Warning: contains major spoilers for Batman/Superman Annual #1!
A secret sidekick of DC Comics. Batman/Superman 2021 Annual #1 places Alfred in a role that he occasionally revisits, from his older comic days. While it has been used simply as a codename, it is much more than that.
Alfred Pennyworth, known for being Bruce Wayne's surrogate father and loyal family servant to the Waynes, has a lengthy history in comics and an impressive resume as a character. He first debuted in 1943 in the pages of Batman #16. Since then, his personal resume has been filled in or changed based on adjustments to continuity.
Batman/Superman 2021 Annual #1 has the creative team of Gene Luen Yang, sco Francavilla, Paul Pelletier, Mick Gray, Hi-Fi, and ALW's Troy Peteri. Within this issue, Alfred is seen operating on the Bat-Signal while Commissioner Gordon looks on and makes conversation. When asked for his name, Alfred says he is "the Eagle" - an identity that has come and gone for him over the years. This moniker first appeared in 1959, although his role under it was far different than his role in this comic and other DC series that have used it as a codename for him.
In this particular issue, aspects of Alfred's comic history.
Alfred first went by "the Eagle" in 1959 within Batman #127. This issue features Alfred gaining legitimate superpowers. He then uses them to assist Batman and Robin in their crimefighting - without them knowing it is him at first. While cleaning the Batcave, Alfred became tangled in wires from a device Batman confiscated from a villain. That device released a ray that hit a crystal and then hit Alfred, granting him temporary powers. He then puts on a full-body bird suit, with a mask, and s their fight for crime. He isn't a very good hero and his powers disappear in the middle of a fight with the Joker. However, he's an excellent spy since Batman and Robin don't recognize him at all until he reveals himself to them.
The current run of Batman/Superman has been throwing back to the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel's comic legacies. There have been numerous references and nods to aspects long since changed. Some nods have included Superman's old way of accessing his Fortress of Solitude and older uniforms and symbols. Now, even Alfred's history is getting a revisit, though he, unfortunately, isn't suiting up this time. Even though he doesn't have powers anymore and likely won't be given any by DC, Alfred has certainly proven himself as an unorthodox sidekick for Batman in many ways.
