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As a result of the New 52 in 2011, the entire line of DC characters was relaunched, incorporating properties belonging to the company's imprints: Wildstorm, Milestone, and Vertigo. As such, elements of this character's history have been altered in some way from the previous incarnation. For a complete list of all versions of this character, see our disambiguation page. |
Barbara Gordon is the Gotham City vigilante known as Batgirl and elite computer hacker known as Oracle. She is the daughter of Commissioner James Gordon and Barbara Eileen Gordon and the older sister of James Gordon, Jr..
History
Early Life and Career
Barbara Eileen Gordon left her family when her daughter was young. Batman debuted. This inspired young Barbara to become Batgirl. Soon, she began working with Batman and his teen partner Robin.[4] She attended Burnside College, where she briefly dated Charles Dante. After a period of time as Batgirl, Barbara retreated from her role. Shortly after, she was shot in the spine by the Joker.[5]
While in physical therapy following her injury, she met Francine Charles; they befriended one another after Barbara taught Francine some katas that aided with her therapeutic exercizes.[6]
Looking for other ways to fight, Barbara became a hacker and information broker, donned the Oracle identity and founded the Birds of Prey.[2] Years later, her father found a clinic where Barbara's condition could be mitigated. Barbara underwent surgery and received a cybernetic implant on her neck's nape. She fully recovered and returned to her position as Batgirl.[7]
New 52
The Miraculous Killer
Main article: Batgirl: The Darkest Reflection
Shortly after her return as Batgirl, Barbara moved in to an apartment owned by Alysia Yeoh and came into contact with a villain calling himself the Mirror. The Mirror was attempting to kill a criminal who had survived a near death situation the previous night.[8] After killing the criminal, the Mirror fled to a graveyard where Batgirl intercepted him. She was beaten by the Mirror before the cops arrived and the murderer fled.[9]
While researching into the Mirror, Barbara discovered that he was an ex-soldier whose family died in a car crash but miraculously survived. After Batgirl located his hideout a screen activated and Mirror told Batgirl that due to his family's deaths he took up the mantle of the Mirror. His aim was to kill all those who had survived due to a 'miracle', as he saw them as curses instead of blessings.[9] He then told her of his next targets and she rushed to save them, however she was too late as one target was blown up with a train.[10] Batgirl then went on to lure Mirror to an amusement park where she was finally able to end the killer's reign of terror. After defeating the Mirror, Barbara's mother showed up on her door step for the first time in years.[11]
338
Main article: Batgirl: The Darkest Reflection
One night while patrolling the city, Barbara came across a family of gangsters who were supposed to be laying low committing an act of terrorism. Upon investigating, Batgirl discovered all four of the men chanting "338", then the father killed his three sons and attempted to commit suicide. Batgirl was then attacked by a woman calling herself Gretel who fled the scene almost immediately after. Gretel then attacked Bruce Wayne and when Batgirl tried to intercept, Gretel put Bruce under her spell causing him to chant "338" and attack Batgirl.[12] She was eventually able to get through to Wayne and free him from the spell, however Gretel was gone. Upon returning home she discovered that Gretel was a journalist who had been shot in the head by a 38. caliber bullet when she was investigating a crimelord. Upon surviving the gun shot she discovered she could control men. Gretel then made another attempt on Wayne's life but was stopped by Batgirl and Batman, before being sent to Arkham Asylum.[13]
The Weasel
Main article: Batgirl: Knightfall Descends
While on patrol Batgirl came across a hostage situation at a gala. She fought against the Metahuman villain Grotesque until he and his henchmen were forced to flee. Upon entering the sewer she came across the two henchmen, taking off the mask of one of them, under it she found a terror from her past- Danny "The Weasel" Weaver- one of the Jokers thugs on the night he took her legs.[14] Batgirl then let him go for reasons she couldn't explain. Upon returning to her apartment her mother told her that the reason she left was because James Jr. had killed the family cat and told her that if she didn't leave, Barbara would be next. Upon tracking Grotesque to his lair she was attacked by the villain who had the upper hand. However Weaver shot at Grotesque long enough so Batgirl could defeat him, after taking a mortal wound from Grotesque the Weasel died.[15]
Birds of Prey
Batgirl assisted the Birds of Prey on a mission when they went after the super-villain Choke.[16] She helped them take down Choke's sleeper agents known as the Cleaners.[17] They tracked down their leader, a psychic named Trevor Cahill, and Batgirl was finally able to reconnect with Black Canary as close friends.[18]
Night of the Owls
Main article: Batman: Night of the Owls
While on patrol Batgirl witnessed an explosion - she went to help the survivors but was attacked by a figure in an owl costume. The figure easily defeated Batgirl but instead of finishing her off she fled the scene, leaving behind a piece of paper. Upon examining the paper Batgirl discovered that it contained a date in kanji - November 1944 - as well as a balloon bomb. Barbara realized that the bomb and the paper was from WW2, when Japan sent balloon bombs across the ocean in hopes they would go to America and explode. Barbara then rushed to GCPD Headquarters as several balloon bombs had gone off there. At that moment a message was sent out by Alfred which said the Court of Owls - a secret society - had sent out their Talons to assassinate high profile targets who opposed them, and one such was Jim Gordon. Batgirl was able to intercept and defeat the Talon before it could reach its target.[19]
Later on in the night Batgirl travelled to assist the Birds of Prey with another Talon. However this Talon was a lot more skilled and sent the Birds of Prey on the retreat. The team then attempted to lock him in a freezer, as cold was the Talons' weakness. However he overpowered all of the Birds until Poison Ivy arrived and locked him and herself in the freezer - defeating him in the process.[20]
Knightfall Emerges
Main article: Batgirl: Knightfall Descends
Shortly after the Night of the Owls, Batgirl was taking down a group of car thieves at a charity gala run by billionaire Charise Carnes when one of the car thieves, Ricky, was caught in a bear trap. The gala security then took over the situation. When she was patrolling later that night she saw the gala security in costumes about to drop Ricky off a roof. The leader explained they are a group called the Disgraced who deliver punishment to criminals and kill them afterwards. The leader then dropped Ricky off the building and as Batgirl went to rescue him she was attacked by a flying woman named Kartharsis. Upon dropping her she said "Knightfall has risen" and that they would eradicate crime in Gotham. Batgirl was then surrounded by the Disgraced, headed up by their boss Knightfall.[21] She deduced that Knightfall was Charise Carnes as she was their boss at the gala. She was overpowered by the vigilantes but was saved by Detective McKenna and they fled the area.[22]
McKenna explained that Charise Carnes was forced to watch her family being butchered for three hours which left her mentally scarred. She was then found guilty of the murders and sent to Arkham. There, she was involved in another massacre, this time of Arkham guards. When she got out of Arkham she declared a deadly war on criminals and recruited many police officers to her cause.[22] Batgirl and Detective McKenna were then attacked by Batwoman, who was attempting to have McKenna arrested for corruption.[23] After convincing Batwoman to help them, the group travelled to Knightfall's base where she had Ricky hostage. Batgirl, Batwoman and McKenna were able to take down the Disgraced and Knightfall. McKenna went on to provide proof of Knightfall's crimes, however the villain was able to evade capture.[24]
The Return of Talon
Batgirl was investigating the burning down of many buildings by the homeless. Her investigation led her to a member of the Court of Owls. Upon spying on the meeting he was having with Catwoman, she noticed that the Talon from the G.C.P.D. building was present. Catwoman had delivered the Talon to the Court from Blackgate Penitentiary but was having some ethical issues with the job. Batgirl then rushed into the building to save Catwoman from the Talon and her brethren. The Pair were outmatched by the four enhanced warriors until Batgirl was able to convince the Talon change allegiance to change sides. The triplet then took down the Talons and the Court member killed himself. Catwoman then distracted the authorities while Batgirl brought the Talon- Mary to safety.[25]
An Estranged Marriage
Main article: Batman: Death of the Family
While Barbara was on the phone to her mother she went silent. Determined to find out what happened she was contacted by who she thought was the Joker. The door then burst down and three of the Joker's thugs came in.
After dropping them (much to Alysia's shock) she was given the location of her mother by the would be Joker who revealed that he knew Barbara was Batgirl.[26] She then travelled to the location that the Joker informed her of found her mother bound. It was at this time that Barbara realised the person on the phone wasn't the Joker as he revealed himself to be her brother James Jr.-escaped from Arkham. The Joker then revealed the severed ring finger of Barbara's mother and proposed with it.[26] After being forced to accept the proposal by Joker she was given another location to be at within an allotted time.[27]
After rendezvousing with Batman and the Robins Batman informed them that Joker had been gone for a year but had come back and slaughtered 19 police officers, he had then proceeded to commit crimes mirror several of his early crimes. He had also kidnapped Alfred and was torturing him, and had had his own face cut off by Dollmaker as a calling card for Batman.[28] After fanning out to look for the Joker she received a message from Red Robin that the Joker had kidnapped him and that she should advice the Teen Titans on where to look.[29] After doing that Batgirl travelled to the church the Joker had instructed her to and he revealed his plan- to kill all of Batman's allies who were making him soft and weak.[30] She was about to be killed when James Jr. walked in with a grenade telling her that their mother was free. This tipped the scales allowing Batgirl to beat the Joker, she was about to kill him when James Jr. knocked her out as he wanted her out the picture for his plans.[30] When she woke she was at a dinner table with Alfred and the Robins. There Joker tried to convince Batman to give up on his family, not convinced, Batman broke free and defeated the Joker- seemingly killing him.[31]
Jr.'s Return
Main article: Batgirl: Batgirl Wanted!
In the aftermath of Jokers return Barbara was helping the authorities apprehend many of the Joker's thugs. During this point she was contacted by James Jr. who said he would enact his plans soon. While searching for several henchmen Batgirl came into contact with the flame based villain Firebug.[32] After her encounter with Firebug she was informed that Robin had died, and decided to track down Firebug instead of her brother. After locating Firebug she was able to take down the villain. Barbara's mother then told Barbara that James Jr. wanted her to come to the peer alone or he'd kill Barbara.[33] Batgirl then followed her mother to the peer. After a brief struggle with her brother he told her that he killed because of Barbara and how perfect she was. He then attacked the pair once more which forced Barbara to fling him off the peer to his seeming death. However Commissioner Gordon witnessed this and blamed Batgirl for his son's death.[34]
Deadline
Main article: Batgirl: Deadline
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Batgirl of Burnside
Main article: Batgirl: Batgirl of Burnside
After successfully taking down Knightfall, Barbara was emotionally worn-out and in need of a change of scene. Barbara moved to Burnside, one of the wards of Gotham City and started operating there. She also returned to her alma mater, Burnside University and began post-graduate studies, hoping to use some of the algorithms she developed as Oracle as part of her thesis.[35]
Although she became unexpectedly popular quickly, Barbara had to deal with someone sending villains after her and looking to ruin her reputation. Eventually Barbara discovered her mysterious enemy was an A.I. gone mad that she herself created.[36] Batgirl managed to shut it down before it brought about a bloodbath.[37]
Family Business
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DC Rebirth
Mindfields
Main article: Batgirl: Mindfields
Barbara started getting memory lapses and nightmares created by a villain called Fugue whom she had put away some while ago. Using mind-scanning technology, Fugue learnt all Batgirl's secrets and mind-controlled several more villains into planting bombs across Burnside, hoping to blame it on Batgirl.[38] Batgirl retaliated by recruiting several fellow heroines to stop the villains and she successfully took Fugue down.[39]
In the meantime, Barbara started up her own green energy business, although she needed to step down from day-to-day management.[40]
Beyond Burnside
Main article: Batgirl: Beyond Burnside
After defeating Fugue, Barbara decided to take a vacation to Japan. However this turned to out to be anything but relaxing when she ran into Kai, an old acquaintance of hers[41] who had got himself into trouble with several Asian criminal gangs.[42] Batgirl saved him, but she wasn't thrilled with Kai using her civilian identity to protect himself, and told him to never bother "Barbara" again before returning to Gotham.[43]
The Return of the Birds of Prey
Barbara found out someone was using her old "Oracle" identity and enlisted the aid of Black Canary and the Huntress to hunt that person down.
Son of the Penguin
Main article: Batgirl: Son of Penguin
Back in Burnside, Batgirl discovered that the Penguin's bastard son Ethan was setting up shop in the town,[44] flooding Burnside with nonsensical mobile apps as part of a plan to take over the place and destroy his father.[45] In spite of his techno-suit, he wasn't a match for Batgirl.[46]
The Phantom Zone
Main article: Supergirl: Escape from the Phantom Zone
Tracking down a villain led Batgirl to National City where she met Supergirl. The younger hero asked Barbara's help to break into a Cadmus black site and rescue an imprisoned telepath named Gayle Marsh (Psi). Barbara and Kara teamed up to free Gayle, but Gayle used Supergirl to enter the Phantom Zone. Both heroines managed to escape, but they agreed that the story was not over.[47]
Several days later, Barbara attended a clean energy expo in National City sponsored by TychoTech, a firm that used Kryptonian technology stolen from the D.E.O. to create a device powered by energy siphoned from the Phantom Zone. During the unveiling, Barbara met Supergirl again, and the Girl of Steel recognized her right away. Magog attacked Supergirl during the event and their battle broke the device down. Both Batgirl and Supergirl were thrown into the Zone.[48] There they were captured by Xa-Du, the Phantom Zone's first inmate. Xa-Du had captured Psi, intending to coerce her into opening a rift to escape from the Zone, but she encased herself into a psionic bubble. Therefore, Xa-Du was boiling other Phantom Zoners over and turning their souls into fuel for his armor in order to make himself powerful enough to break Psi's shell.[49] Batgirl and Supergirl managed to escape, and while Supergirl reached Psi out, Batgirl engaged Xa-Du. Both girls managed to defeat the villain and Psi sent them back home. After their adventure, Barbara and Kara praised each other, and Barbara assured Kara that she could ask her help whenever she needed her.[50]
The Aqua Ghost
Batgirl went to investigate a supposedly haunted swimming pool. According to the workers an ethereal being would show up in the swimming pool but not harm anyone, and once the people left the pool it would disappear. Barbara went to get the water tested, but after the results came back normal she was redirected to Professor Radden. Before meeting with him she researched him and discovered his theory on Hydroportation - as well as the fact that one of his students went missing around the same time he published his papers. Upon investigating the missing student's apartment she discovered that the student had in fact come up with the theory. Batgirl then deduced that Radden had used his student's theory against her by trapping her in an alternate dimension, and then took credit for her work. She then realized that the student was the ethereal being and she was trying to cross over but couldn't because her anchors, the pool's visitors, always left before she could materialize. Batgirl then gathered a group of people and brought the student back.[51]
The Red Queen
Main article: Batgirl: Summer of Lies
Batgirl and Nightwing both received a message luring them to the same spot. They were ambushed by two identically dressed women, who delivered a threatening message to the heroes before committing suicide. Batgirl and Nightwing believed they strongly resembled a woman named Ainsley Wells whom Barbara had been friends with while she was at high school. Years ago, Batgirl and Robin discovered Ainsley was creating a nanotech drug which she sold to the Mad Hatter in order to fuel her own drug addiction. Ainsley ended up suffering from an overdose and fell out of contact with Barbara.
Batgirl and Nightwing suspected the Mad Hatter was responsible but discovered that he was in the hospital and hadn't ordered the attack against them. Mad Hatter awoke in a crazed state, warning the heroes of someone called the "Red Queen".[52] In the hospital, Batgirl discovered a doctor who appeared to have gone berserk. They later discovered that nanobots were responsible for her behavior.[53] Batgirl and Nightwing discovered that Ainsley died homeless, and they deduced that the Red Queen was her sister, Edith, who was using the drug Ainsley had developed for her own malicious purposes.[54]
Batgirl and Nightwing tracked down the Red Queen, who infected Nightwing with the nanobot drug. Red Queen instructed him to kill Batgirl, blaming her for failing to save her sister from her death. Batgirl was able to restore Nightwing's sanity using her electromagnets and her neural implant, temporarily paralyzing her legs in the process. Together, the duo managed to defeat the Red Queen and she was apprehended. Nightwing helped Batgirl restore her mobility before the two heroes went their separate ways.[55]
Further Burnside Adventures
Several months later, Batgirl had to stop Harley Quinn's Christmas rampage when the villain decided to poison a whole Christmas party.[56]
A while afterwards, a sudden blizzard left Burnside covered with snow. When the Penguin rushed into offering his assistance to solve the crisis, Batgirl found his sudden altruism suspicious and decided to investigate why the Weather Administration hadn't foreseen that blizzard. Batgirl found someone had sabotaged the local weather station and created a false trail to get her out of Burnside.[57]
Batgirl came back to Burnside and found out Blacksun had returned and stolen a mind-control device from a lab. Batgirl guessed Blacksun was now working for his father, and she soon discovered the Penguin intended to use the stolen device to boost his future election campaign. Batgirl managed to stop both Cobblepots and turned them over to the police.[58]
Shortly after, as facing a domestic abuser, Batgirl was hit by a hypnotic beam which trapped her mind into a loop.[59] Batgirl looked for ways to break her mind out of the loop, finally realizing she had to act in completely unexpected ways to catch her own brain off guard. Batgirl broke free, woke up and took the abuser down.[60]
The Brightest Star in Heaven
As investigating a cluster of similar murders, Batgirl noticed the murderer's modus operandi reminded her of her brother. Batgirl checked James, Jr. remained behind bars, but her brother hinted that those deaths had been committed by some fan of his. James offered his fan mail in return for Barbara coming back and visiting sometimes.
Barbara didn't intend to return until she tracked the murderer down and learnt that the woman wasn't a fan but rather her brother's disciple. James, Jr. had reached out to her in order to instruct her and goad her into a confrontation with Batgirl. Barbara agreed to visit her brother occasionally, resigning herself to the idea that she was doomed to get tangled with her brother forever, and ignoring James' scheming to corrupt her.[61]
Art of the Crime
Batgirl started investigating a number of gruesome murders committed by her old enemy Grotesque, who had escaped from Blackgate and was no longer satisfied with merely stealing art. Batgirl caught him right after he killed an elderly couple, but he escaped and Batgirl chased after him.[62]
Although Batgirl caught up with Grotesque, his electrical batons damaged her neural implant during their fight. Despite being dazed and barely able to walk, Batgirl chased him all the way to a safe house. However she soon suffered from a sequence of strange visions and suddenly found herself falling off the building. Batgirl managed to save herself, but she barely remembered what she had seen in Grotesque's safe house, and Grotesque torched the place down and ran away before she had time to return. Batgirl knew he was planning something big, though, so she sneaked into the GCPD Headquarters and hacked into their database to gather information. She was greeting her father when she collapsed all of sudden.[63]
Barbara was taken to Gotham General Hospital where she was told they needed to replace her implant. Her father implored her to come back to his house and rest while waiting for the surgery. Batgirl pretended to agree, but as soon as she went up to her old bedroom, she pored over the data copied from the GCPD. Barbara learned the disturbing fact that Detective Evans, the officer assigned to the case, had stopped looking for Grotesque, and she got a list of safe houses to look around.
Despite risking permanent brain or physical injury, Batgirl headed out to stop her mass-murdering enemy. She discovered Phillipe Rianne, the original Grotesque, had been murdered a while ago. Batgirl confronted the new Grotesque and found out that he was someone who hated Gotham's wealthy families, so he was murdering them and selling their art collections while the police blamed and looked for his predecessor. Batgirl managed to take him down, but when she was calling the police she suffered another seizure. When she woke up, she found the police had come and Detective Evan was blaming Phillipe Rianne's murder on her.[64]
Batgirl managed to escape and go back home. After further investigation, she deduced Grotesque's real identity was Detective Evan Douglas, who was working for Wyrm. He had replaced Gotham Museum of Antiquities' pieces with fakes and, in order to cover up his crime, he intended to blow the Museum up during an exhibit together with all attendants.[65]
Batgirl sneaks into the museum and fights Grotesque and Wyrm's Terminals, but Grotesque sets the bombs off. However, when the Terminals refuse to follow his orders to evacuate the civilians, Batgirl wrestles him to the ground and gives him to choose between dying together with everyone else or stopping being Wyrm's puppet and help her save people. Grotesque helps her destroy the bomb, but he is killed off by Wyrm.
Three days later, Barbara undergoes surgery and her chip is successfully repaired.[66]
Old Enemies
Batgirl is watching over a rally organized by Luciana Alejo, a politician who is running for Congress and focusing her campaign on the GCPD's corruption. When a group of radicals attempt sabotage the rally, Batgirl drives them away. Althought she can't stop them, she finds out their leader is ex-commissioner Jason Bard, who framed her father for murder and whom she fought once. Guessing that Bard must be working for Alejo's rival Branson Moore, she decides to volunteer for Alejo in order to protect her from Bard. However, she discovers Jason Bard is working for Alejo. Bard claims he is trying to protect Alejo, and Moore not only was behind the riot at her rally but also has hired an assassin named Cormorant.[67]
After foiling an assassination attempt during a fundraiser, Batgirl decides to interrogate Branson Moore, but he has been assaulted by Cormorant, too. Batgirl finds out Cormorant is working for someone who wants to prevent Alejo and Moore's joint deal to close Blackgate Penitentiary. Cormorant has succeeded in scaring Moore, but Alejo refuses to bail out. Against Barbara and Jason's warnings, Alejo schedules a televised interview, refusing to request police protection.[68]
In spite of Bard's security and Batgirl's surveillance, Cormorant manages to sneak into the TV studio and tries to fulfill his contract. Batgirl engages him, but Cormorant manages to take Alejo hostage. Batgirl is trying to talk him down when Jason Bard guns Cormorant down. Despite Jason Bard's claims he has reformed and there was no other way to save Alejo, Batgirl decides someone who is able to kill so casually can't be trusted.[69]
Doomsday Clock
Main article: Doomsday Clock Vol 1
After Superman is framed and rendered comatose, Batgirl and most of the Batman Family join the group of heroes heading towards Mars to confront their mysterious enemy. The heroes meet and engage Doctor Manhattan, but they are easily defeated.[70]
Death Metal
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Joker War
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Infinite Frontier
Leaping into the Light
At some point after The Joker War, Barbara traveled to Blüdhaven to give Dick Grayson what Alfred left him in his will. She gives Dick the contents of Alfred's will: several billion dollars.[71]After Dick's wallet is stolen and he sees the injustices going on in the city, he tells Barbara he will be the city's safety net.[72] Before Barbara can leave Blüdhaven she has to serve as Dick's alibi when he is accused of murder by the Blüdhaven police. She later aids Dick and Tim Drake in investigating the homless camp, where Dick comes face-to-face with Heartless.[73]
After Dick wakes from a concussion suffered at the hands of Heartless, she shows him that Melinda Zuko has become mayor of Blüdhaven. Despite Barbara's commands to rest, Dick goes to confront Melinda.[74] After Dick comes too, he quickly contacts Barbara to call off the rescue mission launched by several superheroes. She does so, and tells him not to trust Melinda.[75]After Dick escapes Blockbuster, Barbara cares for Dick as he sleeps for two days. Before Dick goes to meet the press regarding the creation of The Alfred Pennyworth Foundation, he thanks her for everything and they share a kiss.[76]
Urban Legends
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The Cowardly Lot
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Fear State
As the Magistrate begins to take over the airwaves of Gotham, Barbara decides to send a message via the Gotham City Emergency Broadcast System, only for her systems to be hacked and for the messages to be hijacked and spreading a message of fear to the city and that Batman is dead.[77] Batman later arrives at the Clock Tower, there Barbara fills Batman in on what's happened while he was imprisoned by Scarecrow. Batman has her connect him to Ghost-Maker so they can use his communications system.[78] Later, Nightwing arrives in Gotham after being set up by the false Oracle. Frustrated, Barbara decides to suit up in order to fight on the front lines, as she's been locked out of the system.[79]
After destroying her equipment to prevent Seer from using it against her, she and Dick depart and go to Oracle 2, a back up Barbara had built. Once there, they defeat the Magistrate soldiers and enter the building. There they are exposed to fear toxin and Barbara sees Dick get shot in the head and attacks the assailant. Thankfully, Tim is able to save them, but they learn from Seer that she has rigged the Clock Tower to explode, but only after posing as Oracle and having Cassandra and Stephanie meet at the Clock Tower. Barbara watched in horror as the Clock Tower explodes.[80] Babs, Tim, and Dick were relieved to find out Cass and Steph escaped the explosion beforehand.
Together, they came up with a plan to board Skybase-01 where Seer and Simon Saint where hiding. Babs and Dick failed to find Seer, who had plotted a course for the base to crash into Gotham, but they did take down Saint and turn him into police custody after Babs altered the base's flight path into the harbor. On the shore, Babs pondered her next move against Seer. [81]
Shortly after the events of Fear State, Babs would have Cass and Steph stay at the Holmes hotel while she tried to figure who or what Seer is and to find them a loft to move into while she crashed at Dick's place. Babs would return to take Cass and Steph to their new warehouse loft, all while being watched by Seer.[82]
Get Grayson
After discovering a group of hitmen had dognapped Haley to try to lure Dick out into the open to collect the price on his head. Barbara helped Dick get Haley back both as Batgirl and Oracle.[83] Later, Babs would contact the Titans in order to help protect Dick from several hitmen at a groundbreaking event. Babs oversaw their deployment and provided them with intelligence and direction, leading to a foiled assassination attempt.[84]
Barbara would again help save Dick when she informed him that Blockbuster had sent a military drone to attack his apartment building. She was then later kidnapped by agents of Blockbuster in an effort to force Dick out into the open. She was able to inform Dick and Wally West of her predicament, and not wanting to raise suspicions by easily escaping, and wanting to find out who was in charge, she told Dick and Wally to wait to rescue her. They did so and confronted KGBeast.[85]
After Dick and Wally took care of KGBeast, they met together to share what they had learned. Dick's sister contacted him, telling him that the person that sent KGBeast was La Agente Funebre, an assassin thought to be a myth. Barbara was able to track down the location of the last communication to Costa Rica, and Dick went to confront La Agente Funebre.[86]
The Battle for Blüdhaven's Heart
After Barbara attended the opening of Haven with Dick and Bruce, she assisted Dick in identifying BPD officers disguised as looters[87], and later unveiled their identities on television, destroying Commissioner MaClean's reputation and forcing his resignation which led to Maggie Sawyer becoming the BPD's new Police Commissioner.[88][89] Shortly thereafter, Barbara assisted Dick and Melinda in tricking MaClean to flee with files containing evidence Blockbuster's crimes and list of cops under his payroll, which were taken by Dick.[90]
After everything was in place, Barbara coordinated several superhero attacks on Blockbuster's criminal enterprises. This action led to Blockbuster attacking Haven, which Barbara rushed to to assist Dick in his battle with Blockbuster.[91] Barbara arrived with Batwoman and was able to disperse Blockbuster's henchmen by showing them evidence of Blockbuster's holdings in Blüdhaven's private prisons, of which criminals like Electrocutioner spent time in. When Blockbuster demanded they help him flee after Dick defeated him, they refused and left.[92]
Barbara caught up to Dick where he told her they couldn't be together since Blockbuster discovered his identity and that it would be too dangerous for her. She laughed and responded as a superhero that she is aware of the risks and is willing to take them if it meant she could be with Dick since it makes her happy. They then shared a kiss. When Dick asked what they would do about Blockbuster she told him that they would cross that bridge when they got there.[93]
Batgirls
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Powers and Abilities
Abilities
- Athletics
- Dancing: Barbara took up being a ballerina as a young girl.[94]
- Driving: Barbara can drive a car as well as her motorcycle with skill.
- Firearms[95]
- Genius Level Intellect
- Business Management: Barbara is head of her own green energy company.[40]
- Eidetic Memory: Barbara can recall anything she sees.[32]
- Investigation
- Multilingualism: In addition to English, Barbara is fluent in Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin Chinese.[96][42][43]
- Law: Barbara has a law degree.[97]
- Psychology: Barbara holds a degree in Forensic Psychology.[98]
- Computer Operation
- Indomitable Will
- Interrogation
- Intimidation
- Leadership
- Lock Picking: Batgirl is skillful at manipulating locks. She keeps at least one lockpick hidden in the lining of her cape.[99]
- Martial Arts: Being the daughter of a police commissioner, Jim has had Barbara taking self-defense since she was six.[100]
- Throwing: Batgirl is accomplished at throwing Batarangs.[34]
Other Characteristics
- Restricted Mobility: Barbara was paralyzed for three years after being shot by the Joker. However, she managed to overcome her paralysis with the help of groundbreaking medical treatment and returned to fighting crime. However, as a consequence of her long-term overuse of the neural implant, it has become strained, and resultingly her mobility varies from day to day, ranging from her peak ability to operate as Batgirl to being wheelchair-bound.
- Neural Implant: Barbara had experimental surgery after her shooting. She has a neural implant at the base of her brain that connects to her lower spine, which bypasses the missing section of spine and allows her to use her legs. If the implant is damaged or malfunctions, Barbara could become paralyzed and/or suffer brain damage.
Paraphernalia
Equipment
Transportation
Weapons
Notes
- Barbara Gordon was created by Gardner Fox, Carmine Infantino, and Julius Schwartz, first appearing in Detective Comics #359. However, in the Prime Earth continuity, Barbara Gordon first appeared as part of the New 52 DC Universe in Batgirl (Volume 4) #1 by Gail Simone and Ardian Syaf.
Trivia
- Barbara has worked for the Local Municipality's Code-Compliance Department/Code Enforcement for Gotham City.[101]
- She also worked as an assistant to Congresswoman Luciana Alejo.[102]
- Barbara was shot by the Joker when she was 17 years old. [103]
- As of Batgirl (Volume 4) #35, Barbara was 21 years old, though sucessive continuity changes may have rendered that null.[104]
- Batgirl was briefly married to Nightwing, but their marriage was quickly annulled.[105]
- Barbara's childhood address was 359 Dozier Terrace.[106] This is a reference to her co-creator William Dozier and her first appearance in Detective Comics #359.
Recommended Reading
Related
- 726 Appearances of Barbara Gordon (Prime Earth)
- 457 Images featuring Barbara Gordon (Prime Earth)
- 120 Quotations by or about Barbara Gordon (Prime Earth)
- Character Gallery: Barbara Gordon (Prime Earth)
Footnotes
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #25
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Batgirl and the Birds of Prey: Rebirth #1
- ↑ Detective Comics #1000
- ↑ Batgirls #3
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #0
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #35
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #1, 2, 3, 4
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #1
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Batgirl (Volume 4) #2
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #3
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #4
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #5
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #6
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #7
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #8
- ↑ Birds of Prey (Volume 3) #4
- ↑ Birds of Prey (Volume 3) #6
- ↑ Birds of Prey (Volume 3) #7
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #9
- ↑ Birds of Prey (Volume 3) #9
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #10
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Batgirl (Volume 4) #11
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Batgirl (Volume 4) #12
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #13
- ↑ Batgirl Annual (Volume 4) #1
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 Batgirl (Volume 4) #14
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #15
- ↑ Batman (Volume 2) #15
- ↑ Teen Titans (Volume 4) #15
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 Batgirl (Volume 4) #16
- ↑ Batman (Volume 2) #17
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 Batgirl (Volume 4) #17
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #18
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 Batgirl (Volume 4) #19
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #36
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #39
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #40
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #49
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #50
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 Batgirl (Volume 4) #51
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #1
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 Batgirl (Volume 5) #3
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 Batgirl (Volume 5) #5
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #7
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #10
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #11
- ↑ Batgirl Annual (Volume 5) #1
- ↑ Supergirl (Volume 7) #9
- ↑ Supergirl #10
- ↑ Supergirl (Volume 7) #11
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #12
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #14
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #15
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #16
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #17
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #18
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #19
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #20
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #22
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #23
- ↑ Batgirl Annual (Volume 5) #2
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #25
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #26
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #27
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #28
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #29
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #30
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #31
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #32
- ↑ Doomsday Clock #9
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #78
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #79
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #80
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #81
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #82
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #83
- ↑ Batman: Fear State: Alpha #1
- ↑ Batman (Volume 3) #112
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #84
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #85
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #86
- ↑ Batman (Volume 3) #117
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #87
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #88
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #90
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #91
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #92
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #93
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #94
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #94
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #95
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #96
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #96
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #0
- ↑ Batgirls #16
- ↑ 96.0 96.1 96.2 96.3 96.4 96.5 Batgirl (Volume 5) #2
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 4) #80
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #3
- ↑ Supergirl (Volume 7) #10
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #0
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #50
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 5) #50
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #16
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #35
- ↑ Dark Nights: Death Metal The Last Stories of the DC Universe #1
- ↑ Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight #2
Batman Family member This character is or was an incarnation of or an ally of Batman, and a member of the Batman Family. This template will automatically categorize articles that include it into the "Batman Family members" category. |
Birds of Prey member |
Justice League member This character has been a member of the Justice League of America, or the Justice League in any of its various incarnations, sworn by a duty to act as guardians of America and the world by using their skills and/or superpowers to protect Earth from the clutches of both interstellar and domestic threats. |