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Batman (2016) (Single Issues)
Batman Annual #3
“THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PENNY!” Alfred Pennyworth has been Batman’s most trusted ally and confidant since the Dark Knight first hit the streets of Gotham City. Now, witness Batman’s battle for justice from Alfred’s perspective and learn how harrowing that journey has been as Batman experiences one of the worst nights Gotham City has ever seen—a night that will push Alfred to the breaking point! Best-selling writer Tom Taylor presents an epic tale that promises to be one of the most Alfred stories ever told!
47 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2018
4 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Tom Taylor
1,299 books1,037 followersOnce a professional juggler and fire eater, Tom Taylor is a #1 New York Times Bestselling, multi-award-winning comic book writer, playwright and screenwriter.
Well known for his work with DC Comics and Marvel, Taylor is the co-creator of NEVERLANDERS from Penguin Random House, SEVEN SECRETS from Boom Studios and the Aurealis-Award-winning graphic novel series THE DEEP. Taylor is also the Head Writer and Executive Producer of The Deep animated series, four seasons of which is broadcast in over 140 countries.
He is perhaps best known for the DC Comics series, DCEASED (Shadow Awards Winner), NIGHTWING (nominated for 5 Eisner Awards), SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL (GLAAD Award Nominee), INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, SUICIDE SQUAD, EARTH 2 and BATMAN/SUPERMAN as well as Marvel's FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN, ALL NEW WOLVERINE, X-MEN: RED, DARK AGES and SUPERIOR IRON MAN. Taylor is also the writer of many Star Wars series, which include STAR WARS: INVASION and STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES (Stan Lee Excelsior Award winner). Taylor has written for Marvel, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, Boom Studios, Wildstorm, 2000 AD and Gestalt Comics.
He can be followed on twitter @TomTaylorMade.
Well known for his work with DC Comics and Marvel, Taylor is the co-creator of NEVERLANDERS from Penguin Random House, SEVEN SECRETS from Boom Studios and the Aurealis-Award-winning graphic novel series THE DEEP. Taylor is also the Head Writer and Executive Producer of The Deep animated series, four seasons of which is broadcast in over 140 countries.
He is perhaps best known for the DC Comics series, DCEASED (Shadow Awards Winner), NIGHTWING (nominated for 5 Eisner Awards), SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL (GLAAD Award Nominee), INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, SUICIDE SQUAD, EARTH 2 and BATMAN/SUPERMAN as well as Marvel's FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN, ALL NEW WOLVERINE, X-MEN: RED, DARK AGES and SUPERIOR IRON MAN. Taylor is also the writer of many Star Wars series, which include STAR WARS: INVASION and STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES (Stan Lee Excelsior Award winner). Taylor has written for Marvel, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, Boom Studios, Wildstorm, 2000 AD and Gestalt Comics.
He can be followed on twitter @TomTaylorMade.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 13, 2018
(Slow clap) Now THAT is a great Batman comic. This is one of the better Batman one-offs I’ve ever read, if not the very best, featuring a touching look at the relationship between Bruce and Alfred. This is beautiful in art, structure, dialogue and story. I’ll just say it: This is my favorite single issue of Batman in years.
Honestly, this is so well done I’ll be a little stunned (and sad) if Tom Taylor isn’t at the helm of Batman post-King.
Honestly, this is so well done I’ll be a little stunned (and sad) if Tom Taylor isn’t at the helm of Batman post-King.
December 13, 2018
This Annual marks a whole year of me being in love with Tom King's Batman run. I started reading it again with last year's Annual #2 (a masterpiece), and here were are a year later with Annual #3. Unfortunately, Tom King didn't write it this year, surely being too busy with the main Batman series and Heroes in Crisis and whatnot. Fortunately, Tom Taylor took over the 2018 Annual and wrote a great little standalone issue of Batman himself. And it's all about Alfred! Pennyworth is a great character, and this issue shows just how much he has to go through on a daily basis, both as Batman's sidekick and Bruce Wayne's butler and father figure. The story is simple but effective, and Taylor captures Alfred's character perfectly. Overall, it's a great standalone read, and a nice focus on a character who often gets overlooked. The only problem is that I don't think this issue is going to be collected in any of the Batman volumes since it's not written by Tom King, so I'd advise to check it out on Comixology or in local comic shops.
December 12, 2018
Bawled my eyes out, but my heart is full! Wonderful annual, and the perfect hommage to everything Alfred is not only to Bruce and the Bat Family, but also to the readers.
August 24, 2022
A heartwarming, action packed tale of Bruce/Batman and Alfred. The lube that sums up the story best,
"he looks after Gotham, but who looks after him?"
Alfred received a call years ago that changed his life. Now he is always the when Bruce/Batman needs him. The book shows some of the Gatsby that Alfred wears, and as much as he reprimands him how similar Bruce and Alfred are.
"he looks after Gotham, but who looks after him?"
Alfred received a call years ago that changed his life. Now he is always the when Bruce/Batman needs him. The book shows some of the Gatsby that Alfred wears, and as much as he reprimands him how similar Bruce and Alfred are.
December 13, 2018
I think this may seriously be my favorite issue of Batman for the year. And I don’t even think that’s an exaggeration. The whole annual is from the perspective of Alfred, which is an interesting twist. Those that have read the series for any length of time know how badass Alfred actually is…but sometimes it’s nice to have the reminders.
The emotional story in this issue was…well it was both heartbreaking and so inspiring. You can really see exactly how much Alfred cares for Bruce in this issue. To Alfred, Bruce is everything. The harder Bruce pushes himself (which we all know is an insane level of stubbornness) the harder Alfred pushes himself. It’s just that one sacrifice is more obvious than the other.
It was a beautiful telling on the whole. While I wouldn’t mind seeing more of this vein, I also sort of feel like keeping it a rare gem will increase its value, so to speak.
The emotional story in this issue was…well it was both heartbreaking and so inspiring. You can really see exactly how much Alfred cares for Bruce in this issue. To Alfred, Bruce is everything. The harder Bruce pushes himself (which we all know is an insane level of stubbornness) the harder Alfred pushes himself. It’s just that one sacrifice is more obvious than the other.
It was a beautiful telling on the whole. While I wouldn’t mind seeing more of this vein, I also sort of feel like keeping it a rare gem will increase its value, so to speak.
December 12, 2018
AMAZING. PHENOMENAL. WE DON’T DESERVE ALFRED
December 29, 2018
Great issue! I loved the art and story. I ❤️ Alfred!
February 20, 2019
A touching story about the relationship between Bruce and Alfred and their father and son dynamic! Plus it's not written by Tom King, so bonus!
July 1, 2024
Aaaaand I’m crying. A Father’s Day special centered around Bruce and Alfred? Beautiful 🥹
December 13, 2018
Wow, that took me by surprise. Told primarily from Alfred’s point of view, this annual examines his relationship with Bruce Wayne/ Batman as well as his motivations for sticking around doing what he does. It’s surprisingly heartfelt and emotional, but has a tranquil melancholy that pervades the writing. Tom Taylor does such a fabulous job of following through with the central theme and that reveal at the end - just a little moment that holds such minor significance - bookended what is undoubtedly one of the most refreshing entries in the recent Batman run. I would love to go back to this book again and again for that warm, fuzzy feeling. If it wasn’t for Otto Schmidt’s art this book would get a five star from me. Schmidt’s art is not my style but at least it somewhat works with Alfred.
If there is one single comic issue you need to read this week - choose this one.
If there is one single comic issue you need to read this week - choose this one.
December 15, 2018
WELL JUST GO AHEAD AND STAB ME IN MY HEART THANKS
April 9, 2019
A brilliant gem of a story that is very Alfred centric. Loved this tale. A sure fire must read.
December 16, 2018
Wow this is good. Great story and art. Simple and very effective
December 14, 2018
A more sentimental comic that put the emphasis on the relation between Alfred and Bruce, more on the Alfred point of view. Interesting, original and well done! A must read for Batman fans!
December 13, 2018
This might be the single best story about Alfred Pennyworth ever made, it perfectly lays out his and Bruce's relationship, why it is the way it is and why Alfred is ok with it and features some really strong character interaction and a pretty solid one off plot featuring a cool new (I think) villain. Art is very well done and pretty up my ally and panel structure is just wonderful, an absolute must read for any Batfan.
February 12, 2020
Excelente.
August 15, 2025
”Father’s Day” starts with Alfred getting the call about Thomas and Martha Wayne being murdered and taking in Bruce Wayne as a boy.
It quickly goes to his duties for the older Bruce Wayne.
”It’s three A.M. master Bruce. Why would I be asleep?”
Alfred performs his duties and aids the Batman, but he’s a bit snarky about it.
”I understand a thermos would rather ruin the image, sir. But I promise not to let any of your major villains know. ”
The plot is that a drone operator gained a conscience but decided to use drones on Gotham because they manufactured the drones.
Batman is trying to stop the bombings.
At Leslie Thompson’s clinic she has a few words with Alfred. She recommends they both take time to recover.
”How are you feeling master Bruce?”
”A bit stabbed.”
That was a wonderful story - and the art made it work too!
5 stars.
December 24, 2018
1. Aww. I have such a soft spot for parent-child stories and this is one of those if there ever was one.
2. I am mildly disappointing at the villain's motive. I killed 30 people with my tech and it BROKE me so now I shall kill more people. Just... come on, man. Get a grip.
3. I have no earthly idea how people in Gotham do not know Bruce is Batman, when a British-accented guy in a butler outfit puts a mask on and shows up to beat random thugs up. Come on people. (Also, that was probably not the best choice, particularly since Duke and Cassandra are confirmed to be around. LET CASSANDRA LOOSE. It's all dream of.)
4. Alfred is so passive-aggressively snarky and it is wonderful. All of the dialogue is perfect.
5. Bruce burns his crumpets but Alfred eats them anyway because DADS EAT THEIR SONS' FIRST ATTEMPTS AT COOKING THAT IS WHAT THEY DO.
2. I am mildly disappointing at the villain's motive. I killed 30 people with my tech and it BROKE me so now I shall kill more people. Just... come on, man. Get a grip.
3. I have no earthly idea how people in Gotham do not know Bruce is Batman, when a British-accented guy in a butler outfit puts a mask on and shows up to beat random thugs up. Come on people. (Also, that was probably not the best choice, particularly since Duke and Cassandra are confirmed to be around. LET CASSANDRA LOOSE. It's all dream of.)
4. Alfred is so passive-aggressively snarky and it is wonderful. All of the dialogue is perfect.
5. Bruce burns his crumpets but Alfred eats them anyway because DADS EAT THEIR SONS' FIRST ATTEMPTS AT COOKING THAT IS WHAT THEY DO.
July 17, 2020
Batman Annual #3
(December 12, 2018)
In this one shot we're given a brief glimpse into what exactly Alfred does for Bruce Wayne aka Batman. Leslie Thompkins confronts Alfred with why he's stayed this long and his answer is not at all surprising.
But it's the very last page, that also displays the title that really outlines Bruce and Alfred's relationship. This is the moment i cried and missed Alfred Pennyworth all over again.
I always enjoy Alfred stories in the Batman canon. You don't see them all that often but they are always heartwarming. Bats and Alfred have a very special relationship and this is quite possibly my very favorite Alfred story.
Highly recommend.
(December 12, 2018)
In this one shot we're given a brief glimpse into what exactly Alfred does for Bruce Wayne aka Batman. Leslie Thompkins confronts Alfred with why he's stayed this long and his answer is not at all surprising.
But it's the very last page, that also displays the title that really outlines Bruce and Alfred's relationship. This is the moment i cried and missed Alfred Pennyworth all over again.
I always enjoy Alfred stories in the Batman canon. You don't see them all that often but they are always heartwarming. Bats and Alfred have a very special relationship and this is quite possibly my very favorite Alfred story.
Highly recommend.
December 18, 2018
This is a stellar one-shot featuring character development, another look at what brought Bruce to this point, a detective mystery-case, a showcase on some of the tools, and some fun behind-the-scenes in Batman's operations.
After reading this week's Man Who Laughs #1, I much prefer this take on Batman/Alfred's banter. The art's solid and I will likely now recall this whenever I consider the dynamics of Batman and Alfred's relationship. And that's all I hope for in an annual. :)
40.25/50
After reading this week's Man Who Laughs #1, I much prefer this take on Batman/Alfred's banter. The art's solid and I will likely now recall this whenever I consider the dynamics of Batman and Alfred's relationship. And that's all I hope for in an annual. :)
40.25/50
December 2, 2021
An Alfred story, and a VERY heartwarming one at that. Alfred worries about Bruce but is always at his beck and call. And when they're both inured, Bruce makes a sensible decision. The caption at the end just made it all so so good.
December 22, 2018
Oh the feels!!!
December 23, 2018
A nice, self-contained and heartfelt story. Good stuff.
December 23, 2018
brb, SOBBING
January 7, 2019
Fathers Day
January 9, 2019
This is a touching story of Alfred and Bruce's relationship.
March 3, 2019
That was beautiful! I love seeing Alfred's side of things and the many ways he is there for Bruce. Good to see it getting paid back in the end <3
May 13, 2019
Alfred! What a good guy...
May 24, 2019
Man. Got me right in the feels. Again and again and again.
July 22, 2020
Some great Alfred stories in this! It’s great to see things from both his perspective and also Batman’s in regards to their personal and professional lives. Alfred rocks!!! 👍🏻
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews