Batman can generally act like a spoiled and struggling teenager relating to his former tutor and pseudo father, Alfred Pennyworth. Nonetheless, a more in-depth have a look at the character reveals that Alfred is undeniably one in every of DC's most beloved and unproblematic figures - a lot in order that the fandom is greater than keen to disregard his uncommon warning indicators.
DC elevated Alfred from the unsung hero of the Bat-Household to a digital saint of the DCU.
Alfred Pennyworth stands out within the DC Universe not simply as Batman's butler, however as one of the crucial beloved and trouble-free characters in your complete forged. In a world filled with morally advanced and infrequently problematic figures, Alfred provides a refreshing distinction along with his unwavering integrity and pure coronary heart.
What makes it actually outstanding is that, After greater than 80 years in comics, there are few, if any, main flaws or controversies tied to his character—a uncommon achievement in a universe the place even the best heroes are removed from excellent.
Alfred Pennyworth is one in every of DC's least problematic characters (rivaled solely by Ma & Pa Kent)
Alex Ross Variant for Batman #686 (2009)
Alfred Pennyworth is definitely one of the crucial unimaginable characters within the DC Universe. Again and again, he proves himself to be the epitome of selflessness and unwavering loyalty. That is particularly evident in his origins because the Wayne household's butler, the place he took on the duty of elevating an especially traumatized baby with no blood relation to him. Not solely did he embrace this position with out exploiting his place as a billionaire's guardian, however he went additional, elevating Bruce and dedicating his life to supporting Bruce's mission to turn out to be Batman.
From the second of Martha and Thomas Wayne's demise, Alfred made a life-changing choice: his life would not be his personal. He dedicated himself fully to Bruce's wants and aspirations. There's something deeply shifting about Alfred's unwavering loyalty and purity of coronary heart, particularly when you think about that his eventual demise was a direct results of that devotion. Alfred's dedication to Bruce highlights the rarity and fantastic thing about unconditional lovemaking him a unprecedented and distinctive character.
Though Alfred stands out as one in every of DC's most beloved and unproblematic figures, two characters who rival him on this regard are Martha and Jonathan KentSuperman's adoptive mother and father. Similar to Alfred, the Kents took in a son who wasn't theirs, elevating him and loving him as if he have been. Their loyalty to Clark mirrors Alfred's to Bruce, though the Kents profit from a fair cleaner previous - a element that may't at all times be stated about Alfred. Nonetheless, by way of unwavering loyalty and love, Alfred nonetheless holds a particular place, proving himself to be the most effective of the perfect.
Okay, let's face it: Alfred Pennyworth may need some problematic warning indicators
Essential cowl by Lee Weeks and Mat Lopes for Batman: Pennyworth RIP #1 (2020)
For probably the most half, Alfred has no issues in his position of serving Bruce and the remainder of the Wayne household. For years, he has been the rock of the Bat-Household, serving to to boost the numerous youngsters Bruce has taken in and displaying unwavering loyalty and steadfastness to every member. It's extremely troublesome to search out any canon the place a member of the Bat-Household speaks negatively about Alfred or has any main points with him. Nonetheless, criticism of Alfred being topped as "not problematic" typically level to your previous earlier than changing into the Wayne household butler.
The Canon surrounding Alfred has advanced over time, however for probably the most half, it has now been established that Alfred served within the British army as a area medic and was additionally a member of MI5. This context raises the argument that his previous actions within the army and as an intelligence officer could also be thought-about problematic. Nonetheless, these potential warning indicators are sometimes ignored by followers, preferring to give attention to Alfred's actions throughout his time with the Bat-Household. Whereas it may be argued that Alfred has some problematic features to his previous, it's a comparatively weak case when in comparison with his extra commendable qualities.
Canon mainly turned Alfred Pennyworth right into a DCU saint
Comedian panel comes from Nightwing #92 (2022) – Artwork by Bruno Redondo
Whereas followers are at all times entitled to their very own views and opinions, there's no denying that even DC appears to agree that Alfred Pennyworth is the least problematic character. The comedian guide writer elevated him from the unsung hero of the Bat-Household to a digital saint of the DCU. Following Alfred's demise by the hands of Bane, a number of writers explored the affect of this loss on the members of the Bat-Household. One of the notable explorations was made by Tom Taylor in his Nightwing run, the place he immortalized the butler in varied methods throughout the canon.
In Taylor's run, Alfred leaves his billions to Dick Grayson, trusting that his pseudo-grandson would use the fortune for good. Dick then establishes the Alfred Pennyworth Basis within the identify of the butler, devoted to bettering Blüdhaven and serving to these in want. This nice gesture turns into much more vital with the inauguration of the a statue within the likeness of Alfred, in everlasting reminiscence of the butler and the profound affect he had on his expenses. Via these homages, Nightwing solidified Alfred because the closest factor to a saint within the DCU.
Irrespective of the universe, Alfred Pennyworth is ALWAYS one of the crucial morally steadfast
comedian panels Different worlds Alfred Pennyworth got here from DCcessed, Injustice: Gods Amongst Us, Black Knights of Metaland D.C. vs. Vampires: World Conflict V
What actually makes Alfred's unproblematic nature and pure coronary heart clear is the truth that, irrespective of the universe, he stays true to his ideas, rising as one of the crucial morally steadfast. That is notably evident in D.C. Different worlds tales, which frequently depict heroes being corrupted in a roundabout way. But regardless of the chaos, the carnage, the concern, and the alternatives for energy, Alfred at all times stays loyal to the Bat-Household. That is proven in DCcessed, Injustice: Gods Amongst Us, Black Knights of Metaland D.C. vs. Vampires: World Conflict V. It's clear that not solely is Alfred Pennyworth no downside, however he's additionally one of many purest characters in your complete DCU.