Summary
Warning! Spoilers ahead for Batman and Robin #12!As bad as Alfred Pennyworth’s death was, the last words he shared withRobinmake his untimely demise even worse. Every Bat-fan’s heart brokewhen Bane killed Alfredduring the “City of Bane” storyline. But a flashback to the past reveals a tragic twist that had a profound effect on Damian Wayne.
In a preview forBatman and Robin #12by Joshua Williamson and Juan Ferreyra, the story starts with an interaction between Alfred and Damian quite some time ago. Robin is packing his things and is preparingto leave Wayne Manor. While the young man gathers his belongings, Alfred tries to convince Damian to stay and talk his feelings out.
Robin doesn’t listen, telling Alfred that Batman is distracted with Catwoman. As Damian leaves, Alfred reminds him that Wayne Manor is his home and tells Damian hehopes that the next time Alfred sees Robin, it’s under better circumstances.
Alfred Pennyworth’s Last Words Haunt Robin Even to This Day
Just a few years ago, things were really tense among the Bat-Family, especially between Batman and his son. Their problems only grew worse when Bane made a move and took Gotham by force, threatening to kill Alfred if Batman or any other hero tried to stop Bane’s plans. Robin refused to let Alfred stay in Bane’s clutches and attempted to rescue Pennyworth. Unfortunately, Damian was caught andBane made good on his word, snapping Alfred’s neck right in front of Robin. This moment haunted Damian for months as he blamed himself for causing Alfred’s death.
It’s not Alfred being killed in front of someone who loved him dearly wasn’t already sad. But the revelation of their final conversation does really rub salt in the wound. Alfred offered Damian a chance to stay and he turned it down. Aside from the bitter irony that the next time they saw each other wasn’t under better circumstances, this moment provides an interesting insight into Damian’s psyche. It was assumed Damian felt overwhelming guilt for simply trying to rescue Alfred, butwhat really upset Robin was knowing he turned down what would be Alfred’s last offer to help him.
Robin’s Guilt Over Alfred’s Death Finally Makes Sense
One of the people who helped Damian Wayne become a better person was Alfred, who always showed the boy the patience and love he needed. Damian frequently rebuffed Pennyworth’s services and sadly, the last memory of them together is of Robin rejecting Alfred yet again. Knowing how “City of Bane” shook out, it’s understandable why Damian has been kicking himself for months and months. Even though the murder was notRobin’sfault, he still has residual guilt over rejecting the person who loved him like family and still feels like he could have done things differently.
Batman and Robin #12is available on August 14th from DC Comics.
Batman and Robin #12 (2024)
