Issue 74 - Alfred Pennyworth - Capes on the Couch

Issue 74 – Alfred Pennyworth

SHOW NOTES:

Intro
- Review read – Rey – “Well worth listening for the entertainment value of comic book superheroes, but highly informative when it comes to mental health. Anthony & Doc Issues are on top of their game here… analyses and skits make for a perfect mix!”
- Plug of the week – Geek History Lesson – Jason & Ashley take an in-depth look at a pop culture character every week – Jason wrote a book about military superheroes, and they have a comic book called Jupiter Jet that just finished up a Kickstarter
Background (03:54)
- Alfred created by Don Cameron & Bob Kane in Batman #16 (April 1943)
- Originally Alfred Beagle, later retconned to Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth
- Also originally overweight and clumsy, he was the comic relief of the story, as he attempted to act like a detective alongside Batman & Robin – later his physical appearance changed to match that of the actor who played him in the serial – since then, he’s been slim with a mustache
- Serves as butler for Batman/Bruce Wayne and Robin/Dick Grayson, one of the only people who knows their true identities
- Pre-Crisis, he was an actor and intelligence agent whose father served the Wayne family
- Post-Crisis, he has been a valet all his life, serving the Waynes after his father passed away
- New 52 – Alfred was a soldier, whose father served the Waynes – Jarvis attempted to resign, but was murdered by the Court of Owls
- Alfred had a daughter, Julia, who served in reconnaissance for the British Army – mother was Mademoiselle Marie, a French war heroine
- Loses his right hand in Batman: Endgame, but has it reattached after Bruce returns
Issues (07:36)
- Surrogate father to Bruce – he carries the burden of his secrets
- Loneliness (14:54)
- Focus on helping others means he can lose himself (22:04)
Break
- Plugs for Have Not Seen This and Parent Quest, plus Meredith Finch
Treatment (30:17)
- In-universe – Alfred’s understudy
- Out of universe (33:57)
Skit (39:09)
Ending (46:06)
- Next episodes: Capes in Court 75th Issue Special, Kamala Khan, Secret Identities in Comics