Warning: Spoilers for Absolute Batman #3Batman has had many allies over the years, but there is no ally he trusts more than Alfred Pennyworth. Alfred was the first ally Batman had and was the only ally Batman planned to have. Without Alfred, there probably wouldn't have been a Batman. Alfred is an indispensable part of Batman's operation, but in the Absolute Universe, Alfred admits that he may very well hate Batman.
This shocking confession is seen in Absolute Batman #3 by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta, where Alfred narrates: “…I might actually hate Batman.” Batman and Alfred didn't exactly start off on the best foot in this universe.
While Batman is still the Dark Knight fans know and love, Alfred is a secret agent sent to gather information on Batman and, if possible, eliminate him. Naturally, this mission didn't make the two as close as they were in the main DC universe. This version of Alfred has never met Bruce Wayne, which creates a completely different opinion of Batman, especially considering his different origins and methods.
Alfred Pennyworth officially admits he hates Batman in the absolute universe
Absolute Batman #3 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin and Clayton Cowles
Considering that Alfred Pennyworth is a literal spy, Batman making as much noise as possible and letting people know he exists ensures that Alfred is not a fan of Batman. Batman's loud mission and his goal to make a statement – to ensure that every criminal in Gotham knows he exists – is entirely antithetical to Alfred's decades of training as a secret agent and spy. This new relationship is totally different from what fans are used to seeing with Batman and Alfred.
In the main universe, No one supports Batman more than Alfred. He has been by Bruce Wayne's side more than anyone else. When Bruce lost his parents, Alfred ended up raising him, practically adopting the boy and becoming his sole guardian. It's no secret that Batman considers Alfred his father. They have had an incredible bond over the years and it has practically never been broken. Alfred often had disagreements with Bruce, but they always resolved it together.
Although Alfred has always loved and supported Bruce Wayne, his feelings towards Batman were a little more complicated.
Although Alfred has always loved and supported Bruce Wayne, his feelings towards Batman were a little more complicated. There are many times that Alfred admitted he wished Bruce had found a better way out of his pain instead of being Batman. In fact, when Bruce began thinking about getting revenge on Joe Chill when he was a child, Alfred sent him to Arkham Asylum's children's ward for psychological help. He has also sometimes been presented as being against Bruce's decision to travel the world for the sole purpose of learning how to fight criminals.
Alfred Pennyworth and Batman had a rocky start in the absolute universe
But Alfred might start to believe in Batman
Alfred has admitted in the past that he believes the Batman mantle is a kind of curse, as well as being highly destructive to Bruce. In Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #60 by Dennis O'Neil and Eduardo Barreto, after Bruce becomes obsessed with finding his lost girlfriend, Alfred quits on the spot. This story was after Bane broke Batman's back, and Bruce just wasn't in a position to try that hard. While Alfred always loved Brucehe's shown in the past that he's not always willing to put up with the extremes Bruce goes to as Batman.
This Absolute New Version of Alfred Never Met Bruce as a Childso he has no attachment to Bruce – at least for now. All he knows about Bruce is how he performs as Batman, and that presents incredible potential for a new dynamic. Alfred tolerated Batman in the main universe because he cared about Bruce. But Absolute Alfred doesn't know Bruce, which means Bruce has a chance to actually inspire and convince Alfred of his mission, which seems to be working so far, as Alfred admits right after declaring his hatred for Batman that he might just love Batman. . , also.
Despite Batman, Alfred Pennyworth will always support Bruce Wayne
But he's definitely iffy on Batman
It will be interesting to see what an Alfred who never met Bruce Wayne as a child is like. Batman can impress and inspire Alfred, making him believe that change can actually help. It's been seen before when Alfred comments how Batman never stops moving forward. Alfred is a cynical man who thinks some things are simply too big to stop. Alfred tried to prove this to Batman when he exposed the Ark's secret sites, but Batman never gave up. If Batman can shut down the Arks and defeat Black Mask, then Alfred Pennyworth may very well become the first person in the Absolute Universe to truly believe in Batman.
Absolute Batman #3 is now available from DC Comics!