Written by James Tynion IV, Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Eddy Barrows, Marcio Takara,
Chris Burnham, Diogenes Neves,
David Lafuente, Sumit Kumar,
Eber Ferreira, Lee Weeks (cover)
Published by DC Comics
Alfred has died.
Yet, he seems to be getting more stories about him than ever. First we had year’s Detective Comics annual.
Now, we get a comic focused again specifically on him. If this continues, Mr. Pennyworth may be having more success than he did than when he was alive!
The beginning of this book shows Bruce Wayne unveiling a big statue of him as a boy and Alfred.
This whole part is a little strange quite honestly and feels a bit much. But whatever.
We then get to see how some of the characters are handing Alfred’s death. It is a somber time.
We then head to a dive bar and the place is as filthy as can be. Everyone starts to bicker. It gets out of control. Bruce intervenes and says that this is, “not what Alfred would have wanted.”
Yep, it is a bit of a groaner. Then, there is a toast, “To Alfred!”
Groan again.
We then get a really great scene drawn by Chris Burnham. In it, Batman has grown tired of Damian’s disrespect. Alfred then helps Damian out and the scene is rather sweet.
This scene also sets up the structure where everyone in the present talks about a memory with Alfred.
For the most part, the flashbacks really elevate the story. The book becomes very poignant in the end after a rough beginning.
The last image really made my eyes well up a little. For the most part, this is a well done comic. I am sad Alfred is gone and look forward to the day when they resurrect him.
Even though DC will(and they will) bring Alfred back, this comic still maintains a lot of emotional weight.
RATING: B+
