WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for BATMAN AND ROBIN #16!
Five years have passed sinceBaneruthlessly killedAlfred Pennyworthin front of Damian Wayne’sRobin, snapping the butler’s neck in a brutal act of retaliation againstBatman. Yet, despite the time that has passed, it’s clear DC is far from finished exploring the Alfred-centric trauma haunting the Dynamic Duo, as one recent heartbreaking and narrative-defining scene demonstrates.
…Alfred’s death could serve as a deciding factor in Damian’s choice to quit his role as Robin…
Despite Alfred’s death in the 2019City of Banestoryline, his presence has loomed large across Bat-Family comics, from Batman to Nightwing and beyond. However, it is Damian Wayne who has been most deeply affected by the loss, a theme explored in Joshua Williamson’sRobinandBatman and Robinseries.
Now, with Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Carmine Di Giandomenico taking over theBatman and Robinrun, it’s clearAlfred’s death will continue to haunt Damian, possibly even influencing his decision to quit his role as Robin.
Batman & Robin Clash Again Over the Lingering Trauma of Alfred’s Death
“I Will Not Have Anyone Dying for My Mistakes the Way [Alfred] Died For Yours.”– Damian Wayne inBatman and Robin#16 (2024)
From the very beginning ofJohnson and Di Giandomenico’s takeover of theBatman and Robinrunwith issue #14, the creative duo has been hinting at a shift in Damian’s life path, asthe Boy Wonder admits he’s unsure if being Robin and fighting crime is what he’s meant to do.These doubts escalate in issue #16, when a heated argument breaks out between father and son. Damian confesses he’s been skipping school to secretly volunteer at a hospital, hoping to skip patrol with Bruce so he can continue helping there instead.
Bruce, clearly disappointed and skeptical of Damian’s lack of commitment, responds with frustration. Damian, in turn, lashes out, saying,“When you were my age, you walked across the Earth to find your path! I’m not allowed to question mine?”Bruce retorts,“You have a father to talk to! I didn’t!”But Damian dismisses this argument, pointing out that while Bruce may have lacked a father, he still had“Pennyworth.”With that,Damian delivers his most cutting remark:“And I will not have anyone dying for my mistakes the way he died for yours.”He then abandons Bruce on the rooftop, leaving his father alone with his parting words.
I Can’t Believe How DC Just Undermined 18 Years of Robin’s Character Development
Damian Wayne has fully reverted to the insufferable Bat-Brat that fans have both abhorred and adored, but the real shocker? He’s been deaged as well.
Alfred Pennyworth’s Death Is Returning to Prominence in Batman & Robin’s Narratives
Cover B Card Stock Variant by Ariel Olivetti forBatman and Robin#18 (2025)
InBatman and Robin#16, it’s clear that Alfred’s death is once again a point of contention between Bruce and Damian, while also influencing Damian’s decision about whether to continue his role as Robin. If Damian does choose to step down and pursue his interest in the medical field, it will mark one of the most significant changes to the Bat-Family since Alfred’s death in 2019. The fact that Alfred’s death could serve as a deciding factor in Damian’s choice highlights how the butler’s loss continues to play a pivotal role inBatmanandRobin’songoing narrative.
5 Years After Alfred’s Death, Batman Finally Gets Justice - But Not the Way You Think
Alfred Pennyworth was brutally murdered by Bane, and after five years, Batman and Robin have finally achieved justice, but in a very unexpected form.
BATMAN AND ROBIN #16is available now from DC Comics!
Robin
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
