Holy overdue return, Batman!
Over 20 years since she was forced to hang up her cape and cowl, the original Batgirl will soon be back kicking bad guy butt as part of DC Comics’ massive overhaul of its iconic characters starting this week.
Batgirl No. 1 — exclusive art from which can be seen here — will mark the first time the popular librarian-turned-crimefighter Barbara Gordon has ever had a solo ongoing comic book.
“It’s tremendously exciting to see her smiling on the cover of her own hit book finally, ready to kick ass against Gotham City’s worst monsters,” said the series’ writer, Gail Simone.
But super-villains upset about her return have some unlikely company.
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS AS BATGIRL RETURNS IN NEW COMIC
Some comic fans have taken to petitions and protests aimed at keeping Barbara out of the Bat family, saying the spunky redhead is more super the way she’s been portrayed in comics for the past 20 years — in a wheelchair.
The daughter of bat-confidante Commissioner Gordon was taken off the traditional super-hero circuit in 1988, when she was shot and paralyzed by the Joker.
The determined crimefighter remade herself as Oracle, computer hacker and information broker extraordinaire — and one of mainstream comics’ only disabled heroes.
“For me personally, she’s always been such an inspiration,” said writer and comic book fan Jill Pantozzi, who has muscular dystrophy.
“Seeing a character who’s similar in some ways is an important thing,” Pantozzi said. “Everyone wants someone they can look up to.”
DC brass is sensitive to the controversy, but note that while there have been three different Batgirls since Barbara was forced out of action, none have been as popular. “She’s the most recognizable” thanks to her appearances in the comics, the Adam West TV show and several Batman cartoons, said DC co-publisher Dan Didio.
The company figured now was the perfect time to bring her back. Beginning this week, DC is relaunching its entire line of comics with fresh, modern takes on its heroes in a bid to lure in readers who may have been frightened off by decades of convoluted character continuity.
That means a younger, more brooding Superman, who’s no longer married to long-time love Lois Lane; a bachelor Flash and a Barbara Gordon Batgirl.
Co-publisher Jim Lee said that while the relaunched character will be younger, they’re keeping her time as a paralytic as part of her history.
“We thought when you see her recovering from that, it would continue to add nuance and depth to the character,” he said.
Pantozzi said that despite her disappointment, she’ll give the relaunch a chance.
“Barbara Gordon’s an awesome character no matter what she’s doing,” Pantozzi said.