Nightwing's Award-Winning Run Can ONLY End with Alfred's Return - Theory Explained

Summary Tom Taylor's Nightwing run hints at the possible return of the beloved butler, Alfred Pennyworth.

The return of Alfred would address criticisms of the series lacking real stakes or impact on main continuity.

There are several possible explanations for how Alfred will return that would feel natural and unrushed.

As Tom Taylor’s award-winning Nightwing run nears its end, it becomes increasingly apparent that the brilliant writer could be building toward the return of one of the Bat-Family’s most beloved members—Alfred Pennyworth. This return would be a beautiful full-circle moment for the series. Not only does this article theorize that Alfred’s return will happen, but it also provides insights into how the fan-favorite butler’s return could be possible.

Some have criticized Taylor’s run for lacking real stakes or impact on DC continuity. Therefore, a major character return would address some of these criticisms.

Starting June 18, 2024, fans can get their hands on a copy of Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo’s Nightwing #115, the second installment in the five-part story arc finale that will mark the end of their critically acclaimed run. Despite Dick's ongoing personal and professional struggles teased for this storyline, he will assist Shelton “Heartless” Lyle in finding his butler, Gerald Chamberlain.

However, the most exciting part of the solicitations isn’t what they reveal about the upcoming storyline, but the possible hints the synopsis and cover art drop concerning the return of Alfred Pennyworth.

To catch up on the events of Tom Taylor's Nightwing run and the possible return of Alfred Pennyworth, start with Nightwing #78 (2021)!

Tom Taylor’s Nightwing Run Has Been Hinting at the Return of Alfred Pennyworth to Main Continuity

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Throughout Taylor’s run, he has been laying clues that hint at Alfred’s return, with the butler’s presence felt throughout the series. However, the solicitation for Nightwing #115 makes these clues more substantial than ever. For starters, the main cover and synopsis for this issue revolve around one major theme—beloved butlers. Redondo’s main cover shows the Alfred Pennyworth Foundation burning down, while the synopsis further complements this “butler theme” by indicating that the main plot will focus on finding Heartless’ butler.

Considering this issue is part of Taylor and Redondo’s final story arc, it’s suspiciously exciting that it places such heavy emphasis on butlers. The creative duo has worked exceptionally hard throughout their series to draw parallels between Dick’s relationship with Alfred and Shelton’s relationship with Chamberlain. Hence, it would almost seem like a waste for all this build-up concerning butlers to amount to nothing. Moreover, it would be poetically apt for Alfred to rise from the ashes of the Alfred Pennyworth Foundation.

Related Alfred Pennyworth's New Fate in Batman Lore Is So Much Sadder than His Death One of DC's most controversial decisions was to kill Alfred Pennyworth in 2018; shockingly, Alfred's death is less tragic than his new fate in comics.

Alfred Pennyworth’s Ever-Present Specter in Nightwing Defined the Series, and Now It's Time For the Payoff

As previously mentioned, Alfred’s specter has been ever-present in Taylor’s Nightwing run, so much so that the butler’s absence and memory have defined the series, rivaling even the impact Alfred's death had on the shorter-lived Robin run starring Damian Wayne. Taylor’s run begins with Nightwing #78, where a letter from Alfred informs Dick that he has inherited Alfred’s entire fortune, believing his pseudo-son will best use the money to make the world a better place. Dick uses the inheritance to improve Bludhaven, announcing the Alfred Pennyworth Foundation and implementing community assistance programs that ultimately transform the city.

Dick Grayson’s community outreach efforts are integral to his story, with numerous plotlines intertwining or revolving around his endeavors to improve Bludhaven through his civilian identity while still maintaining his role as Nightwing. Alfred remains a constant presence in discussions, given his pivotal role in facilitating these changes. Dick frequently reminisces about his late butler and the profound impact he had on his life, steeping the series in the memory of Alfred Pennyworth. Therefore, bringing back this beloved character as part of the grand finale of the Nightwing run would create a beautiful full-circle moment.

Nite-Mite, with his reality-bending powers, could theoretically bring Alfred Pennyworth back to life as a favor or gift to Dick.

Fallen Grayson: Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo’s Final Story Arc Is Perfect For Alfred’s Return

Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo’s final Nightwing story arc—Fallen Grayson—is the opportune moment for Alfred’s return to main continuity. Fans have endured years of longing for the return of this beloved character, and now there is a series that has meticulously laid the groundwork where Alfred’s return wouldn’t feel like a cop-out or rushed. With much of the series focusing on Alfred and now reaching its crescendo, it would feel organic for such a significant Bat-Family change to come to fruition. Some have criticized Taylor’s run for lacking real stakes or impact on DC continuity. Therefore, a major character return would address these criticisms.

Additionally, Taylor and Redondo have hinted that Fallen Grayson will depict Dick Grayson’s ultimate fall from grace as the character faces hardships and trials previously unexplored in the series. Redondo himself stated that the story arc "...will make many people sad, but it’ll also build." Therefore, if it is indeed time for Nightwing to fall, who better to pick him up than Alfred Pennyworth himself? This would also feel organic and unforced, considering Taylor's emphasis on Alfred's past role in saving the younger, as depicted through flashbacks, including one notable instance where Alfred rescued Dick from an angry mob.

How Would Alfred Pennyworth Return to Main Continuity Despite Being Dead For Years?

Even if Tom Taylor is indeed paving the way for Alfred's resurrection and return to main continuity, one question lingers: How will the very-human butler come back to life after years of being dead? Given that writers often employ "comic logic," there are numerous possibilities to consider. However, one stands out among the rest—the intervention of the fifth-dimensional imps. Taylor has already laid the groundwork for some fifth-dimensional shenanigans with the introduction of Nite-Mite, the Nightwing-themed fifth-dimensional imp. Thus, Nite-Mite, with his reality-bending powers, could theoretically bring Alfred Pennyworth back to life as a favor or gift to Dick.

Given DC's confirmation of a substantial number of fifth-dimensional imps who adore DC’s heroes, it's plausible that there may even be an Alfred Pennyworth imp poised and ready to bring his idol back into existence. However, beyond the intervention of imps, there's also the possibility that Deadman will play a role in Alfred's return, considering his appearance on the cover of Nightwing #116. While Deadman lacks the power to resurrect the dead, his connection to realms beyond the veil cannot be denied. Regardless of the logistics involved in bringing Alfred Pennyworth back to life, fans will undoubtedly hope for the beloved butler's return in the Nightwing finale.

Nightwing #115 is available on June 18, 2024, from DC Comics!

NIGHTWING #115 (2024) Writer: Tom Taylor

Artist: Bruno Redondo

Colorist: Adriano Lucas

Letterer: Wes Abbott

Cover Artist: Bruno Redondo