If any character is more essential to Batman tradition than the Dark Knight himself, it would have to be Alfred Pennyworth. Without Alfred in his life, Bruce Wayne wouldn't be the Batman he is today. More than a butler, he is the heart and soul of the Bat-Family, and his footprint can be felt across the board in all forms of Bat-Family.
Even with Alfred dead in the current DC canon, his presence can still be felt in the current Batman storylines, like when Damian Wayne's Robin charged a Kendrick Lamar-style fight against Bane for killing Alfred. With that in mind, truth be told, many characters and audiences forget that Alfred can defend himself in a fight. Again, Mr. Pennyworth is more than just a butler. He is a skilled marksman with experience in military training as a former British intelligence agent. For all intents and purposes, Batman's butler is a badass, and the following moments prove it.
10
Kill the Joker in your dream
Batman and Robin #17 by Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, John Kalisz and Carlos M. Mangual
On a night when the entire Bat-Family is having their individual trials with nightmares, Alfred imagines walking into a room and finding the Joker beating each member of the Bat-Family with a hammer, each sporting a Joker-like smile. Having seen enough, Alfred has no hesitation in not only grabbing a shotgun, but also using an open, well-aimed shot to blow the Joker's head off. While Damian and Bruce are disturbed by their dreams, Alfred goes back to sleep like a baby with a smile on his face.
Even in a dream, Alfred knows exactly what to do with an intruder and even delights in what he does. It's also a reminder that Alfred has no problem breaking Batman's biggest rule. The only thing keeping the Joker alive today is that his arch-rival is Batmanso he better be grateful that he never came face to face with Alfred like that in real life.
9
Helping Batman come to his senses from the grave in Joker War
Batman #98 by James Tynion IV, Jorge Jimenez, Tomeu Morey and Clayton Cowles
After being spiked with a Fear Toxin-Joker Gas hybrid from Punchline a few issues back, Batman spent much of his time Joker War I'm being knocked out or hallucinating. During one of these unconscious episodes, he hallucinates Alfred still alive, doing his famous Darjeeling that he would do to Bruce whenever he was upset or scared. As Master Wayne continues to doubt himself, his butler needs to knock some sense into him - literally (well, as literal as a hallucination can be).
Alfred has always been the voice of reason, but without Bruce having that voice in his ear, he is struggling. It's pretty badass that Alfred finds a way to still be the voice of reason while he's still dead, through Bruce's psyche. It's especially vital to see the heart and soul of the Bat-Family to give Batman advice on how to carry that torch for Alfred in spirit.
8
Surprising and disarming silence
Detective comics #850 by Paul Dini, Dustin Nguyen, Derek Fridolfs, John Kalisz and Jared K. Fletcher
The issue begins with Alfred finding an injured Bruce Wayne at Wayne Manor, apparently injured and with scars on his face. As Alfred helps him, Bruce tells him that Thomas "Hush" Elliott (who recently returned) attacked him. Suddenly, before Bruce knew it, Alfred attacked him with a palm strike. Bruce, revealing himself to be Hush in disguise, pulls out a gun only to be disarmed and thrown to the ground. When asked what blew his cover, Alfred says he received a call from the real Bruce shortly before he encountered Tommy Boy.
Although Alfred getting that call in advance helped him get over Thomas, the fact that he had a special set of skills as a military combat specialist made it easier for him to achieve this. Hush would have taken out any other older gentleman in Alfred's position with ease, but a former British Secret Service agent puts up a bigger fight.
7
Escaping from Arkham
Batman: Forever #31 by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, Kyle Higgins, Tim Seeley, Fernando Pasarin, Matt Ryan, Blon and Taylor Esposito
Alfred is admitted to Gotham Mercy Hospital after suffering an extreme injection of Fear Toxin, but a Dr. Thomas Elliott (aka Hush) transfers Alfred to a padded cell at Arkham Asylum. Eventually, he makes an unexpected alliance with Bane, with whom he makes an attempt to escape from prison while still hallucinating under the effects of the toxin. They have to fight their way through a horde of Deacon Blackfire's cult members, but they manage to do it.
Despite seeing vampires in his head, Alfred shows no fear and eliminates any and all combatants in his path. Even Bane is impressed by Alfredtaking note of his background in the British Army. Additionally, once safely in a hidden Batcave, he also manages to incapacitate Big Bane using knockout gas.
6
Took on the mantle of Batman
Batman (Renaissance) #5 by Tom King, David Finch, Sandra Hope, Matt Banning, Scott Hanna, Jordie Bellaire and John Workman
When a hero named Gotham appeared in the city, he soon became a threat to the city he swore to protect. With Bruce incapacitated, this leaves Alfred on Batman duty. His first act as Batman? Drive the Batmobile directly to Gotham, the so-called superhero. Gotham is totally confused about why a man he's never met is disguising himself as Batman, but he's ready to fight him. To his credit, Alfred is ready to fight Gotham with nothing more than a few punches.until he receives a call informing him that the real Batman has arrived on the scene.
Little moments like this make it easy to see where Bruce learned his bravery and resilience from. Alfred is even more out of his league than Bruce as a powerless crime fighter, but he doesn't hesitate to fight a superpowered metahuman.
5
Shooting your shotgun in Booster Gold
Gold Boost #12 by Chuck Dixon, Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund
While traveling through time with Goldstar and Rip Hunter, Booster Gold and his trio fall into the Bat Cave, where they are greeted by a worried Alfred Pennyworth, ready to shoot them with his shotgun. He even manages to shoot Rip back into the time machine, sending the machine away and leaving the two Golds trapped in a cave with a crazy butler. As he shoots them, Alfred declares: "Perhaps you have trusted my master's promise against the use of lethal force. Let me assure you that I do not agree with such niceties."
This is another reminder that Alfred doesn't follow the same no-killing rule as Batman, but it's also a sign that he carries the same fearlessness as Bruce. Two mysterious costumed individuals appear in the Bat Cave and, without hesitation or sign of fear, he shoots first and never asks questions. If not for Skeets' intervention, Alfred could have ensured that neither Michael nor his twin sister would have a future to return to.
4
Punch death blow
Strangers #18 by Peter J. Tomasi, Lee Garbett, Trevor Scott, Brian Reber and Sal Cipriano
Alfred's appearance in Outsiders #18 brings some evil moments for the butler. First, Alfred visits the PSM Global offices in Opal City in hopes of meeting with Vice President of Operations Richard Benioff, under the pretense that he bears an uncanny resemblance to a former associate of his (emphasis on former, as during the Alfred's MI -5 days). When the prank ends, Nigel tries to get Alfred escorted out of his office, but Alfred almost twists his arm.
Then, Alfred arrives on the scene to see a wild Terminator appear, responding to a blow to Nigel's life. Unarmed and unaware that the Outsiders are on their way, Alfred punches Deathstroke in the face, refusing to let the assassin continue with his plan. Few people have looked down the barrel of Slade Wilson's gun or hit him and lived to tell the tale.. For Alfred to do this without blinking is very impressive.
3
Becoming Green Lantern and defeating Wonder Woman
D.C. vs. Vampires: World War V #2 by Matthew Rosenberg and Otto Schmidt
Alfred Pennyworth has proven himself to be a true hero on more than one occasion, and dubbing him a superhero makes that status even more official.
When Damian Wayne kills the Vampire Queen, Barbara Gordon, it starts an all-out war (or rather, a world war) between humans and vampires. Among those seeking the head of the young vampire leader is Wonder Woman, Batgirl's right-hand woman. She attempts to kill Alfred as a warning to Damian, but Alfred attacks Diana, revealing his own Green Lantern power ring.
It should come as no surprise that Alfred Pennyworth is worthy of a Green Lantern promotion. Many of the moments on this list show the bravery and nobility required as a Green Lantern. Despite that, it's still worth praising that Alfred got a ring when he was personally chosen for the Green Lantern costume. Alfred Pennyworth has proven himself to be a true hero on more than one occasion, and dubbing him a superhero makes that status even more official.
2
Superman wins
Gods of injustice among us #36 by Tom Taylor, Mike S. Miller, David Lopez, Santi Casas from Ikari Studio
This is probably the most well-known moment on this list, and the moment most readers will think of when they hear the words “tough” and “Alfred” used in the same sentence. It happened moments after Superman beat the crap out of Batman in the Batcave. Soon, Superman notices that the Super Pill in Batman's possession has disappeared. The next thing he knows, he's approached by Bruce's faithful butler, who quickly headbutts Clark Kent in the face.
With Clark bloodied, Alfred makes the most of his new powers after ingesting the Super-Pill. Alfred savors every second, unleashing a bitter fury against the Man of Steel, vowing that Clark will never have the chance to hurt his family again. Powers or no powers, Alfred won't let anyone hurt his family, but if someone hurts his family while Alfred has powers, someone better run.. An angry Alfred with powers can be downright scary.
1
Hit Batman
The Batman Who Laughs #4 by Scott Snyder, Jock, David Baron and Sal Cipriano
Following the events of Dark Nights: Metalthe more canonical Bruce Wayne is haunted by fears and nightmares from the Dark Multiverse, specifically the Batman Who Laughs. With The Grim Knight on the loose, Bruce self-administers the Joker serum to beat Batman Who Laughs at his own game, but he begins to lose his mind in the process. Alfred has only one solution: spank your surrogate son until he comes to his senses. It actually works, ending with the two men hugging and apologizing to each other.
No matter how skilled a student may be, he or she will rarely (if ever) be more skilled than the master. The same can be said of a father (or father figure) to a child. As good as Batman is at being BatmanAlfred Pennyworth taught him his morals and determination, so this was always going to be an uphill fight even if Bruce had his faculties intact.