10 Reasons Why Batman Needs Alfred Back

Alfred Pennyworth has been the surrogate father for Bruce Wayne for most of Master Wayne's life. When Bruce was four years of age, Alfred came to work for Thomas and Martha Wayne, replacing his own father Jarvis, who had served the Wayne family for many decades.

It was four short years later that the faithful butler was called by Officer Jim Gordon to the Gotham Police Station to collect the traumatized young boy. It was that night that Pennyworth promised he would do everything in his power to protect Bruce.

Alfred and Dr. Leslie Thompkins were made Bruce’s legal guardians. Raising the young boy was far from easy, as he had already made the vow at his parents’ grave to avenge them. Young Bruce did not engage with other children and had few friends. His withdrawn, sullen nature and his wealth isolated him. Conversely, it made the bond between the boy and his guardian that much stronger.

Bruce left at his earliest opportunity to travel the world and learn all the skills that he would eventually need. And while their contact was limited and the absence hurt Alfred, they fell right back into their familiar roles upon Bruce’s return. Pennyworth continued to serve in the role of surrogate father, giving Batman advice, tough love, and occasionally even leaving when necessary if it made a point. It is something that is missing in the now-adult Wayne’s life.