Batman #95,the latest issue of James Tynion IV’s “Joker War” arc, appears to add credence to an old adage: nobody ever stays dead in comic books. A crucial, supposedly deceased ally rushes to Bruce’s aid at a crucial moment, butBatmanbeingBatman, things may not be as simple as they seem.
In Tom King’s “City of Bane” arc, Bane, the villain who famously broke the Bat’s back, savagely murders Bruce Wayne’s oldest and most trusted ally, Alfred Pennyworth. The beloved butler and father figure has been absent fromBatmanbooks for nearly a full year, which is surprisingly long absence for a staple character, dead or not. Alfred has been portrayed on-screen by several luminary actors, including Michael Cain, Ralph Fiennes, Sean Pertwee, with Andy Serkis set to play the role in the forthcoming film,The Batman, which will tell a darker storythan its predecessors.
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After narrowly escaping an altercation with Joker’s henchwoman, Punchline, Bruce hears the voice of his friend and former guardian, Alfred, in his earpiece. It is worth noting that Punchline managed to poison Bruce during their encounter with a horrifying trinity of toxins: Bane’s Venom, Joker’s Laughing Gas, and Scarecrow’s Fear Gas. All three of these poisons affect their victims' mind powerfully, and in many media, includingInjustice 2,Scarecrow’sFear Gas induces terrifying hallucinations, but it is unlikely that Alfred’s return would be reduced to a drug trip—especially since the voice provides encouragement and advice that helps Batman escape.
When Bruce exclaims that Alfred is dead, the voice in his earpiece replies, “I’m sorry my boy! I’m so sorry!” rather than offering a rebuttal. If Alfred is still deceased, as the apology seems to imply, it is possible that his consciousness was digitized or mapped to some kind of AI. Another plausible possibility is that Alfred is alive, having been brought back to life by a Lazarus Pit, which is perhaps the most popular device for resurrection inBatmancomics. But there are many ways to cheat death in Gotham City, as demonstrated byRocksteady Games' still-cryptic secret ending toBatman: Arkham Knight.
So far, Batman’s butler has played a relatively small role in video game adaptations of the character. PC Modders allowed players to play as Alfred inArkham Knight, but the experience is played for laughs. That may change in the near future, however. Rumors surrounding Rocksteady’s unannounced follow-up toArkham Knight,(supposedly titledGotham Knights,)suggest the game may be exploring the broader Bat Family, and perhaps, the DC Universe as a whole.
MoreBatmannews will likely surface withWB Games' virtual reveal event, rumored to be scheduled for August. As for Alfred’s fate in theBatmancomics, only time, and Tynion, will tell.
