Joker
Iconic DC butlerAlfred Pennyworthonce proved just how much he cared forBatmanby giving him an archenemy , creating and becoming theJokerhimself . Although it seems like the ultimate perfidy against the Dark Knight , Alfred might have been doing Bruce Wayne a favor .
There have been many stories diverging from the mainstream canon of the DC Universe , as depicted inElseworldsas well as in more late stories such asDark Knights of Steel . However , a lesser - be intimate alternating story contained a twist that forces readers to reconsider what they lie with about Batman . During a funeral for the fallen Caped Crusader , his friend remember the larger-than-life life he led . Similarly , Batman ’s rogues ' galleryreminisces about their encounters with the Dark Knight as well . The multi - part storyline “ Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader ? ” began withBatman # 686,written by Neil Gaiman with art by Andy Kubert , Scott Williams , and Alex Sinclair , boast a major twist regarding Batman ’s most trusted friend ( Alfred ) and his most hated foe ( Joker ) .
Related : The Mistake of Alfred Pennyworth ’s Death is redeem By One Story
During Batman ’s funeral , it was revealed that Alfred create the identity of theJoker to antagonize Batman , presenting himself as the Dark Knight ’s capital baddie . The bizarre twist might appear as a treachery , but Alfred ’s motive was actually sincere . After see that Batman ’s other villains like Riddler and the Penguin could n’t abide a fortune against him , Alfred see the motive for a greater criminal mastermind to rise up and challenge Bruce . commit on clown war paint and the signature purple courtship , Alfred became the Joker . Armed with his maniac smile , Alfred transmute from his role as the unassuming butler , ironically falling into a murder mystery cliché thanks to his nefarious evolution .
Alfred Became The Joker To Keep Batman Busy (And Safe)
Eventually , Batman learned what had been going on , probably suspicious as he finally faced a villain who bear a chance against him . The story re - contextualizedBatman ’s story with Jokerup until this point , as the disclosure quash the Joker ’s menace . The baddie sleep with for his chaotic motivations had been replaced with Bruce ’s most entrust ally and caretaker acting out of compassion . Whereas the Joker ’s plan to wreak havoc on Gotham City were never personal , Alfred ’s architectural plan as Joker was predicate on helping Batman become a greater hero — at least , in his own eye . It also kept Bruce busy with make-believe villains as opposed to actual criminals who could have kill him , invalidating Batman ’s own prowess as a vigilante as well .
The meta twist roleplay on the iconic dynamic between the Joker and Batman , as they have ofttimes canceled each other out as a force of chaos and a force of order . Some writers have treated their status as enemies as a nonadaptive kinship , as they ’re ghost with one another . While theJokerhas fun terrorizing Gothamas a way to encounterBatman , the Dark Knight has been hinted to enjoy the fight just as much . With the reveal that Joker wasAlfredthe whole time , their dynamic really makes a raft of sense .
Next : Batman Admits His One Similarity to the Joker
