WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for DC vs. Vampires: World War V #11 (2025)!
Alfred Pennyworthmay be dead in DC’s main continuity, but the legendary butler lives on in the publisher’sElseworldstales. On Earth-63, Alfred now serves as one of the planet’s last remaining Green Lanterns. And while he may still fight for the side of good, this version of the Wayne family’s loyal servant has just committed one of the darkest murders in DC history.
Matthew Rosenberg and Otto Schmidt’sDC vs. Vampires: World War V#11 delivers several major twists and narrative bombshells. Among the most shocking isAlfred’s brutal decision to kill Robin, Damian Wayne.
Despite being on the same side and Damian pleading with him for mercy, Alfred still goes through with the act. Some might assume Alfred had no other choice, that Damian forced his hand. But that couldn’t be further from the truth,Alfred outright volunteered to kill Damian himself.
Alfred Pennyworth Killing Damian Wayne, Explained
Cover C Puppeteer Lee Variant forDC vs. Vampires: World War V#8 (2025)
DC vs. Vampires: World War V#11 shows the vampires and humans, who had previously been at war, forming a truce inorder to unite against Darkseid, who now threatens to destroy the entire planet. However, shortly after this alliance is made, vampireDamian Wayne kills Vampire Queen Barbara Gordonin revenge for her betrayal of the Bat-Family.
Although Damian is a vampire, he has been working alongside the human resistance. Hence, his actions cause the fragile truce to collapse. In response, Wonder Woman, who has taken up the mantle as the new queen of the vampires, offers to restore the alliance.Her one condition is that the heroes must execute Damian for killing their former queen.
…Alfred, with tears streaming down his face, apologizes and uses his Green Lantern powers to end Damian’s life…
At first, Alfred defends Damian and insists that killing him is out of the question. But other leaders, including Oliver Queen, argue that Damian must die. Realizing he is outvoted and that the truce is vital to stopping Darkseid,Alfred ultimately volunteers to carry out the sentence himself.
Alfred explains that he doesn’t want Damian to be killed by what he calls a monster, referring to Wonder Woman. He also cannot bear the thought of seeing his friends murder a child that he loved and helped raise.Despite Damian’s pleas for mercy, Alfred, with tears streaming down his face, apologizes and uses his Green Lantern powers to end the boy’s life…. or does he?
Is There a Possibility That Damian Wayne Is Still Alive? (We Think So)
Cover C Stephen Segovia Variant forDC vs. Vampires: World War V#4 (2025)
While Rosenberg’s writing and Schmidt’s art seem to make it clear that Alfred kills Damian, there may be another explanation. It is strange that someone who was so strongly opposed to killing the boy would suddenly volunteer to do it himself, unless of course,Alfred had a plan to secretly save Damian by faking his death.
The fact that the heroes turn their backs and form a wall around Alfred while only he and the Spectre face Damian directly adds to the suspicion. Given theSpectre’s nearly unlimited magical power, it is entirely possible that he helpedAlfred Pennyworthstage the scene; hence, this suggests thatRobinmay still be alive and safely hidden away.
DC vs. Vampires: World War V #11is available now from DC Comics!
