Warning: Contains potential spoilers forAbsolute Batman #1!
As DC’s All In initiative reinvents their classic characters, it could be makingAlfred Pennyworththe first villain ofBatman’snew era. The Absolute Universe is rewriting the history of Bruce Wayne with several bold swings, and one of the biggest is his relationship with Alfred. Since this version of the character doesn’t have traditional Wayne family wealth, Absolute Batman has grown up without his butler, ally, and father figure.
DC’s preview forAbsolute Batman#1 – written by Scott Snyder, with art by Nick Dragotta – opens with a scene of young Bruce Wayne at Gotham Zoo, studying a sign about bats. After a striking title splash page introduces “The Zoo"with a gun in someone’s hand contrasting a bright blue sky,the all-new Alfred is introduced.
Initial details aboutAbsolute Batman’sversion of Alfred described him as a grizzled MI-6 agent, butthe preview’s first look, and his internal monologue, reveals that he’s even come to Gotham “to do some bad things”.
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Absolute Batman#1 – Written By Scott Snyder, Art By Nick Dragotta; Color By Frank Martin; Lettering By Clayton Cowles
Alfred’s new tough and gritty persona borrows from other versions of the character, butAbsolute Batmanputs him at odds with Bruceand totally changes their dynamic. The character of Alfred has been around for 80+ years, and has most often been portrayed as a loyal butler, confidante, and parental figure to Bruce Wayne, defining both of their characters through the bond they shared since Bruce was tragically orphaned.Since thisversion of Bruce Waynegrew up working class, without a butler, the trajectory of Alfred’s life has led him down a rougher path, making him more cold and dangerous.
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With Alfred threatening to raise havoc in Gotham, and a fight between him and the Dark Knight already teased,the usually trusted ally to the Bat-family seemingly serves as the first villainforBatman’s debut in the Absolute Universe.When the young and idealistic Absolute Batman goes toe-to-toe with the hardened Alfred, their usual surrogate father-son dynamic will be tested in this new version of DC lore. Even if their adversarial relationship takes a turn for the better in subsequent issues, it’s still a strong departure from the familial bond they’ve been known to have.
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Absolute Batman#1 – Available October 9 From DC Comics
Alfred is currently dead in DC’s main continuity, so him making a return with this change to the relationship with Bruce is a bittersweet twist. Though he’s back in action with a stronger focus and a fresh and fascinating origin,the new Alfred will have to earn the close and emotional relationship with Bruce that’s been so strongly established over the years. Since Snyder and Dragotta’sAbsolute Batmanwill see a version of Bruce without his trusted friend and guardian, it will be an interesting dissection of what makes the character the way he is without Alfred’s influence.
As the new Alfred Pennyworth descends upon Gotham with questionable motives, Absolute Batman could either finally get his destined father figure by his side, or establish a diabolical future enemy.
DC’s Absolute Universe totally disrupts one of Bruce Wayne’s core defining relationships, which is just one of the symptoms ofthe world being powered by Darkseid energy. Since this version of the character is younger and doesn’t have any Robins or other known allies, Batman is truly alone in this universe with no Bat-family. As the newAlfred Pennyworthdescends upon Gotham with questionable motives, AbsoluteBatmancould either finally get his destined father figure by his side, or establish a diabolical future enemy.
