Batgirl

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Batgirls

Batgirl is the name of several fictional superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, depicted as female counterparts to the superhero Batman. The character was created by Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff, and first appeared in Batman #139 (April 1961).

Publication History

The first incarnation of Batgirl, Betty Kane, debuted in 1961 as the niece and sidekick of Batwoman. However, the character was later replaced by Barbara Gordon, the daughter of Gotham City Police Commissioner James Gordon, who made her first appearance in Detective Comics #359 (January 1967) in a story titled "The Million Dollar Debut of Batgirl!"

Character Biography

Barbara Gordon

Barbara Gordon is the most iconic version of Batgirl. As the daughter of Commissioner James Gordon, she becomes inspired by Batman and takes on the Batgirl persona. She is a skilled martial artist and possesses a genius-level intellect, which she uses to fight crime in Gotham City. Barbara Gordon's Batgirl was a member of the Batman Family and the Birds of Prey.

In the 1988 graphic novel Batman: The Killing Joke, Barbara Gordon is shot by the Joker, resulting in her being paralyzed from the waist down. She later adopts the identity of Oracle, a computer expert and information broker for the superhero community.

Cassandra Cain

Cassandra Cain, the daughter of assassins David Cain and Lady Shiva, became the next Batgirl. She first appeared in Batman #567 (July 1999). Raised to be the perfect assassin, Cassandra was trained from birth to become a lethal fighter. She eventually rebels against her father's teachings and becomes Batgirl, seeking redemption for her past.

Stephanie Brown

Stephanie Brown, originally known as Spoiler, is the daughter of the villain Cluemaster. She first appeared in Detective Comics #647 (June 1992). Stephanie takes on the Batgirl mantle after Cassandra Cain leaves the role. She is known for her determination and resilience, often overcoming significant challenges to prove herself as a hero.

In Other Media

Batgirl has appeared in various forms of media, including television, film, and video games. Notable portrayals include Yvonne Craig in the 1960s Batman television series and Alicia Silverstone in the 1997 film Batman & Robin. The character has also appeared in animated series such as Batman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures.

Related Pages

• Batman
• Robin (character)
• Birds of Prey (comics)
• Oracle (DC Comics)
• Joker (character)
• Gotham City
• Detective Comics