Batman: Earth One

[aeka]

DC released pages from the upcoming Batman: Earth One graphic novel which comes out this year, and aside from Alfred looking like a Ra's Al Ghul type guy, this actually looks pretty good. I may actually have to get this one! It's also good to know that DC is planning on using their multiverse for out of continuity stories (which at the moment, look like they might be better stories than most of the current New 52 line).

On that note, I tried reading Superman: Earth One (which has a sequel coming out this year as well I believe) a while back, but I just couldn't buy into the idea of Clark Kent being a dark and broody character. Sorry DC but the whole 'being Bruce Wayne' thing only works best on Bruce Wayne. In my opinion, Clark Kent is a better character when he is the polar opposite of Bruce in that--despite being an alien--he's actually much more in touch with humanity, is more optimistic, and identifies 'Clark Kent' as his real self rather than Superman. We'll see what they do with the sequel, then maybe I'll give it another shot.

Anyways, enough babble on my end, on with the preview pages!













Gotta say, Bruce is looking pretty good in these pages. Not sure about muscular tattoo-sporting, pipe-smoking Alfred though.

For more info: http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/01/05/batman-earth-one-preview-geoff-johns-gary-frank/

Comments

[kd_the_movie]

If they're going to really stress (and extend) Alfred's military service, I really hope they're recasting him as a more of a bodyguard/security chief role for the Waynes instead of just "British Butler" cuz this guy looks like he was the most badass Sergeant Major of all time.

[darkknightjrk]

You know, I think I can see them going in that direction--looking at how the preview pages are done, Alfred is wearing normal clothes, and he looks just as distraught and pained as Bruce. Maybe he was the Wayne bodyguard and he's in a similar pain to Bruce, because he failed to protect his employers?

[omgwtflolbbqbye]

I really liked Dini's revision to the modern continuity in Streets of Gotham which showed Alfred was Thomas's chauffeur AND bodyguard (basically Kato from Green Hornet).

Has modern Alfred ever been giving a substantial origin, I mean more than the brief glimpse and occasional summaries over the years? Its feels like one of the great untold stories of the Batman mythos.

[darkknightjrk]

Not to my knowledge--but it is such a missed opportunity. I mean, if Penguin can get a mini, why can't Alfred?

[shadowpsykie]

I mean, if Penguin can get a mini, why can't Alfred?

WANT THIS NOW!!!!

[mrstatham]

In the current, Bizarro-Silver Wildstorm Age DCnU, we'd probably get an origin where Alfred is part of British Intelligence and used to run around with a codename like The Outsider, to make a slightly cute yet obnoxious nod to the past DC's current writers don't entirely get.

[shadowpsykie]

heh that would be cute :D

i like cain' alfred. he's still "alfred" but you feel he's been a soldier (i loved his story to Bruce about men that just want to see the world Burn)