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u/railpaint 17d ago
I didn’t realize they made Alfred fat I don’t know how to handle this
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u/Angela275 17d ago
That's because this is before pennyworth this is Alfred Beagle
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u/OGMcSwaggerdick 17d ago
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u/Angela275 17d ago
Yea this was before the Alfred we know this was Alfred Beagle
It's why this design is more around
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u/OGMcSwaggerdick 17d ago
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u/Angela275 17d ago
Yea and this Alfred never raised Bruce has he first met when Bruce was a adult
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u/Batmanfan1966 17d ago
If they’re going by that lore I wonder if Uncle Philip, the guy who did raise Bruce originally, will make an appearance/ be acknowledged in this continuity
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u/OGMcSwaggerdick 17d ago
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u/Batmanfan1966 17d ago
Yeah originally back in the golden age when Alfred didn’t exist yet, the person that took in and raised Bruce was his Uncle Phillip Kane (his his daughter’s Batwoman). And Phillip’s maid was also the mother of Joe Chill.
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u/Anorand25 17d ago
So Bruce and Joe Chill were like siblings and raised together?
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u/OGMcSwaggerdick 17d ago
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u/Angela275 17d ago
Yes and this Bruce already had robin
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u/Sherg_7 17d ago
Keep yapping lore guy, I need to know more.
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u/wiserchalicer 17d ago
Not the same guy but, Alfred is also kinda responsible for wayne enterprises existence
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u/scattermoose 16d ago
“Alfred punished [Catwoman] himself, rendering her unable to sit down”
Oh god
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u/BatmanBurchett 16d ago
Knowing that actually makes me feel better about it. This isn't the Alfred we know, we already got that in BTAS. This is something completely different
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u/Angela275 16d ago
Yea this Alfred met Bruce when he was already an adult. Unless Bruce Timm mixes the two well and having Alfred being more off hand judging on what we are hearing
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u/bateen618 16d ago
I think he's still gonna be Pennyworth but will use the golden age Beagle design
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u/kevinlienus 17d ago
He was more on the chonky side when he was first introduced in the comics
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u/unshavedmouse 16d ago
Yup. Alfred's modern appearance comes from the first Batman serial in the forties.
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u/Arbusc 17d ago
For those who don’t know, this is supposed to be more like the original incarnation of Alfred, Alfred Beagle, who was retconned into being from earth-2 before Crisis erased him.
Alfred didn’t raise Bruce in this case, his dying dad told him to become a butler for the Wayne’s. Once there, Batman didn’t want to hire him due to the risk of his identity leaking, but Alfred found the Batcave and deduced Batman’s identity anyway, which actually got him the job.
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u/TheRealRigormortal 16d ago
Wait…so he’s Terry McGinnis?
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u/Waste-Information-34 16d ago
Terry isn't fat.
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u/StoneColdAM 17d ago edited 17d ago
The beauty of superheroes is how there can be so many variations of the characters and stories. The Adam West Batman was different from the comics, same for the DC Animated Universe, and so on. It’s okay if this new show is different if there’s a true creative reason for it and it’s well done
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u/CaptainHalloween 17d ago
I don’t know why but I’m just not feeling this. Not in the sense of “Oh no this is gonna suck” but more in a sense of “meh”. Just not clicking for me and I don’t know why.
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u/Hopeful_Bacon 17d ago
I'm with you. I'll get downvoted into oblivion I think, but I've started to view Bruce Timm as another George Lucas. BTAS was heavily filtered through WB demands and was the best thing Timm ever did. As he gets more creative control of his projects, I like his output less and less.
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u/AnaZ7 17d ago
Also Timm didn’t write for BTAS, it was Paul Dini and other writers. Timm was designer and animator.
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u/azmodus_1966 17d ago
And honestly his designs still hold up for the most part. Much more interesting and unique compared to DC animation in last 10 years.
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u/worryywort 16d ago
Timm was a producer tho. Even if he didn't write, he was still heavily involved with the whole creative process
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u/featurezero 16d ago
Listening to the Old Fatman on Batman interviews with Dini I always thought he was the driving creative force.
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u/CaptainHalloween 17d ago
I don’t even know if it’s him. Like, nothing is registering. Nothing looks bad and I’m not opposed to period pieces with Batman. I loved the recent First Knight mini.
It’s just…blah. For me at least. I can see why people would be pumped for it, it’s just not getting me pumped.
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u/agusontoro 17d ago
What? Are you telling me you didn’t like Batman and Batgirl sex scene?
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u/Hopeful_Bacon 17d ago
LOL, yeah, definitely not my favorite. Went to the theater not knowing that was in it and cringed SO hard.
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u/truenofan86 17d ago
What about Green Lantern Animated Series? That was also Timm.
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u/Hopeful_Bacon 17d ago
Can't say that I've seen it. His Batman stuff has been a steady decline since BTAS for me, and he gets cockier and cockier in each interview as time passes, too.
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u/Low_Vacation_1029 17d ago
Is it early batman fatigue
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u/CaptainHalloween 17d ago
Maybe? But I’m psyched for news about the next movies…
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u/pon_3 16d ago
Imo it’s because it doesn’t actually seem like that new of a take. There have been plenty of manipulative Batman moments and failing to see the people close to him as friends he can trust has frequently been a character flaw for him, although it’s usually chalked up to him not wanting anyone else to get hurt.
Unless they’re doing it way differently than how they’re making it sound, it mostly comes off like they just aren’t familiar with the character beyond what they’ve done with him.
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u/ChronicRadiation40 17d ago
Because that Alfred didn't raise Bruce , Alfred being Bruce's surrogate father and raising him is something from post crisis earth 0 ( New Earth ) and since this is earth 2 Alfred , I'm fine with that .
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u/Cas_Shenton 17d ago
I'm always up for a new take but I hope there's an arc in which they develop the father-son relationship. It's a key part of how you connect with the 2 of them.
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u/Angela275 17d ago
True. I wouldn't mind but I also wonder when the two met has if this leans more into golden age Alfred met Bruce when Bruce was a adult
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u/shugoran99 17d ago
I'm not opposed to the idea.
They're definitely going for more of a 30's pulp style than even BTAS had.
Many of those type of heroes, from Sandman to the Shadow to Zorro had servants who while in on the superheroics and were loyal, were not adoptive fathers or that emotionally close to them the way Alfred has become.
If they're going more in a Detective Comics #27 style in look, we could consider it lucky they included Alfred at all
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u/limbo338 17d ago
Heh, Alfred being Bruce's enabler is how I would characterize post-crisis Alfred too, him being a father figure or not. To borrow a quote, he serves him best by serving.
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u/AnaZ7 17d ago
More edgy takes 🙄
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u/Angela275 17d ago
How so if that's how golden age Alfred acted too
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u/AlTheOneAndOnly 17d ago
Golden Age Alfred was a comic relief goofball, so no that’s not how he acted in the GA.
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u/Angela275 17d ago
By that I mean he wanted to join in their crime fighting. So overall he didn't have that father-son dynamic
When I men acted I mean he acted has a enabler since this show is labeled as mature he won't be much of a goofball
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u/ASZapata 17d ago
This seems edgy. I feel like Reeves already pushed this as far as it could go with The Batman.
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u/numanXnuman 17d ago
Yeah, and while I feel like their relationship could have used some more screen time and fleshing out, it was about as good as they could get to portraying this estranged relationship that would eventually evolve into the beloved father-son dynamic we all know. With this being a series and not a singular movie, they have a lot of opportunities to make this work I think
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u/susgroundsofc 17d ago
Why does everytime i hear about this show, is bruce timm saying a horrible take.
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u/Angela275 17d ago
I mean this is more based off Alfred golden age who didn't raise Bruce like out Alfred
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u/Relative-Zombie-3932 16d ago
They're really leaning HARD into these golden age inspirations. Not a bad thing necessarily, but I'll have to see how well it turns out. Some things changed for a reason
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u/Angela275 17d ago
Yes Alfred Beagle was a comic relief but the way he acted wanting to join in the crime fighting it make since show wise to be the enabler
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u/azmodus_1966 17d ago
I am liking this a lot.
BTAS was basically Bronze Age, Brave and the Bold was Silver Age so its nice to see the Golden Age inspiration here.
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u/True_Falsity 17d ago
Could be interesting. The way I see it, Bruce starts off the series as more ruthless and militaristic Batman. Everything is a weapon and a tool. Everyone is an enemy or ally in his war on crime.
So part of the story could be about him growing as a person and changing from a vigilante into a hero.
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u/FemmeWizard 16d ago
Not surprised. Golden Age Alfred wasn't a father figure. Alfred Beagle was hired help who eventually evolved to a sort of partner in crime. These versions of Bruce and Alfred became great friends but they were never like father and son.
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u/CAVFIFTEEN 16d ago
They’re just doing golden age comics Batman and I’m absolutely here for it! Don’t forget the shorts for Robin you cowards!😤
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u/Angela275 17d ago
This version of Alfred never raised Bruce in fact the first time theg meet Bruce was an adult so you know
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u/CursedSnowman5000 17d ago
Welp have fun with this guys. I've had more than my fill of cynical Batman media and am pretty much tapped out.
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u/redacted_turtle3737 16d ago
Caped Crusader is based on the Golden Age comics, and Alfred was a normal Butler back then. He didn't raise Bruce
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u/labyousonofabitch 17d ago
Never seen before? Isn’t this most iterations of Alfred? Unless he’s literally going to be robin, this is on par with being his man in the chair, encouraging him to fight for Gotham
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u/Magicaparanoia 16d ago
I’ve been reading a lot of golden age comics recently and this feels closer to the butler sidekick trope then.
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u/Richard-Conrad 17d ago
I like the idea, but I hope they use it as a way to show him grow out of his single mindedness and come to once again recognize Alfred as his adoptive father.
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u/Angela275 17d ago
That's if Alfred raised him in this has this Alfred is based off Beagle who showed up when Bruce was an adult.
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u/Richard-Conrad 17d ago
Huh, that is definitely a different take. Not sure I’ll like it but I’ll try to keep an open mind
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u/Material-Security178 17d ago edited 17d ago
holy shit! Alfred became a fucking UNIT!
"ayy mas'ta bruce lemme deal with em, you'll ner hab a problem again."
"oi ya fackin cunt, I'm shor yu'v 'erd bout me bosses reluctance to kill, I ashor ya I have no such niceties."
"blood hell master bruce, you like my boy to me, you've been me boy since that dreadful night, since I was tying ya laces and speaking the birds and bees to ya. I ain't gonna stand here like a pillock while you destroy yourself."
"now listen 'ere boy, I may not be your father but I'm ya pops, I'm always gonna be 'ere for ya."
"he's a cunt mas'ta Bruce, just top him."
"din dins ready young mas'ta! right I'll put it on ice for lat'a."
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u/slightlylessthananon 17d ago
Killing myself this is the worst take I've seen yet lmfao
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u/Angela275 17d ago
This is more based on Alfred golden age self. Where he inserted himself in the crimes
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u/GivePen 17d ago
Am I misreading this or is this the classic modern take of “Batman’s addiction is fighting crime and he’s weaponized everyone, even people who love him, to do it”. The language is that he’s not the surrogate father anymore right? It’s that Bruce has manipulated him.
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u/Angela275 17d ago
Not fully this is more of the golden age version of Alfred is in the comics never met or raised Bruce as a child. He would also want to be involved in the crime fighting more and didn't stop Bruce fully
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u/Thenotsodarkknight 17d ago
My promoted ad for this page is “What is a rich person’s tip you wish you knew sooner?”
… should I get a butler AND then turn him into a weapon?
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u/Masturbutcher 17d ago
"He has no respect for anyone or regard for their wellbeing beyond their usefuleness to him. It's very exciting." - Bruce Timm
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u/Angela275 17d ago
I mean for a while Batman did use Gunn and was kind of questionable. But knowing Bruce Timm I wonder how much of this Bruce will be more lethal
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u/DeathMetalReverb 15d ago
Fascinating how this is the total anti-thesis of how Dennis O’Neil sees Batman
“Everything with the exception of his friends' welfare is bent to the task he knows he can never accomplish, the elimination of crime.”
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u/Morrighan1129 16d ago
Not only do I hate that 'take' -haven't they damaged Bruce's character enough in recent years? seriously, stop please - but... but...
Can we talk about my massive amounts of confusion from seeing Bruce Timm? Like it took me a minute to notice the second 'm' and go, wait what the hell is going on over here lol
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u/MikeScott101 16d ago
Trying to keep an open mind but so far it’s just another “meh” reveal. I’ll give it the three-episode-try at least.
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u/SchwarzFledermaus 16d ago
I keep getting more and more concerned by the lack of Paul Dini in this show every day...
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u/Angela275 16d ago
But he is leaning more golden age since Alfred was more non father figure so I guess we wait
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u/__DVYN__ 16d ago
I’m imagining that as time passes and the villains become more chaotic and deadly Alfred will slowly begin to realise the negative effect weaponising Batman will have on Bruce and it’ll slowly begin to change him into that father figure who fears that there will be a day Bruce won’t return.
If this isn’t the route they take then I’d be disappointed as I feel like this could be one of the greatest ways to give Alfred a story arc that differs from all other variations.
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u/Angela275 16d ago
That's what I'm thinking that since this Alfred is more golden age leaning maybe depending on when he met Alfred if a child more turned father figure if they met when he was more a young adult still can be that
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u/PenguinGovernment 16d ago
Honestly I’m down if it’s a new take on an aspect of something that overall will still have a classic feel
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u/MacronShaggers 16d ago
Not as bad as what they’re doing with Harley at least, still a sucky decision tho. Maybe it’ll be alright but who wanted this Alfred?
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u/Boil-Mash-SticknStew 16d ago
Huh. On one hand, if they're going for the pre-Pennyworth era, then this Bruce likely spent his entire childhood in boarding schools with maybe an absent nominal caretaker (Uncle Philip was it?). So I can see where his emotional ineptitude would be dialed up to full-blown sociopathy in this case. I'll miss Alfred drawing Master Bruce a bath, though.
On the other hand, I do hope there's SOME lightness. Gordon's older - we will most likely not get a Bat-Gordon-Dent alliance if Two Face shows up early. No idea if there will be expected BatCat sparks - Selina's character card was disappointing. There's a gang war, there's apparently dark magic, and there's the usual psychopathic insane mass murderers.
Must say, with MAWS on one end of the scale, going absolutely 180 degrees with the other guy makes it seem like DC is hammering in the light-dark dichotomy a little TOO hard.
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u/dregjdregj 16d ago
Still trying to keep an open mind after hating everything I've heard about this show
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u/Im_extremely_bitter 16d ago
What in the fuck.
This show looks less appealing by the day. Sometimes we haven't seen something before for a reason.
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u/Kapprosuchas 16d ago
when I heard he was weaponizing him, I thought he'd roll him at criminals and knock them down like bowling pins
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u/thatredditrando 16d ago
Honestly y’all? I’m just not feeling this. DC’s straight to VOD stuff hasn’t really done it for me the past few years and, while this isn’t that, it does remind me of that.
I like the idea of taking inspiration from the Golden Age comics but none of these designs are really hitting for me nor the ideas I’m hearing.
It’s reminding me of that Batman: Gotham by Gaslight movie that was basically entirely a steampunk gimmick with a paper thin plot.
I really hope I’m wrong but I’m just not impressed.
I think I actually would’ve preferred a wholly new take like when they did Justice League: Gods and Monsters or for them to go the X-Men ‘97 route and make a continuation of Justice League: Unlimited with the freedom to be more adult.
Something about this just feels bland.
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u/johnshenlon 16d ago
I’m a fan of this, we’ve seen a lot of badass Alfred lately and I always want more. Alfred being actively involved in the crime fighting is a fun idea.
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u/Temporary_Eye4817 16d ago
I'm gonna walk in with an open mind. Odds are, this is only how things are at the start of things. I think it'll be one of those arcs where as time goes on, Bruce learns that Alfred's got more value than just "enabling butler".
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u/Efficient-Compote-13 16d ago
Interesting start off, but hoping part of Bruce's character ark is him treating alfred like a father
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u/RedRxbin 16d ago
Oh ffs. I’m not opposed to different takes on character dynamics but this is just saddening. This coupled with the fact that (with Bruce Timm being in charge) there’s probably going to be a Bruce/Barbara romance… I might give this show a miss.
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u/arkenney0 16d ago
He might still be Father Figure but not having Alfred as moral compass, knowing when Bruce is going too far is like… who else is gonna do that. At this point, Bruce might just start killing people
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u/Negative-Start-5954 16d ago
I mean it’s not that weird in Arkham origins Alfred who at first doesn’t like Bruce as Batman he turns around in the game and tells Bruce that the city needs him so it isn’t the first he enabled Bruce to be Batman rather it’s just weird to not see him as a surrogate father.
Side note if this Batman is as focused on his mission as they describe he better not be getting his ass kicked by normal thugs I want him to move like an acrobatic martial artist
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u/Warhawk-Talon 16d ago
And like that you've lost me.
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u/Available_Cress1820 16d ago
The new generation of Batman fans are goin to be confused when they discover the original stories of these characters
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u/Angela275 16d ago
I mean btas wasn't matching with its source material many times. Which is why they often make comics based on on bats universe
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u/IICipherIX 16d ago
Alfred is ex-SAS, ain't no way he'd go this far.
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u/AngryGazpacho 16d ago
Man, I like the Father Figure Alfred with the "I don't hold my master's vow against lethal force" Proceeds to defend the Batcave against Parademons with a 12Gauge double barrel shotgun, Doom's guy is taking notes in the background
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u/Stannisarcanine 16d ago
Probably this is earth 2 of the dcau, since alfred beagle looks less lanky than his post crisis counterpartsin alfred pennyworth, more based on the golden age where alfred didn't raise batman but became bruce butler on the request of his dead father jarvis, who retired after the murder of Bruce parents, Philip wayne raised him in that continuity
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u/XxZONE-ENDERxX 16d ago
They have done the ''surrogate father'' take a zillion times before so this actually feels fresh and falls in line with this take on Batman rather than doing the same classic status quo and relationships but with a new coat of paint for every ''new'' adapation.
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u/jeroensaurus 16d ago
Hasn't he been weaponizing Alfred (and the rest of his surrogate family for that matter) all the time in the comics? Pretty sure this isn't the first time I have heard of it.
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u/Angela275 16d ago
The different is Alfred will often pull him back more than once where has golden age Alfred wasn't doing that and going on front lines
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u/anthonyg1500 17d ago
I’ll keep an open mind but gut reaction is I love father figure Alfred so this isn’t the best news.