Batman (comic book) into Batman's pantheon, most notably those of Catwoman and Batman's eventual nemesis, the Joker. Alfred Pennyworth, the Wayne family butler, was introduced in issue #16 (April–May 1943). Editor Whitney Ellsworth assigned a "Batman" story to artist Dick Sprang in 1941. Anticipating that Bob Kane would be drafted to serve in World War II, DC inventoried Sprang's work to safeguard against delays. Sprang's first published Batman work was the Batman and Robin figures on the cover of "Batman" #18 (Aug.-Sept. 1943), reproduced from the art for page 13 of the later-published "Detective Comics" #84 (Feb. 1944). Sprang's first original published Batman
Ian Abercrombie Ian Abercrombie Ian Abercrombie (11 September 1934 – 26 January 2012) was an English actor. He played Alfred Pennyworth on "Birds of Prey", Justin Pitt (Elaine Benes's boss) during the sixth season of "Seinfeld", Rupert Cavanaugh (Ian Hainsworth's butler) on "Desperate Housewives", Professor Crumbs on "Wizards of Waverly Place", and Palpatine on "". Abercrombie was born on 11 September 1934 in Grays, Essex, England. He began his theatrical career during the Blitz in World War II. After his footwork years during which he earned Bronze, Silver and Gold medals in stage dancing, he performed in London, Scotland, Ireland, and the