DC’s radical reinterpretation ofBatmanlore, the cornerstone of the publisher’scritically successfulAbsolutecontinuity, just dropped a massive piece of lore, implying that Alfred Pennyworth has a personal connection to both the Joker and Slade Wilson, the mercenary better known in mainstream continuity as Deathstroke. While the implications of this teaser remain to be determined, the possibilities have already riled up fan speculation.
Absolute Batman#9, written by Scott Snyder, with art by Nick Dragotta, features a moment in whichAlfred narrates about the tragedy of watching “brothers in arms” turn into “enemies,” while looking at a picture of two men, whom astute readers quickly realized are Absolute Slade Wilson and Absolute Joker.
It is a subtle moment in the issue, but confirmation of the characters’ identities, and their connection, adds another significant dimension to an already novel recontextualization of Alfred’s character, while also setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation between him and his former allies.
DC Comics Just Subtly Confirmed A Groundbreaking Connection Between Absolute Alfred Pennyworth, The Joker, And Deathstroke
Absolute Batman#9, Written By Scott Snyder; Art By Nick Dragotta; Color By Frank Martin; Lettering By Clayton Cowles
The big takeaway fromAbsolute Batman#9, the one that fans knew about going into the issue, was theintroduction of Absolute Bane, butthe big surprise of the issue is the suggestion that Alfred Pennyworth is personally acquainted the Joker and Slade Wilson, and moreover that they used to be close allies.The issue’s confirmation of this is extremely subtle, to the point where author Scott Syder has subsequently confirmed the identities of the characters in Alfred’s photograph on social media.
Fans are already clamoring to learn more about both Absolute Joker and Alfred Pennyworth, and now it is clear they share a past.
Given Alfred Pennyworthy’s more overtly militarized incarnation in the Absolute canon, it makes sense that he would be connected to Slade Wilson, assuming this version of the character remains one of thepremiere assassins in the DC Universe. Much more shocking, however, is the revelation of Alfred’s connection to the Joker, who has so far been depicted as a vicious, and possibly immortal, billionaire. Fans are already clamoring tolearn more about both Absolute Jokerand Alfred Pennyworth, and now it is clear they share a past.
The Unexpected Connection Between Absolute Joker, Alfred, And Slade Wilson Raises Thrilling Questions
Absolute BatmanIs Carefully Planting Seeds For Its Long-Term Story Arc
The pages fromAbsolute Batman#9 featuring the cameo by Slade Wilson and the Joker actually leaked ahead of the issue’s official release, spoiling the surprise for many readers. This is unfortunate, because as brief of a moment as it is, this stands as the issue’s most significantcontribution to the Absolute Universe backstory yet,setting the foundation for bigger reveals to come about the connections between Alfred, Joker, and Slade Wilson, especially once Wilson makes his first full appearance in the series.
The most unexpected thing about this moment, after all, is the wayit humanizes Absolute Joker, a change from previous issues, which have leaned into his monstrous qualities. This makes it clear, if it wasn’t already, that there is a plan in place forAbsolute Batman, the puzzle pieces of which are still just beginning to be maneuvered into place. Now, DC has just promised a major confrontation between Alfred and his former allies, two ofBatman’smost dangerous characters, and readers are already on the edge of their seats waiting for more.
