Batman Day: 9 underrated Batman comic books fans should own

4. Batman Annual No. 1 Good Boy

Batman spends a good portion of his life being attacked by animal themed villains. Sometimes even actual animals. This story showcases one of the latter.

The Joker puts toxin into one of the dogs, who’s named Ace, and it goes mad. Later, the dog is sent to be put down but before that could happen, Alfred buys the facility, has it renamed, “Martha and Thomas Wayne Humane Society” and walks out with Ace. The next day, Bruce wakes up expecting breakfast. Only to be met face to face with a growling dog.

Alfred spends the next couple of months training the dog. Ace doesn’t make it easy for him, attacking him for weeks on end. Then, out of nowhere, he becomes a loyal companion.

Why this issue

This was a very short story in an issue of a few. Nonetheless, this story alone is worth the purchase. Alfred’s determination is always a sight to see. The last couple of pages made it all worth it. Batman coming home after getting stabbed and Ace coming to him showed that Ace completely changed. Then, it was Christmas morning. Alfred’s gift to Bruce was Ace and he didn’t realize it. Alfred walking away and saying, “World’s greatest detective. Indeed” ended the tale perfectly.