Summary

• Alfred Pennyworth's death nearly broke Batman and Nightwing and caused strain on their relationship.
• However, Alfred's death also forced Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne to undergo major character growth in relation to each other.
• It remains unseen how Alfred Pennyworth's possible return to main continuity could impact Batman and Nightwing's relationship.

The Bat-Family is well-acquainted with death, with most of its core having been killed off and later resurrected at various points in the comics; however, one death stands out for its positive impact on Nightwing's relationship. At the same time, though, it begs the question: Was the loss of this family member worth the improvement in the dynamic between Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne?

In Nightwing #100, by Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, and Adriano Lucas, Dick and Bruce visit Alfred Pennyworth's grave together. It's here that the two heroes engage in one of the most heartfelt and emotionally revealing conversations depicted in their shared comic history.

Within this interaction, Dick and Bruce openly acknowledge the strain on their relationship since Alfred's ing, recognizing his pivotal role as a mediator who maintained open lines of communication between them. However, the mere acknowledgment of this negative impact also underscores a way in which their relationship has improved since Alfred's death.

Alfred Pennyworth’s Death Made Batman and Nightwing’s Relationship Stronger Than Ever

Alfred's ing dealt a devastating blow to Nightwing and Batman, as he had long been the linchpin holding the Bat-Family together, notably maintaining open lines of communication between Dick and Bruce. In Alfred's absence, the two heroes found it increasingly difficult to connect, with Bruce openly acknowledging that Alfred often conveyed what he left unsaid to Dick. Consequently, without Alfred, their ability to communicate suffered, leading to strains in their relationship. However, their candid conversation in this scene serves as a testament to their growth in learning to communicate directly, without relying on a middleman like Alfred.

The emotionally charged and communicative scene in Nightwing #100 is proof that Batman and Nightwing have effectively overcome the communication limitation in their dynamic, reaching one of their healthiest points in years. However, this raises the question: was Alfred’s death worth the character growth that both Dick and Bruce experienced? The answer inevitably hinges on each fan's personal opinion, but it's undeniable that both Nightwing and Batman would willingly sacrifice their personal growth if it meant having Alfred Pennyworth back in their lives.

How Would Alfred Pennyworth’s Return to the Bat-Family Effect Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne’s Relationship?

Despite DC's tendency to swiftly revive characters after apparent deaths, it's been five years since Alfred's ing, leading fans to speculate whether this might be one of the rare permanent deaths in comics. However, with Taylor's Nightwing run prominently featuring the lingering presence of Alfred Pennyworth and nearing its conclusion with the Fallen Grayson arc, fans are left to anticipate what's in store. There's a hopeful expectation that Taylor will conclude his run with a significant impact, perhaps even bringing Alfred back. If the fan-favorite butler does return, it will be intriguing to see whether Batman and Nightwing revert to relying on him for communication or maintain the character growth they've undergone.

Nightwing #100 is available now from DC Comics!