A new book from DC Comics confirms what many readers had feared. As seen in the pages of Batman #77, Bruce Wayne’s trusted butler and closest ally Alfred Pennyworth did indeed meet his demise. We’re set to learn about more about that demise, and the fallout that will come as a result, in Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P, which is set to be released in February 2020.
As reported by Newsarama, Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P. will focus on the death of Alfred and what that means for Batman. Writer Tom King’s main Batman series has brought a lot to the table, but as the series comes to a close with the City of Bane storyline, he saved one of the most brutal and impactful changes to the DC Universe for the end.
Here’s the synopsis for Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P.
“Alfred Pennyworth served the Wayne family for decades—even through the terrible loss of the Dark Knight’s parents. His shocking death at the hands of Bane is the only event that could possibly compare to that fateful night in Crime Alley, and it leaves Bruce at a similar crossroads. If Alfred was the glue that held the Bat-Family together, how will Batman deal with that all falling apart? And if the Caped Crusader is to be truly alone, he might either hang that cape up once and for all…or double down and carry on with this vengeful quest forever.”
The book is co-written by James Tynion IV (Justice League, Justice League Dark, Detective Comics) and Peter J. Tomasi (Detective Comics, Adventures of the Super Sons, Batman and Robin) and features art by Eddy Barrows (Freedom Fighters), Eber Ferreira (Blackest Night, Wonder Woman), and others. Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P., according to the publisher “celebrates the life of one of the most important people in the history of Gotham City, while also addressing questions about what’s next.”
This comes at a time where Alfred is arguably at one of his peaks within the pop culture landscape. The character is currently the subject of his own TV show, Pennyworth, which turns him into a James Bond-esque figure, focusing on his days long before becoming a butler to the Wayne family. It also recently came to light that Andy Serkis is on deck to play the character in director Matt Reeves’ The Batman alongside Robert Pattinson’s Caped Crusader.
DC also released a cover for the comic, which we’ve included for you to check out below.
Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P. is set to hit shelves on February 12, 2020.
So what do you think? Will the death of Alfred be permanent this time? Are you going to check this book out when it arrives next year? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
