<P> Superman tries to reason with Batman , but Batman uses his technological inventions and mastery of hand - to - hand combat to fight him . During the battle , Superman compromises Batman 's exoframe , while Queen shoots a kryptonite - tipped arrow to greatly weaken Superman . Batman reveals that he intentionally spared Superman 's life by not using a more powerful kryptonite mix ; the fight and near - death experience was meant as a warning to Superman to stay out of Batman 's way . Before he can fully defeat Superman , Batman suddenly has a heart attack , apparently dying . Alfred destroys the Batcave and Wayne Manor before dying of a stroke , exposing Batman as Bruce Wayne , whose fortune has disappeared . After Wayne 's funeral , it is revealed that his death was staged using his own chemical concoction that can suspend his vital life signs . Clark Kent attends the funeral and winks at Robin after hearing Wayne 's heartbeat resume . Some time afterward , Bruce Wayne leads Robin , Queen , and the rest of his followers into the caverns beyond the Batcave and prepares to continue his war on crime . </P>
<P> Superman tries to reason with Batman , but Batman uses his technological inventions and mastery of hand - to - hand combat to fight him . During the battle , Superman compromises Batman 's exoframe , while Queen shoots a kryptonite - tipped arrow to greatly weaken Superman . Batman reveals that he intentionally spared Superman 's life by not using a more powerful kryptonite mix ; the fight and near - death experience was meant as a warning to Superman to stay out of Batman 's way . Before he can fully defeat Superman , Batman suddenly has a heart attack , apparently dying . Alfred destroys the Batcave and Wayne Manor before dying of a stroke , exposing Batman as Bruce Wayne , whose fortune has disappeared . After Wayne 's funeral , it is revealed that his death was staged using his own chemical concoction that can suspend his vital life signs . Clark Kent attends the funeral and winks at Robin after hearing Wayne 's heartbeat resume . Some time afterward , Bruce Wayne leads Robin , Queen , and the rest of his followers into the caverns beyond the Batcave and prepares to continue his war on crime . </P>
what happened to alfred in the dark knight returns
what happened to alfred in the dark knight returns
dying of a stroke
dying of a stroke