Batgirl (real name Barbara Joan Gordon) is a main character in the DC Comics as a supporting character in the Batman franchise. She is the daughter of Police Comissioner Jim Gordon (adopted daughter/niece in pre-Flashpoint comics), the second sidekick of Batman and one of the love interest and childhood friend of Dick Grayson/ Nightwing. She is a mentor of Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown, the best friend of Dinah Lance aka the Black Canary, and has also been a member of the Bat Family, the Justice League, and the Birds of Prey.
The character was created by television producer William Dozier, editor Julius Schwartz, writer Gardner Fox, and artist Carmine Infantino. She was portrayed by the late actress Yvonne Craig in the 1960s Batman series. She was later portrayed by Dina Meyer and Jeté Laurence, and has been voiced by Melissa Gilbert, Tara Strong, Danielle Judovits, Alyson Stoner, Mae Whitman, Kimberly Brooks and Briana Cuoco among others. She will make her DC extended Universe debut in the 2023 Batgirl movie, played by Leslie Grace.
History[]
Pre-Flashpoint[]
Early Life[]
Barbara Gordon always wanted to be a vigilante and protect the Gotham City. Her parents were killed in an automobile accident and she was adopted by her uncle Jim Gordon and his wife, also named Barbara. She was inspired by Batman to becoming her own superhero.
Becoming Batgirl[]
After graduating high school at age 16 and continued learning jiu-jitsu, Barbara got a job at the Gotham City public library. She tried applying for a position in the Gotham City police department but her adoptive father and the FBI turned her down for the occupations she wanted due to height restrictions. Out to spite her dad, Barbara constructed a Bat Girl outfit and later used this attempt to save Bruce Wayne from Killer Moth. However, Killer Moth got the better of her and nearly bested her in their fight until Bruce came back as Batman and saved her. Batman chided her for Barbara's recklessness and told her she was not ready to become a Vigilante. Despite the warning, Barbara continues to fight in Gotham City as Batgirl in order to gain the Batman's trust, with assistance from Robin. Eventually, befriended each other and revealed their secret identities to one another.
Barbara's actions as Batgirl eventually won Bruce over and he accepted her into the Batman Family as one of his protégés. Barbara's actions as Batgirl eventually won Bruce over and he accepted her into the Batman Family as one of his protégés.
Paralyzed by the Joker[]
During the events of "The Killing Joke," The Joker paralyzed Barbara Gordon from the waist down by shooting her in the abdomen, all attempting to rescue her father. The incident left Barbara traumatized, her father grief stricken and Batman guilty. However, she created a network of artificial intelligence for the Batman family, operating as Oracle.
The Birds of Prey[]
When Black Canary refounded the Birds of Prey, Barbara initially refused but decided to join her old friend and getting her confidence in fighting as a vigilante again. However, she assisted them on a mission when they went after the super-villain Choke, who later erased the Birds' memory of the team up.
New 52[]
In the new continuity, Barbara is Jim Gordon's biological daughter with his wife, also named Barbara and she had a brother also named James
Other Versions[]
Earth-One[]
Barbara Gordon is depicted as James Gordon's daughter with another woman, Thelma. Like her mainstream counterpart, she has a brother, except his name is Tony as opposed to James, like their father.
Elseworld's Finest[]
On Earth-1098, Barbara's parents are murdered by Joe Chill instead of Bruce Wayne's parents when he tried to kill the young Bruce Wayne. Barbara was adopted by Thomas and Martha Wayne, becoming the tyrannical furor of Gotham, ruling it with an iron fist. Despite hating metas, she joins Supergirl. After solving the case and defeating Lex Luthor and the Joker, Barbara and Kara become best friends.
Zero Hour[]
Barbara's father was killed in the confrontation of the Joker during the Killing Joke. She was seduced by Parallax but broken out of the illusion by Oliver Queen/Green Arrow. She saved the superhero, Damage, and died a hero.
Adaptations[]
Dozierverse[]
- Main article: Batgirl (Dozierverse)
Barbara Gordon debuted in 1960s Batman series starring Adam West. She was portrayed by the late actress Yvonne Craig in the series, first appearing in season 3.
DC Animated Universe[]
- Main article: Batgirl (DC Animated Universe)
The Batman[]
- Main article: Batgirl (The Batman)
Unlike the comics, Barbara was Batman's first protege as opposed to Dick, who was on Teen Titans at the time the series was airing.
Titans[]
- Main article: Barbara Gordon (Titans)
Harley Quinn[]
- Main article: Batgirl (Harley Quinn)
Young Justice[]
- Main article: Barbara Gordon (Young Justice)
Others[]
Personality[]
Close Relationships[]
Dick Grayson[]
Barbara and Dick in Young Justice.
Dick Grayson has been one of Barbara's best friends, romantic interest and on/off boyfriend. The two guest met when Dick was Robin and Barbara was Batgirl. As Robin, he helped her with her vigilante activities disobeying his adoptive father's, Bruce Wayne's, orders and developed a crush on her. Though she didn't see it as romantic, Barbara loved him in a platonic way but eventually, Barbara realized her feelings for him and they became a couple. However, Dick and Barbara broke up when he was retired as Robin and joined the Teen Titans and becoming romantically involved with Starfire, a princess from the planet Tameran. His on/off relationship with both Barbara and Koriand'r started a love triangle that would continue for decades.
Dinah Lance[]
Black Canary is one of Batgirl's closest allies, as well as one of her best friends.
Impressed with Barbara's skills as Oracle, Dinah tried recruiting her into becoming a member of the birds of prey. Though she initially refused, Barbara eventually helped her and the other birds take down Choke. The girls had a strained relationship with one another due to their major differences. However, Barbara and Dinah eventually learned to get along and became best friends. When a group of thugs were after Barbara and against her best friend's wishes, Dinah pretended to be the Oracle to protect her friend.
Helena Bertinelli[]
Helena and Barbara
At first, Helena and Barbara didn't get along, both fighting each other when they first met. Helena discovered that Barbara was Batgirl because she unmasked her when they saw the bat signal. However, the women learned to work together as the Birds of Prey and became secondary best friends.
Jim Gordon[]
Bruce Wayne[]
Abilities[]
Possessions[]
Weapons[]
Utility Belt: Because she relies on gadgetry rather than on powers, Barbara owns a utility belt filled with many gadgets that aid in her fighting criminals, as a vigilante.
Transportation[]
Batcycle: Barbara uses Batman's motorcycle to get from place to place or whenever she is chasing a villain.
Connections[]
Family[]
New Earth[]
Prime Earth[]
Allies[]
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Enemies[]
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Trivia[]
In both Titans and Batman Beyond, Barbara becomes the Commissioner of the GCPD in New Gotham.
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