DC Officially Strips Batman Of His Oldest Ally

Though Batman may be looked at by some as a brooding loner, the fact of the matter is that his crusade against crime and fight for justice wouldn’t be possible without others helping him. His roster of allies includes the many members of the Bat-Family, Commissioner James Gordon and the honest cops in the Gotham City Police Department, and his Justice League teammates, among many others. Bruce Wayne may be a physically and mentally exceptional human, but even he needs people supporting him.

Alfred Pennyworth has done this for the longest time, having aided in Bruce’s Batman missions since the beginning after already being his butler, confidant, and surrogate father since childhood. While Alfred remains dead in the present-day DC Universe, the character continues to pop up in Batman stories set in the past. However, DC has now revealed that in one of these earlier Batman adventures, Alfred did actually leave Bruce’s side.

Alfred Left Behind Batman And Robin Years Ago

Batman & Robin: Year One – Dynamic Duos , Written By Mark Waid And Chris Samnee, Art By Chris Samnee

DC Comics

DC Comics

DC Comics

DC Comics

Like its predecessor, Batman & Robin: Year One – Dynamic Duos has continued delving into Bruce and Dick Grayson’s earliest adventures together. This series chronicles the Dynamic Duo investigating the Wolf Pack, a gang of child thieves being controlled by the Crime Master. This has resulted in them crossing paths with Selina Kyle, a.k.a. Catwoman, whom Dick was nearly forced to kill while undercover in the Wolf Pack. Batman also clashed with Jervis Tetch, a.k.a. The Mad Hatter, in Issue .

The preview for Batman & Robin: Year One – Dynamic Duos follows up on how Alfred received a mysterious letter at the end of the previous issue. After reflecting on his time with the Waynes and assisting Bruce’s Batman efforts, he says, “To walk away from all of it at once is more than I can bear. And yet …” Whatever was written in that letter was enough to make him quickly pack up and leave Wayne Manor.

When Bruce and Dick make it back to the Batcave, Alfred’s absence doesn’t set off any red flags, as they’re too busy pondering why Catwoman showed up to protect the children in the Wolf Pack from Crime Master. Even when Dick wonders where the older man is and the sandwiches he usually serves after a mission, Bruce reminds the Boy Wonder that Alfred is “not a vending machine,” and that he’s probably “busy with something more important.”

Needless to say that there will come a point before Batman & Robin: Year One – Dynamic Duos ends when Alfred returns to his duties. However, that’s not happening anytime soon. The solicitation for Issue teases that Dick will have to save Bruce’s life all on his own after a brutal attack. Issue ‘s solicitation indicates that “Catwoman’s accomplice,” i.e. the young girl who goes by Mehitabel, is responsible, leading Robin to go on the “warpath.” Yet, none of this explains why Alfred has suddenly disappeared or when answers about this will be provided.

Batman & Robin: Year One – Dynamic Duos will be released Wednesday, November 11 by DC Comics.