Alfred Pennyworth Appreciation

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Apparently, this didn't exist

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Whether it’s the help he receives on the Gotham streets from Robin, Batgirl and Nightwing, the legitimacy provided to his crusade by Commissioner Gordon or the super-powered backup brought in by his colleagues in the Justice League, Batman has a lot of friends. But only one of them has stood alongside the Caped Crusader since childhood: his loyal butler, Alfred Pennyworth.
Bruce’s life wasn’t the only one that was changed with the squeeze of that gunman’s trigger. A family friend and faithful butler, whose father had served as the Waynes’ butler before him, Alfred took on the responsibility of raising young Bruce after the murder of his parents. Caring deeply for the Wayne family, Alfred knew that the best way to honor the legacy of Thomas and Martha Wayne was ensuring their son grew into the man they would have wanted. He tried to mold the angry, confused boy into a savvy businessman who would be well-suited to take over his father’s business.

But Bruce had a far different way of honoring his parents in mind, and when he adopted the cowl, Alfred came along for the ride, tirelessly guarding his employer’s secret while providing some much-needed assistance. Whether it’s skilled technical support, medical aid or simply managing the complicated schedule that comes with being a business leader, nighttime vigilante and wealthy playboy—it’s all under the purview of Mr. Pennyworth. Driven by love and an unwavering sense of loyalty, Alfred nevertheless worries deeply about Bruce. He understands the importance of Batman to a city such as Gotham, but after a lifetime of raising Bruce, he still sees a young, scared boy where most see a hardened hero. And every night the bat-signal flashes across the city skyline is another night that boy will spend searching for a way to undo something that could never be undone. A search that Alfred realizes could very well lead to his end.

Character Facts
First Appearance
BATMAN #16 (1943)
Occupation
Butler
Notable aliases: Alfred Beagle, Alfred J(arvis). Pennyworth, Thaddeus Crane, Thaddeus Middleton, The Eagle, Penny-One

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Jack Bannon To Star In Title Alfred Role On Epix’s Batman Prequel

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...Oh no, he's hot.

Epix and Warner Bros. TV have found their Alfred Pennyworth. Jack Bannon has been cast in the title role of the upcoming Epix drama series Pennyworth, a Batman prequel from Gotham showrunner Bruno Heller, executive producer/director Danny Cannon and Warner Horizon Scripted TV.

The 10-episode Pennyworth will begin production October 22 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK, becoming the first series to film in the Warner Bros.-owned studio complex north of London which has housed production for such movies as WB’s Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts franchise, The Dark Knight, Inception and Wonder Woman as well as outside productions such as Jason Bourne, Kingsman, Paddington and the most recent Mission Impossible installments.

Based on DC characters created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger, Pennyworth follows Bruce Wayne’s legendary butler, Alfred Pennyworth (Bannon), a former British SAS soldier in his 20’s, who forms a security company and goes to work with a young billionaire, Thomas Wayne, who’s not yet Bruce’s father, in 1960s London.

Bannon’s Pennyworth is a boyishly handsome, cheerful, charming, clever young man from London. Honest, open-faced and witty; you’d never take him for an SAS killer. Alfred doesn’t know how to reconcile the kind-hearted boy he used to be with the cold, calculated killer he was forced to become. He’s a man on the make, who doesn’t know what to make of himself yet.

Heller and Cannon executive produce and Cannon will direct the pilot.

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While the first Lego Alfred was voiced by Steven Blum, Robin Atkin Downes carried the mantle for the sequel and the more recent Lego Dimensions.
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Earth One Alfred by Gary Frank

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Mr. William Austin, the first Alfred to ever grace the screen.

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A true fixture of the 1940s, Austin's butler is notable for several reasons. First, his appearance is responsible for the physical accoutrements we've come to expect of Batman's right-hand man. Though the comics had committed to making him a stocky and bumbling sort of Sherlock Holmes, the producers of the WWII-era Batman serial intended on going in a different direction. By casting William Austin, they introduced a new Alfred: lean, refined and in proud possession of a carefully-manicured mustache.

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Style guide turnaround by José Luis García-López.

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[kjn]

From Yale Stewart's wonderful webcomic JL8, Alfred giving etiquette lessons to the restaurant server:

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Gosh I haven't seen JL8 in a long time

Meanwhile here's my childhood Alfred

ALAN NAPIER, BATMAN TV SERIES

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I'm so used with white-haired older Alfred it took a while to get used to black hair younger Alfred

[Celgress]

Alfred is likely the best supporting character in comic book history. Alfred has always been a favorite of mine. His unflappable devotion to "Master Bruce" is admirable.

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Batman (1940-2011) #22
Starting this issue, Batman's trusted servant Alfred begins starring in solo adventures!

This is the first appearance of thin Alfred if I'm not mistaken. Bruce said he's been following a strenuous reduction course

Edit: No, there's an earlier issue

First Thin Alfred

In 1944’s Detective Comics #83, Alfred is trying to work out (he almost injures Bruce and Dick with his workout) so Bruce sends him on a vacation.

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First Alfred the Butler

In 1943’s Batman #16, Batman and Robin gain a butler!
Alfred does, indeed, learn their identities later in the issue (by mistake, of course).

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First Alfred Pennyworth

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The most common last name given for Alfred in those early days was Alfred Beagle. Most of the time he was just plain ol’ Alfred. That changed in 1969’s Batman #216, when he gained the name he uses to this day!

[MajorHoy]

from Who's Who Update '88 #4 (November 1988):

[adrikito]

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WHO TAUGHT YOU HUMILITY?
Damian: HE DID.

[jb681131]