Warning: Contains Spoilers forBatman / Superman: World’s Finest #40!!
Batmannever runs out of gadgets, and the Caped Crusader typically has a clever tech answer to nearly any problem. However, his newly unveiled giant monster-fighting mech might be his most impressive piece yet, and the potential driver makes it even more interesting: the technically deceased Alfred Pennyworth.
In preview images forBatman / Superman: World’s Finest#40, Bruce Wayne accompanies Commissioner Gordon to a podcast appearance while Superman is saving Metropolis from an intimidating monster. Batman didn’t send the Kryptonian off to do battle alone, though, as he’s accompanied by a giant mech that looks exactly like Gotham’s Dark Knight.
With Lois Lane, Gordon, and Batman’s other named allies all otherwise occupied, only one name remains as a potential pilot for the mech: Alfred Pennyworth. Although he is still deceased in the main timeline, the crew has just encountered a past version of Alfred, and he has never missed a chance to help Batman.
…it’s crucial to prevent Alfred from learning anything about his future that could alter the timeline.
Is Alfred Pennyworth the Mysterious Driver of Batman’s Mega Mech?
Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #40by Writer Mark Waid, Artist Adrian Gutierrez, Colorist Matt Herms, and Letterer Steve Wands
Batman is no stranger to mechs.Although he’s not in the habit of making larger-than-life contraptions to go off and fight kaiju descending on Metropolis,Batman’s mech-suits and similar devicesare within his arsenal. The new design amplifies that considerably. Not only does the monster in question dwarf Superman, but Batman’s mech is equally large in comparison. It sports a sleek helmet, a yellow Bat symbol on the chest that’s impossible to miss, and what appear to be projectile weapons protruding from the back of the design. Without seeing it in full action, it’s difficult to guess potential features at this time.
Although Batman can’t be piloting the mech while he’s in the studio supporting Commissioner Gordon, it’s clear that he was behind the design. That means the mech will likely be as full of surprises as the Caped Crusader’s utility belt and ready to act in the Bat’s stead alongside Superman.Whoever is behind its operation would need to be both savvy in handling Batman’s inventions and completely trustworthy, as they’re tasked with assisting Clark and defending Metropolis. Not many people fit that bill, and most of them are busy elsewhere, likely leaving Batman’s biggest weapon with his oldest ally.
Alfred Pennyworth’s Return Comes With Its Own Set of Complications
DC Hints the Bat-Family’s Greatest Ally May Be Piloting Batman’s Giant Mech
It’s been over five yearssince Bane killed Alfred Pennyworthin official continuity, and he’s remained deceased in the main timeline since then. He’s been honored by Batman, Nightwing, and practically every assorted Bat-Family member over the years, and he’s still mourned both within the comics and by fans. DC seems committed to ensuring he doesn’t make a miraculous return, likely due to the impact of his death, but that hasn’t stopped him from appearing elsewhere. In the series' previous issue,Superman, Batman, and Nightwing found themselves out of sync with time, leading them to cross paths with a version of Alfredfrom the past.
Given that the upcoming issue’s summary questions whether Clark and Bruce’s friends,including Alfred Pennyworth, can"help step in and help save the day,“it makes sense to assume Alfred will have some pivotal role to play.He’s the only one directly absent in the preview images, suggesting that whatever he’s doing is happening elsewhere. Whether that means he’s inside the giant Batman mech or piloting it remotely from the safety of the Bat Cave remains to be seen, but he’s Batman’s most trusted ally and possesses all the skills to be an asset in Superman’s fight in Metropolis.
Of course, involving Alfred comes with its own complications, as it’s crucial to prevent him from learning anything about his future that could alter the timeline. The more directly he helps Batman, the harder that becomes. Still, including him in some capacity is an opportunity that’s hard to ignore. With careful maneuvering, Alfred can once again prove why he has always been Bruce’s greatest ally. DC just introduced a powerful new weapon from Batman’s arsenal, and it seems likely that the Dark Knight’s massive mech is heading into action withAlfred Pennyworthat the helm.
Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #40will be available on August 05, 2025, from DC Comics!
