce Wayne. With his new face, he tried to trick Alfred to let him into the Batcave, but Alfred had been warned by the real Bruce about Hush's plan and when the impostor broke into Wayne Manor, Alfred fought the villain with remarkable fighting skills for one so frail and old versus one so young. However, Hush managed to stab Alfred in the shoulder and was about to kill the faithful butler when Batman arrived. As the fight continued in the Batcave, Alfred activated the robotic T-Rex and distracted Hush long enough for Robin and Nightwing to arrive. After Hush was defeated, Alfred stitched Bruce's wounds.[55]

Some time later, Bruce started dating Jezebel Jet and even revealed his secret to her. Tim Drake asked Alfred about Bruce's well-being and Alfred replied that it would be futile for normal people try to understand Bruce's mind. After this, Tim asked him about the DNA test between Bruce and Damian, but Alfred refused to tell him, just like he was indicated by Bruce.[56]

Alfred Pennyworth 0039

Alfred injured by The Black Glove

A few days later, Alfred was washing the Batmobile and later he tried to heal some of Bruce's battle wounds, despite Bruce's reluctance. Bruce told Alfred about a new mysterious group called Black Glove and in order to learn more, he sent Alfred to watch and old movie by the same name. When Alfred returned home, he found the Batcave in flames and most of it, destroyed. He was soon ambushed by Le Bossu and his gargoyles, who beat Alfred to a pulp.[57] Bruised and beaten, Alfred was held hostage by Doctor Hurt in the batcave and witnessed how the Club of Villains and the Black Glove used Batman's secret lair as their base of operations.[58] As their hostage, Alfred endured Hurt's attacks and Scorpiana's torture methods.[59] Shortly after, Alfred was rescued by Damian Wayne, who took Alfred out of the burning Batcave on the batmobile and they rushed towards Arkham to aid Batman, pushing an ambulance off a bridge, much to Alfred's dismay.[60]

After Batman's final disappearance, Alfred returned to the Batcave, where he found Batgirl making a list of heroes to create a team similar to the Outsiders, but with the intention of replacing Batman. Alfred suggested that the list consisted only of people seeking redemption for past actions much like Batgirl and he also suggested that she should let Nightwing be part of her plan, but ultimately she refused.[61]

Shortly after, Alfred spotted Nightwing gliding towards Wayne Manor and he met the young hero at the Batcave, where he landed, seriously injured. Alfred performed surgery on Nightwing and removed two bullets from his shoulder, having learned the right procedure by watching Discovery Channel. Alfred dosed Nightwing, allowing him to recover and after Nightwing left the cave, Alfred analyzed the bullets and found traces of Scarecrow's Fear Toxin, leaving him no option but to inform Dick.[62]

Alfred was present when Dick jumped from the stratosphere to Earth and witnessed the extraordinary feat along with Tim Drake.[63] Shorly after, Alfred travelled to Japan to take care of some of Bruce's unfinished business. While in Japan, Alfred was contacted by Nightwing asking for leads on the latest case and Alfred gave him the required information.[64]

A few days later, Alfred returned and having no one else to call, he summoned Nightwing to Gotham after Two-Face's reappearance.[65] After the first failed attempt of capturing the villains, Alfred comforted Nightwing and told him to learn from his mistakes, just like Batman did in the beginning.[66] When Nightwing finally decided to return to Gotham, Alfred picked him from the train station and took him home, where together with the help of Tim, they rebuilt the Batcave and agreed to continue with their mission in memory of Bruce.[67]

Outsiders

After Batman's death, Alfred set up a new Outsiders team, in an effort to fill Batman's shoes with their combined efforts.[citation needed]

Alfred was concerned about Gotham's situation without Batman and he urged Nightwing to pick up the mantle of the bat and follow his mentor's steps by becoming the Batman, but Nightwing refused.[68] Moments later, when Nightwing returned to the cave with an injured Damian, Alfred healed them both and encouraged Dick to finally become Batman.[69] After Nightwing went to stop Jason Todd, Alfred allowed Damian to join the battle by sending him with Squire. When Dick came out victorious, Alfred, still at his service, witnessed how Grayson took the mantle of the bat and became Batman.[70]

Some time later, Alfred learned that Vicki Vale was trying to prove a connection between Batman and Bruce Wayne. Alfred used Thomas Elliot, to impersonate Bruce and try to eliminate her suspicions.[71] However, Vicki wasn't convinced and she went to Wayne Manor, where she revealed to Alfred that she had one of Batman's tracers to prove it all. Alfred used his acting skills to take the device away from her and avoided confirming her theory.[72]

After Bruce Wayne's official comeback, Alfred joined Bruce on a worldwide travel to set up the Batman Incorporated organization.[73]


Abilities


Publication History

  • Evidence suggests that Alfred was created by the writers of the 1943 Batman serial; Victor McLeod, Leslie Swabacker and Harry L. Fraser, and that DC Comics assigned Don Cameron to write the first Alfred story to introuce the character to the comics in Batman #16; which was published earlier than the serial's airing.[74] This is why the original character was a robust, clean shaved man; although the series' version was always intended to be thin and with a slim mustache. William Austin was eventually cast as Alfred in the Batman serial and the DC editors wanted the printed page version of Alfred to resemble his cinematic counterpart, so in Detective Comics #83 (January 1944), Alfred vacationed at a health resort, where he slimmed down and grew a moustache. This look has remained with the character ever since, even surviving the apparent death of the Earth-One version of Alfred (in Detective Comics #328 in 1964) and his resurrection (in Detective Comics #356 in 1966).
  • When Earth-Two was formally reintroduced into regular DC comic usage, the old heavier Beagle would be brought back.
  • For the most part of Alfred's early appearances in the Golden and Silver Ages, he did not have an official last name -- the name "Beagle" had been used once or twice in the Golden Age, but that was later forgotten and Alfred was only Alfred. The "Pennyworth" last name was first used in the Batman comic strip in a story written by former Editor-in-Chief Whitney Ellsworth, and was eventually introduced in the comics in Batman #216 in 1969.[75]
  • Alfred and Bruce started collecting first edition books after the murder of the Waynes and they kept doing it for the remaining of their time together.[54]
  • He is the only member of the Batman Family that is allowed by Bruce Wayne to own a firearm.[citation needed]
  • The character is very popular, having received a nomination for the R.A.C. "Squiddy" Award for Favorite Supporting Character in 1994 and for Best Character in 2001. He was also nominated for the Wizard Fan Award for Favorite Supporting Male Character in 1994.
  • The New Earth Alfred was the first mainstream Alfred to have been shown to have been Bruce Wayne's butler from childhood, and to have raised Bruce after his parents' deaths. Both the Earth-Two and Earth-One Alfreds came to work for Bruce after he had became Batman. The idea that Alfred raised Bruce was introduced on the Super Friends TV show, and was brought into comics in Batman: The Dark Knight Returns before being brought into the main continuity.
  • Dick Grayson has referred to Alfred as his "best friend" on multiple occasions.[76][77]
  • Alfred has admitted to having been drunk twice in his life; before he left England for America, and the night he left Gotham City.[77]

Related

External Links

Footnotes

  1. Batman Secret Files and Origins #1
  2. Detective Comics #806
  3. Detective Comics #807
  4. 4.0 4.1 Batman Annual #13
  5. Secret Origins of the World's Greatest Super-Heroes
  6. Batman #0
  7. Batman: Shadow of the Bat #0
  8. Batman: Gotham Knights #7
  9. Batman: Year One
  10. Batman: Year Three
  11. Batman #442
  12. Batman #443
  13. Batman: Sword of Azrael #1
  14. Batman: Sword of Azrael #2
  15. Batman: Sword of Azrael #3
  16. Batman: Sword of Azrael #4
  17. Batman #485
  18. Batman #486
  19. Batman #487
  20. Detective Comics #654
  21. Batman #488
  22. Batman #494
  23. Detective Comics #661
  24. Batman #495
  25. Showcase '93 #7
  26. Showcase '93 #8
  27. Detective Comics #662
  28. Batman #496
  29. Detective Comics #663
  30. Batman #497
  31. Detective Comics #664
  32. Batman #498
  33. Detective Comics #665
  34. Batman #499
  35. Justice League Task Force #5
  36. Justice League Task Force #6
  37. Batman: Shadow of the Bat #21
  38. Batman: Shadow of the Bat #23
  39. Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #59
  40. Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #60
  41. Nightwing: Alfred's Return #1
  42. Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #117
  43. Robin (Volume 2) #126
  44. Detective Comics #798
  45. 45.0 45.1 Batman #634
  46. 46.0 46.1 Batman #633
  47. Detective Comics #801
  48. Batman #643
  49. Detective Comics #810
  50. Batman #644
  51. Batman #635
  52. Batman #641
  53. Batman #645
  54. 54.0 54.1 Batman #648
  55. Detective Comics #850
  56. Batman #676
  57. Batman #677
  58. Batman #678
  59. Batman #679
  60. Batman #681
  61. Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #13
  62. 62.0 62.1 Nightwing (Volume 2) #148
  63. Nightwing (Volume 2) #151
  64. Nightwing (Volume 2) #152
  65. Detective Comics #851
  66. Batman #684
  67. Nightwing (Volume 2) #153
  68. 68.0 68.1 Batman: Battle for the Cowl #1
  69. Batman: Battle for the Cowl #2
  70. Batman: Battle for the Cowl #3
  71. Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Batman and Robin #1
  72. Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Red Robin #1
  73. Batman: The Return #1
  74. Batman: The Complete History (1999)
  75. "Letters to the Batcave" - Batman #220
  76. Nightwing #1
  77. 77.0 77.1 Nightwing: Alfred's Return #1


Batman Allies
Batman Family member
DC Rebirth Logo

This character is or was an incarnation of or an ally of Batman, and a member of the Batman Family. This template will automatically categorize articles that include it into the "Batman Family members" category.

Outsiders 0001
Outsiders member
DC Rebirth Logo

This character is or was a member of one or more of the teams known as the Outsiders. This template will categorize articles that include it into the "Outsiders members" category.