Bane Kills Someone Close to Batman (Spoiler)

In Batman #77, Catwoman nurses Bruce Wayne back to health a continent away. Meanwhile, Bane keeps the Bat-family at bay by holding hostage Bruce's closest friend and confidante, Alfred Pennyworth. But when Robin – Bruce's son Damian – enters Gotham anyway and encounters Thomas Wayne – Flashpoint's Batman – it doesn't go so well for him. Unfortunately, it goes even worse for Alfred, as when Damian is captured and brought before Bane, Bane does the unthinkable. He Kills Alfred.

Previously Bane threatened to kill Alfred if any member of the Bat-family entered Gotham, as Damian and Tim Drake discussed in Batman #76. Tim and the rest of the family have been reluctantly abiding by Bane's terms, but in this issue, Damian concocts his own plan. Using a spell from Zatana they easily subdue Gotham Girl. Thomas however, defeats Damian shortly thereafter capturing Damian and having Bane keep good on his promise, in front of Damian, in a very cruel and graphic way.

Alfred's death does look like a straight forward death. This is however a Tom King comic and that doesn't necessarily mean anything. Thomas healed Bruce's broken back previously, so perhaps Alfred is pulling a Donatello and still barely alive. Affording Thomas to do the same for him. Or this is all Psycho Pirate's manipulations or Scarecrow's fear toxin is at play in Damian's mind. There is also the chance of it being Clayface.

Alfred has died before. Detective Comics #328, circa 1964, had Alfred sacrificed himself to save both Batman and Robin. Two years later in Detective Comics #356, Alfred was revealed to have never died in the first place.

So will DC “Comic his ass back to life”? Probably.

Original Story Seen on CBR.com