Warning: Contains potential spoilers Ultimate Batman #1!
As DC’s All In initiative reinvents its classic characters, this could do Alfred Pennyworth first villain Batman new era. Ultimate Universe rewrites Bruce Wayne’s story in several bold steps, one of the most important being his relationship with Alfred. Because this version of the character does not possess the traditional Wayne family wealth, the Ultimate Batman grew up without his butler, ally, and father.
DC preview for Ultimate Batman Issue 1, written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Nick Dragotta, opens with a young Bruce Wayne at the Gotham Zoo studying a sign about bats. After the bright title, the inscription “Zoo” with a gun in someone’s hand contrasting with the bright blue sky, a whole new Alfred is introduced.
First information about Ultimate BatmanAlfred’s version described him as a grizzled MI6 agent, but The first look at the preview and his inner monologue show that he even came to Gotham.”do something bad».
Batman’s Ultimate Reimagining of the Caped Crusader’s Rogue’s Gallery May Begin with Alfred
Ultimate Batman #1 – script by Scott Snyder, art by Nick Dragotta; Color by Frank Martin; Lettering by Clayton Coles
Alfred’s new tough and stern personality is borrowed from other versions of the character, but Ultimate Batman puts him at odds with Bruce and completely changes their dynamic. The character of Alfred has been around for over 80 years and is most often portrayed as Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler, confidant and parent, defining both of their characters through the bond they shared since Bruce was tragically orphaned. Because this version of Bruce Wayne grew up working class, without a butler, the trajectory of Alfred’s life took him down a more difficult path, making him colder and more dangerous.
As Alfred threatens to wreak havoc on Gotham and a battle between him and the Dark Knight is already teased, The Bat Family’s generally trusted ally appears to be the first villain for Batman’s debut in the Ultimate Universe. As the young and idealistic Ultimate Batman takes on the hardened Alfred, their usual surrogate father and son dynamic will be tested in this new version of DC history. Even if their hostile relationship changes for the better in subsequent issues, it still deviates greatly from the familial ties they were known to have.
DC’s reimagined Alfred Pennyworth is an absolutely shocking twist to the Batman story
Ultimate Batman #1 – Available October 9th from DC Comics.
Alfred is currently dead in the main DC continuity, so his return with this change in his relationship with Bruce is a bittersweet twist. Although he returned to action with a stronger focus and a fresh and exciting origin, the new Alfred will have to earn the close and emotional relationship with Bruce that has been so firmly established over the years.. Because Snyder and Dragotta Ultimate Batman will see a version of Bruce without his trusted friend and guardian, it will be an interesting examination of what makes the character who he is, without Alfred’s influence.
As a new Alfred Pennyworth descends on Gotham with questionable motives, the Ultimate Batman may either finally have his destined father figure on his side or create a diabolical future enemy.
The Ultimate DC Universe completely destroys one of Bruce Wayne’s core defining relationships, which is just one symptom of the world being powered by Darkseid’s energy. Since this version of the character is younger and has no Robins or other known allies, Batman is truly alone in this universe, without the Batman family. Like new Alfred Pennyworth hits Gotham with questionable motives, Absolute Batman could either finally get his destined father figure on his side, or create a diabolical future enemy.
Ultimate Batman No. 1 will be available October 9, 2024 from DC Comics.