Alfred Pennyworth (Earth-97)

For the Earth-789 version of this subject, see Alfred Pennyworth (Earth-789).

*Batman Returns: The Official Comic Adaptation of the Warner Bros. Motion Picture*
*Batman Forever: The Official Comic Adaptation of the Warner Bros. Motion Picture*
*Batman & Robin: The Official Comic Adaptation of the Warner Bros. Motion Picture*

## Actor(s)

### Portrayed by

Michael Gough

"*I've spent my entire life trying to beat back death. Everything I've done, everything I'm... capable of doing... but I can't save you.*
*There's no defeat in death, Master Bruce. Victory comes in defending what we know is right while we still live. I love you, old man. And I love you, too.*"
―Alfred Pennyworth and Bruce Wayne[src]
**Alfred Pennyworth** is the faithful butler and guardian to Bruce Wayne. He served the Waynes since Bruce was born, and raised him since his parents was murdered. Pennyworth is the uncle of his sister Margaret's daughter Barbara Wilson, whom he supported after her parents' death. She lived at Wayne Manor and took on the alias Batgirl to help Bruce and his partner Dick Grayson fight crime together. Alfred suffered from MacGregor's Syndrome, the disease that also affected Mr. Freeze's wife Nora Fries, but he was cured of the disease and continues to serve his master.

## Biography

### Early Life

Alfred Pennyworth was born in 1925, and raised in England. He had a brother named Wilfred, and a younger sister named Margaret Wilson. For a time he served as a butler in Buckingham Palace. He eventually came to live in Gotham City, employed as a butler by Dr. Thomas Wayne and his wife Martha.

Alfred Pennyworth had served the Waynes ever since Bruce was a child. When his parents died, Alfred raised him, becoming more like a father figure than butler. He supported Bruce's decision to become Batman and has helped him on a few occasions. He also continues to give Bruce guidance even when he is Batman.

### Helping Dick Grayson

"*Broken wings mend in time, someday robin will fly again.*"
―Alfred Pennyworth[src]
When young Dick Grayson came to live with the Waynes in their manor, Alfred perhaps saw a little of Bruce in him and offered him guidance. While Bruce is out one night, Alfred helped Grayson settle in. Picking up his bike helmet, Alfred noticed a robin airbrushed on its surface. Dick said he got the name after saving his brother's life quoting "I flew in like a robin." When Dick discovered that Bruce is Batman, he wanted to help, although Batman declined. Through Alfred's help and design, Dick became Robin to which Batman then accepts him to the team.

### Mr. Freeze's attack

"*We're going to need a bigger cave.*"
―Alfred Pennyworth[src]
Alfred, after years of service to Bruce, was stricken with a rare disease. His niece, Barbara, came to visit him at the manor, intending to take him away in the belief that Alfred is only a servant to Bruce. However, Alfred assured Bruce in a later conversation after Bruce learned of his illness that his only regret in life was never being able to assist Bruce in his crusade in person, concluding that spending his life tending to heroes was a worthy one. After careful research, it was known that Alfred came down with McGregor's Syndrome and the only person who could cure it was Dr. Victor Fries, AKA Mr. Freeze, dedicated to curing the disease as it was the same contagion that his wife suffered from. As Batman and Robin searched for Freeze, Alfred told Barbara to give his brother a disc saying "Only family can be trusted". Through Barbara's computer skills, she learned of Bruce's and Dick's alter egos and decided to help. Infiltrating the Batcave, a computer-generated simulation of Alfred revealed that, anticipating his niece's interest in helping his charges, Alfred had already created a suit for her, allowing her to become Batgirl. After Batman defeats Freeze, he was able to convince Freeze to provide the cure, which he introduced it into Alfred's system.

The next morning, Alfred is cured and warmly thanked them for their efforts in saving him, and Batgirl joined the team.

## Relationships

### Family

* Wilfred Pennyworth - Older brother
* Margaret Wilson † - Younger sister
* Barbara Wilson - Niece

### Allies

* Bat-Family
	+ Bruce Wayne/Batman - Master
	+ Dick Grayson/Robin - Friend
	+ Barbara Wilson/Batgirl

### Enemies

* Oswald Cobblepot/Penguin †
* Max Shreck †
* Riddler - Incapacitator/Wayne Manor intruder
* Two-Face - Wayne Manor intruder

## References

1. ↑ Batman Forever, Batman & Robin
2. ↑ Batman Forever
3. ↑ Batman & Robin