History of Barbara Gordon - Batgirl to Oracle and Everything In Between

Welcome to Comic Bascis. I’m Joel and today’s episode … The History of Barbara Gordon: Batgirl to Oracle and Everything In Between.
NEW EPISODES EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, and SATURDAY
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I’d argue that of all the characters that have come in and out of Batman’s life, very few have left the impression that Barbara Gordon has.
And honestly, I don’t think you’d disagree with me.
Not only has she been a part of the Bat-Family for the better part of 50 years, but she has also been subjected to some of the most drastic character changes that comic books have ever seen.
The history of Barbara Gordon is littered with tragedy, triumph, loss, violence, and sexuality. She has been at the center of one of the most talked about moments in history, transformed into someone completely different and then when a company-wide reset occurred, transformed once again. While many might say that she isn’t the best Batgirl ever created, I disagree.
Barbara is Batgirl. Not Cassandra Cain. Not Stephanie Brown. And not Helena Bertinelli. Barbara Gordon. There isn’t a single character in history who embodies the qualities of Batgirl like Barbara.
And here’s why.
Barbara is not a trained assassin or an expert in every known fighting style. She doesn’t drip with arrogance or cockiness, and she isn’t perfect. She’s Barbara Gordon. Nothing more, nothing less.
Barbara is human. She’s young, naive, impetuous, and unafraid to make a mistake. She doesn’t have a traditional superhero upbringing or more powers than is countable. And more than any of these, she’s believable. So believable that reading her makes you believe that you could be Batgirl.
The initial history of Barbara Gordon is fairly straightforward. When we first meet her she was nothing more than Batman’s sidekick. The problem was that to evolve as a character meant that she had to evolve as a person and a crime fighter.
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[@samuelgardner8550]

Without a doubt, Barbara Gordon is the best Batgirl!! She's definitely a better martial artist, acrobat, detective, and smarter than every other version of the character; with the exception of Cassandra Cain surpassing her in martial arts skills.

[@ComicBasics]

Totally agree...and the most level-headed

[@chrismiller8884]

I loved this Video I have Cerebral Palsy and spent my first 10 or do years of life In a wheelchair. I tought myself to walk. I use a cane but am adapting martial arts to my situation. I mention this all here because as a person with a disability we still hardly see disabled heroes. Seeing Barbara Gordon as Oracle when I was younger was very important to my development and how I viewed myself. Really great Video.

[@ComicBasics]

Thank you. Your comment means a lot to me

[@chrismiller8884]

@@ComicBasics You are very welcome 😄

[@valbzz9543]

I’m inlove with the way you write these out and talk about the character!! You’re pretty underrated

[@jimmyvolakis5194]

She’s basically the DC version of Spider-Man. An Everyman character that you can relate to.

[@randydaniels9297]

Moore should feel bad! I absolutely hated "the killing joke"! It was sadistic & bordered on pornography. The fact that DC made it cannon irks me no end! Not only that, then they tried to retcon it without considering the fans at all! I agree with all your points 100%! Although I liked Cassandra's story line, she just couldn't replace Barbara!

[@peterporker7803]

When I think of Batgirl I only think of Barbara Gordon her inner strength defines the character and her ability to be a Detective rivals Batman I would like to see a Batgirl comic where they get dark and gritty maybe a whole series where she has to square off against the Joker with no help would be interesting.

[@Toasty2o0]

Killing joke was so sad

[@juniorsigala5028]

Loved your video and I love barbara gordon she is an amazing and one of the best dc characters ever made, but I do have a question so I read in her comic history that at first barbara was Jim's daughter but then the reboot happened which made her Jim's neice/adopted daughter and there was a small reboot which made her Jim's daughter again but was rebooted again, but then there was the full reboot which made barbara Jim's real daughter again so I'm confused at her history with that

[@kathrynkohut4680]

Great video! Thank you for sharing this

[@ComicBasics]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@Lukasafer]

Researching for a fanfic I'm writing on Wattpad. Seems Batgirl hasn't had much justice lately.

[@sucramlove1677]

I think a young Sarah Michelle Gellar would of made a perfect Batgirl/Barbara Gordon had she been given the opportunity to portray her.

[@Luanaontherun]

Did we ever get the Dick and Barbara background story video? I would love to see it :)

[@amiraking6688]

Same

[@rafaelpirchegger3608]

Are there movies or series where she walks again

[@comicbooklurkers7766]

dope video my friend, what cover is that at 1:23 i needs me that

[@ComicBasics]

Hey dude, Thanks for the kind words. The book is DC Rebirth Batgirl #4

[@josethebeast8709]

Very interesting

[@ComicBasics]

Yes sir. She’s pretty awesome

[@mostafaalkareem7898]

history jim Gordon please 🙏🏻

[@apolloscharm7804]

Hey could you recommend the comics I could read to know Barbara Gordon from origins to where she is now?

[@shanoske2770]

She’s good, but she’s way better as Oracle. Cassandra Cain is the best Batgirl. Barbara wasn’t good because she was Batgirl she was good because of who she is, making her Batgirl is a regression especially with such a good character development as Oracle and being a Information Broker

[@juniorsigala5028]

My version is she was shot, then somthing years later got her ability to walk again but instead of maker her batgirl again, she is still oricle, but she can fight crime physically but I would balance her smarts and physical skills as the new oracle

[@jujubeans9321]

Check out Bat Girl in Gotham Knights game. She badder then ever Vegence is Bat Girl #1

[@vtheman1850]

I love the story, but I'm sorry the "When Disabled people won't be viewed as monsters" is pure and utter horseshit. As a society, as a standard our understanding for people who struggle with disabilities has never been greater. And I say that as the twin brother of a woman who spent her teenage years with an incredibly severe case of Epilepsy, had seizures in class on school trips, when we started going out.... Are there idiots who will make fun of disabled people? Absolutely, but those are idiots, they'll make fun of someones hair, eye color, dress or anything of the sort. Hell if ppl block disability ramps or disabled parking slots we (rightly ) treat them like the scum of the earth. We are in GENERAL fully aware of the immense strength of people with disabilities....