Before Robin, Batgirl and even Commissioner Gordon, there was one person thatBatmancould depend on. Six years after dying in DC continuity, that hero is making his latest return, debuting a mind-blowing redesign that’s like nothing fans have seen before.
In new solicit information for the upcomingImmortal Legend Batman #2, Pepe Larraz’s cover art reveals thatAlfred Pennyworth will be reborn as a towering robot. Shown behind Batman’s new design, a robot is shown with Bane-like tubes feeding into its head. On the chest, it bears the name of Batman’s iconic butler and father figure,“PENNYWORTH.”
Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom
Erica D’Urso and Dan Mora
Cover Artist:
Dan Mora
THE IMMORTAL LEGEND BATMAN IN DEEP SPACE! The Immortal Legend Batman’s strength will be tested when his hunt for the new breed of Shadows leads him to the asteroid base of space pirates who decide the fate of their captives through physical combat. Outnumbered and without access to his powers, can the Immortal Legend Batman find the mettle to survive - or will he be broken?
The new series takes place in an alternate universe where humanity has accidentally unleashed a shadow dimension on Earth.Batman figures out how to harness this energy, turning him, Robin and Nightwing into the world’s protectors. Apparently, Batman’sfirstally will also be in on the fun, but is Alfred Pennyworth another ally, or is he the new Bane?
Is Alfred Pennyworth the New Bane?
Batman’s Butler Looks Like a Robotic Version of His Killer
The issue’s summary teases an alien group who demand physical combat, with face paint resembling Bane’s iconic mask. At the same time, the PENNYWORTH robot has tubes similar to those Bane uses to channel his muscle-growing Venom fluid. Will PENNYWORTH be an ally to Batman in this new world, an opponent he faces in space, or even theleaderof this new group of villains?
Making Alfred the new Bane would be particularly meaningful given thatBane is the one who killed Alfredin DC’s mainstream reality. After years serving Bruce Wayne, Alfred was captured by Bane, who used him as a hostage to stop the Dark Knight returning to Gotham. Alfred ultimately sacrificed himself to nullify Bane’s advantage, but tragically ended up dying in front of Bruce’s son Damian, traumatizing the young hero and causing a rift between father and son.
Alfred Pennyworth’s Death Has Inspired a Renaissance for the Character
The PENNYWORTH robot is only the latest upgrade of Alfred since his death.Batmanfans have always loved Alfred, but since his death DC’s creative teams have celebrated him more than ever.Alfred has become a Green Lanternin the reality ofDC vs Vampiresand became the new Spectre (DC’s most powerful hero) in the pages ofDCeased. Even in the new Absolute Universe, Alfred is a younger bounty hunter who is Batman’s equal in combat skill.
Now, Alfred’s latest transformation is bringing him back to DC Comics as a robot, but it’s yet to be seen whether he’ll once more work alongsideBatman… or against him.
Immortal Legend Batman #1is coming August 27 from DC Comics, followed by issue 2 September 24.
