Throughout Batman‘s decades of history, Alfred Pennyworth has been one of the most important members of the Bat-Family, and he’s served as a surrogate father figure to Bruce Wayne and the rest of his extended cast. And while he’s been a surrogate father to many, Alfred has also had his own biological child, Julia Pennyworth, a character who has intermittently played relatively important roles in Batman’s life before receding into obscurity.
Julia made her first appearance in 1981’s Detective Comics #501, by Gerry Conway and Don Newton. Raised as Julia Remarque, Julia had no idea that she was related to Alfred. Julia’s mother, a French resistance fighter named Mademoiselle Marie, was murdered, with her last words being “Alfred.” As a result, Julia hunted down Alfred, believing him as her mother’s killer. Fortunately, Batman found the real culprit, preventing Julia from killing Alfred.
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Julia returned in 1983’s Detective Comics #532, by Doug Moench and Gene Colan, revealing that she had learned Alfred was her father. After Alfred and Batman helped Julia track down her adoptive father’s killer, Julia went to live with them in Wayne Manor.
During her time in Gotham, Julia became quite the investigative reporter, working alongside Vicki Vale at Picture News and freelancing for the Gotham Gazette. Julia also became romantically attracted to both Bruce Wayne and Batman, forming a great complication in their lives. Eventually, Julia gave up on her romance with both Bruce and Batman, due to the inconsistency of their relationship.
Julia didn’t make her return until the New 52, making a cameo in 2014’s Batman #28, by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV and Dustin Nguyen. This issue was a flashforward to the events of Batman Eternal, depicting Julia as a mission coordinator for Batman. Julia made her first full appearance at the end of 2014’s Batman Eternal #8, by John Layman, Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Tim Seeley, Ray Fawkes and Guillem March.
Batman met Julia in Hong Kong, where he was digging up secrets about Carmine Falcone’s past. At the same time, Julia was hunting a city crime boss who was related to Falcone. In a subsequent battle, Batman saved Julia’s life, bringing her back to Gotham. Of course, once Julia was all patched up, she wanted to leave. Julia was bitter at Alfred for abandoning her, and disgusted that he became a manservant for Bruce Wayne.
Eventually, however, Julia came around, helping the Bat-Family and her father. Julia played an important role in “Endgame,” which took place in 2014’s Batman #35-40, by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo. During this storyline, Julia helped Batman and her father fight one of the Joker‘s biggest attacks on Gotham City. Later, during the “Rebirth” era, Julia became Batwoman’s mission control, in Batwoman #1, by Marguerite Bennett, James Tynion IV and Steve Epting.
Julia helped Batwoman diffuse many threats, while also conducting her own investigations. Julia was also reporting Batwoman’s actions to Batman, however, in case Kate Kane went too far. Despite this apparent betrayal, Julia was still seen watching over Kate’s sister, Beth, in Batwoman #17, by Marguerite Bennett and Fernando Blanco.
Ultimately, Julia Pennyworth presented a new twist on the Bat-Family. Unlike some members of the Bat-Family, Julia was related to Alfred rather than Bruce or any other important figures in Gotham City. Julia’s connection to Alfred expanded the Pennyworth family tree, illustrating much about Alfred’s past and his connection with others. Moreover, in the New 52/Rebirth continuity, Julia represented a new generation for Batman going forward. With Alfred growing older, someone like Julia could pick up the family business and act as mission control for the Bat-Family.
This role extended to Batwoman, showing the Pennyworth family’s relationship with the larger Bat-Family, beyond just Bruce Wayne. Now, with Alfred gone, it seems like Julia would be a good choice to succeed her father as the Bat-Family’s coordinator. Considering her experience on the field and as Bat-Family support staff, Julia Pennyworth is truly her father’s daughter.
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