Alfred Pennyworth RIP is a Tribute to the character as well as pushes the Bat-Family Saga additionally

Alfred Pennyworth satisfied such a fierce end in Tom King’s City of Bane story line that he may be the only male character to qualify for the “woman in refrigerators” trope. Bane didn’t just snap his neck in front of Damian Wayne, he propped him up at the head of the dining space table for Bruce to discover when he lastly returned to Gotham. He was halfway with speaking to Alfred like it was a routine evening before looking as much as see his dead father-figure. As we’ll see in Alfred Pennyworth RIP, the popular butler is the Bat-family. It was always with Alfred’s efforts that the brought the household together with victory or tragedy. however who can guide them with a catastrophe of this magnitude when it’s the person who kept them together that they requirement to mourn?

Alfred Pennyworth is Irreplaceable—But a few of the Bat-family Can’t comprehend That

It’s not that they believe Alfred as a person is replaceable, however the sense of unity he brought the family. Barbara Gordon as well as Tim Drake expect Bruce Wayne to pick up that function immediately. Barbara particularly lashes out at him the most, telling Bruce that he needs to bring them together:

(Image: Alfred Pennyworth RIP, DC Comics)

And this is one of the nicer things she states to him. That’s a great deal to put on a person who, essentially, just saw his daddy murdered…again. however not all members of the Bat-family are as demanding in Alfred Pennyworth: RIP. Oddly, the most comprehending is Jason Todd, a sociopath, as well as “Ric” Grayson, who has no memory of Alfred. Jason flat out states he won’t take part in berating Bruce, however tells Bruce he’ll requirement to figure it out eventually. as well as since Dick Grayson lost his memory as well as can look at things from an outside perspective, he ends up providing Bruce the very best recommendations that evening. When it’s just them, he reminds Bruce that Alfred developed the family, as well as it will take work to bring back it—but he doesn’t blame him or rage at him.

The Eulogies of the Bat-Family Makes Alfred Batman—Literally

(image: Alfred Pennyworth RIP, DC Comics)

Throughout Alfred Pennyworth: RIP, the Bat-Family recounts their fondest memories of Alfred. Times he assisted them, time he taught them lessons, or just times he ate dinner with them. however in each of the Robins’ stories, Jason Todd, Damian Wayne, as well as Tim Drake, we see Alfred in some type of a Batman role. For Tim Drake, we see a masked Alfred breaking into the GCPD evidence locker to retrieve equipment. For Damian, see the dazzling scene above. however in Jason’s story, we get one of the most poor ass Alfred moments ever:

(Image: Alfred Pennyworth RIP, DC Comics)

To all three of these characters, Batman was a daddy figure. By showing Alfred as Batman, we see just exactly how much he was likewise a daddy figure to them. By joining Batman, they got two dads.

Alfred Pennyworth: RIP has a splendid Art Team, however Not sufficient Credit

(Image: Alfred Pennyworth RIP, DC Comics)

Take a look at the art credit scores at the bottom of the page above. That is a truly excellent line-up, as well as the art throughout the comic is beautiful. however DC might have done a bit a lot more to highlight their contributions. Throughout Alfred Pennyworth RIP, each Bat-family story has a different artist, as well as each style captures the tone as well as character wonderfully. however a lot of comic visitors aren’t going to be able to match the nuance of each artist to the name. It would have been extremely simple for DC to just credit score the artists in a method that let the visitor understand which pages were theirs. Each artist hits just the ideal tone of sad as well as happiness that these moments need. Of course, that’s likewise thanks to the team of colorists, Lucas, Lokus, as well as Fairbarn. The soft tones throughout the comic keeps it grounded.

The art just compliments Tynion as well as Tomasi’s composing extremely well.

What occurs to the Bat-Family Now?

(image: Alfred Pennyworth RIP, DC Comics)

As we get into James Tynion IV’s run on Batman, this is going to be the lingering question. What does Batman’s world look like without Alfred? One thing that Alfred Pennyworth: RIP did extremely well is show exactly how much the Bat-family replied on Alfred to hold them all together. as well as yes, Batman is the one who needs to step into that role—but he likewise needs to grieve. What Grayson does is that he makes Alfred’s capability to bring them together about honoring his legacy. even without memories, Grayson understood exactly how crucial this guy was to the family. Barbara as well as the others, Jason Todd included, made it about responsibility. It was Bruce’s obligation to fill Alfred’s shoes. Grayson understands that’s not something a grieving guy can do, so he makes it about Alfred again. It’s a terrific method to both close the book on Alfred Pennyworth as well as keep his spirit alive.

Now we have to wait as well as see for exactly how Batman does honor his mentor, friend, as well as embraced father. as well as according to Tom King, Alfred’s death will “have repercussions, huge repercussions going forward.”

Grade: two huge Buckets of Tears

(Featured Image: Alfred Pennyworth: RIP, DC Comics)