DC‘s new replacement for Alfred Pennyworth proves a surprise for both Bruce Wayne and fans of the Batman comics. For nearly seven years, the billionaire vigilante has been operating without his oldest companion and foster father. However, a new candidate for the role of Bruce Wayne’s butler has presented themselves whether the Dark Knight likes it or not!
The successor to Alfred arrived in the final pages of Batman #11, by Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez. Bruce Wayne and his son, Damian, were enjoying a quiet afternoon in their bunker of their brownstone home. This was interrupted by a rare occurrence: the ringing of the doorbell at their front door. Moreover, whoever did this didn’t trigger any of their alarms or defenses. To their mutual surprise, the two find a woman who claims she was sent to be their new butler.
Who Batman’s new Alfred replacement is and why they arrived at Wayne Manor
The woman introduces herself as Verity Pennyworth and makes reference to the wishes of her great-uncle. This is a clear reference to Alfred Pennyworth, who died at the hands of Bane in 2019’s Batman #77. However, little else is revealed beyond Verity having references from an organization called The Society of the Midnight Key. (It should also be noted this is a new organization, never before seen in any earlier comics.)
While little is revealed about Verity directly in her one-page introduction, the scene still honors two long-running traditions in the Batman comics. The first tradition is a running gag about how readily Alfred and his family insert themselves into the lives of the Waynes as unwanted servants. This dates back to the first appearance of Alfred in 1943’s Batman #16.
Originally, Alfred was quite a different character, being a comical, overweight man who fancied himself a great detective. However, he was completely oblivious to his masters being Batman and Robin. He was later slimmed down to resemble actor William Austin, who played Alfred in the 1940s Batman serials. Further retcons made Alfred more competent and had him serving the Wayne family before young Bruce was born.
The other tradition Verity upholds is lost relatives of Alfred throwing the Wayne household into disorder. The first was Alfred’s long-lost daughter Julia, who was introduced in 1981’s Detective Comics #501. Her moving into Wayne Manor disrupted Bruce Wayne’s romance with Vicki Vale and made his operating as Batman more difficult. This tradition even made its way into the Batman and Robin movie, with the introduction of Alfred’s niece, Barbara. Given that, it appears considerable effort went into Verity Pennyworth’s creation.
Batman #11 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
Originally written by Matt Morrison at SuperHeroHype
