In this feature I spotlight changes made to comic book characters that are based on outside media. I'm sure you can think of other examples, so feel free to e-mail me at bcronin@comicbookresources.com if you want to suggest some other examples for future installments.

Today we look at something I addressed in a Comic Book Legends Revealed years ago, the story of how a film led to Batman's butler, Alfred Pennyworth, becoming the thin character he is today.

As always, first we look at the original status quo and then we look at the change from the outside media and how it was applied in the comics.

In 1943's Batman #16, Batman and Robin gain a butler!

Alfred does, indeed, learn their identities later in the issue (by mistake, of course).

Isn't it amazing that the implication is that Alfred's last name is Jarvis?

On the next page, see how the status quo was changed!

In 1943, soon after Alfred first showed up in the comics, a Batman film serial began. In the film, Alfred was portrayed by veteran (thin) actor William Austin...

This was the same film serial that gave us the Batcave, as established in this old Follow the Path.

Soon afterwards, in 1944's Detective Comics #83, Alfred is trying to work out (he almost injures Bruce and Dick with his workout) so Bruce sends him on a vacation.

When he returns...

And he's been thin ever since.

If anyone has a suggestion for a future edition of Follow the Path, drop me a line at bcronin@comicbookresources.com.