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Who doesn’t love Alfred Pennyworth, the beloved butler of Batman? Not just another character but informally considered Bruce Wayne’s father as well. As a father would love their son, Alfred cares about Batman to the point of defending him against anyone, even Superman. This is the situation they found themselves in as Alfred beats Superman into the ground for hurting his son. But how is this possible?
The story takes place in Injustice: Gods Among Us, a comic series based off the 2013 video game. Superman had a sort of super-pill in his possession, which had the ability to give average people super-strength. Batman and his allies, who were currently opposed to Superman and his agendas, decide to steal this super-pill so it could be replicated. Batman took a gigantic risk and brought the pill to the Bat-Cave to be analyzed. Unfortunately Green Arrow, who helps steal the pill, didn’t escape with his life.
As predicted, Superman finds Batman as his computer is analyzing the pill. In an effort to distract Superman to buy some more time, Batman reminds him how his killed Green Arrow, and failed to protect Lois earlier in the story. This is when Superman decided to incapacitate Batman in the same style that Bane broke his back. As Superman tortures him in an effort to discover who has access to the pill’s analysis, we discover that they are not alone in the Bat-Cave. Alfred had taken the super-pill and uses it to put Superman in his place by head-butting him and breaking his nose. In a moment of glory we see that Alfred beats Superman into the ground , while letting him know that he doesn’t get to hurt his family any more.
This happens in the final issue of this series (Affiliate Link), which is Year One of Injustice: Gods Among Us. A good old Civil War has always been entertaining, where the superheroes are divided. It is also especially interesting when Superman becomes the enemy, which has happened in Kingdom Come and Red Son. Beside that Alfred beats Superman, this series also shows Superman killing Joker and Nightwing tripping over a rock and breaking his neck. So there is a lot to see and read, so I definitely recommend this series.
Alfred Versus Superman’s Abilities
Superheroes are usually considered strong, unbeatable beings with powers and capabilities beyond those of the average man. Yet there are occasions where even the least likely characters can astound us with their prowess. One particular case in point is Alfred Pennyworth, Batman’s trusted butler, engaging in battle with none other than Superman. This sudden change not only reveals Alfred’s concealed powers, but it also points out the irony of a human winning against a superhuman being.
Before understanding how important this meeting is, we need to take a look at their combat histories. Despite his humble bearing and job as a butler, Alfred has seen much in the way of warfare. He was an officer in the Special Air Service for quite some time before becoming Bruce Wayne’s servant. His knowledge and abilities include elite-level combat techniques that consist of hand-to-hand combat, sniping, and tactical finesse.
Superman, The Man of Steel, is recognized for his superhuman strength, speed, and invulnerability. He possesses a wide range of extraordinary abilities such as heat vision, super breath, or the capability to fly, thus rendering him one of the most formidable beings on Earth.
Another point worth considering in the battle is the methods of fighting, which are also shown from different sides by Alfred and Superman. When it comes to combat, Superman relies on his superpowers, while Alfred, having been trained and served in the military, applies resourcefulness by using the environment to determine successful moves. This becomes apparent in the Injustice fight scene, where Alfred deploys his newfound strength in overpowering Superman.
Overall, the encounter between Alfred Pennyworth and Superman showed that a battle was not merely a matter of muscles but a question of tactics, abilities, and background knowledge. Besides revealing paradoxes, this instance revealed to us ideas about imperviousness and contempt for those weaker than themselves. If you think someone is small or powerless just by looking at their size or job, remember Alfred’s confrontation with Superman.