"The Definitive Batgirl"-Barbara Gordon (From Her 60's Beginnings)

Barbara Gordon may have been preceded by a Batwoman (Kathy Kane), as well as another Bat-Girl (Betty Kane), and been followed by other Batgirls (and Batwomen); but she will always be the one that everyone remembers! Batgirl / Barbara Gordon began as a project between DC editor Julius Schwartz and the producers of the 60's"Batman" TV show, who wanted DC to create a female partner for Batman & Robin in their comics, so that her character could be established and used on the TV series. She made her very first appearance in "Detective Comics"#359 (1967), and was created by Gardner Fox (writer) & Carmine Infantino (artist). Batgirl was added to the "Batman" TV show soon after, to boost ratings for the 3rd season, although sadly, it was not enough to save the show. She was wonderfully portrayed by Yvonne Craig, who did make an excellent "Batgirl".

Librarian Barbara Gordon (daughter of Commissioner Gordon) was on her way to a costume party, wearing a variant of Batman's costume. She soon happened  upon a kidnap attempt on Bruce Wayne (Batman) by Killer Moth. After foiling Killer Moth's plans, she decided that she liked the excitement of fighting crime, and decided to continue (much to Batman's initial objections). Batgirl began to make periodic appearances in "Detective Comics", and eventually gained her own back-up feature (which lasted through #519-1982). During that era (in 1971), Barbara became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and decided quit being Batgirl! She returned (as Batgirl) a year later in "Superman"#268 (1972). Barbara had been fixed up on a 'blind date' with Clark Kent (Superman)!!! Besides Batman & Robin, Batgirl also teamed other times with Superman (who had become a good friend), Supergirl, and other heroes and heroines. In 1975, the Robin / Batgirl team was formed (in"Batman Family"#1), which was to last for a long period. In issue #10, Batgirl met and teamed with Batwoman (Kathy Kane).

In later years, Barbara was shot and paralyzed by the Joker (in the graphic novel "Batman: The Killing Joke"), and became "Oracle" guiding leader of the "Birds of Prey" (which became a comic book series & subsequent TV show). She eventually had her mobility restored due to an operation (in South Africa).

TV & Movie Appearances---"Batman" TV show- 60's (Yvonne Craig); "Birds of Prey" as Oracle (Dina Meyer); "Batman & Robin" 1997 movie (Alicia Silverstone, who was portrayed as Alfred the butler's niece, instead of Commissioner Gordon's daughter!).

TV Animation---"The Batman / Superman Hour"(1968); "The New Adventures of Batman"(1977);"Batman: The Animated Series"(starting in 1992); "The New Batman Adventures"(1997);"The Batman"(2004); "Batman: The Brave & The Bold"(2008); "Super Best Friends Forever"; and "Young Justice" (both 2012). Batgirl has also appeared in the animated movie "Batman / Mr. Freeze-Subzero"; the motion comic "Batgirl: Year One"; and the web-isode series, "Gotham Girls".

Although there have been other popular "Batgirls" since, Barbara Gordon is the one, who will always stick in our memories!!!