Harley Quinn Plunders DC Comics’ Past…

That’s right, fellow fans of fantastic fiction, that mirthful minx of mischief and mayhem – Harley Quinn – has once again sought to disrupt and inconvenience the Bat-family, this time by surreptitiously invading classic Batman covers from his eight decade reign as Gotham’s grim guardian.

The psychedelic psychopath of print looted DC’s vaunted vaults and has returned triumphantly with a fistful of five fantastic covers that spans key moments from the Caped Crusader’s past. Harley Quinn #18 variant pays homage to Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson’s classic illustration from the 1940s – Batman #1. This continues into issue #19,  with another timeless piece by Kane and Robinson from Detective Comics #38, which originally showcased Robin’s first ever appearance (but now it’s our Harl!)

Harl’s next big steal is Detective Comics #359, originally from 1967, which  featured the inaugural appearance of Babs Gordon as Batgirl (now, yep you’ve guessed it, it’s Harl!) Not content with removing poor ol’ Babs from the DC timeline, the crazy clowness of crime sets her sights on her former puddin’ – The Joker – with issue #21 paying homage to the stunning Brian Bolland cover for – The Killing Joke – from 1988.

Each variant in this fantastic homage series was drawn by the great Ryan Sook, who has done an absolutely amazing job mimicking the varying styles of the original artists. Beautiful work, and you can get your fevered mitts on the first of these stunners this very week when Harley Quinn #18 becomes available at your local comic-book emporium. Rush on down and order five copies… you don’t want ol’ Harl (and her beloved mallet) to find out you didn’t, right?

Harley Quinn Is Copyright: DC Comics

Daily Dose Of DC…

Tom Taylor’s run on Nightwing’s monthly adventures has been remarkable, his scripts have been both thrilling and full of heart, his love for these iconic characters shines through in every panel and exchange between these beloved heroes and villains.

Though, for this particular Nightwing fan, it’s been the astonishing art of the series artist – Bruno Redondo that has made each and every issue a mesmeric masterpiece, with his covers especially, being an absolute stand-out on the comic-book shelves each, and every month. So why not indulge your senses with some of my absolute favourite comic cover pieces, courtesy of the brilliant, bold and bodacious – Bruno Redondo…

Nightwing Is Copyright: DC Comics

Comic Cover Of The Week: Nightwing #93

Well hey there, fellow fans of fantastic fiction, and welcome back to another cool and compelling – Comic Cover Of The Week – and once more our bodacious bat-signal bears down on that notably nifty and nimble ninja – Nightwing, who dynamically duets this captivating cover alongside the Precinct’s all time favourite Batgirl – Babs Gordon, in yet another charming comic cover classic by the terrifically talented – Bruno Redondo.

As I mentioned on a previous Nightwing post, Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo have been literally hitting a home run with every single issue of Dick’s dynamic adventures, Taylor is most definitely the hot property for DC at the moment, but it’s Bruno’s vibrant and vivacious visuals that draw this particular Nightwing fan back month after month. His wildly inventive use of splash pages and linked imagery is just amazing, giving his art a tangible sense of motion, as the above image portrays so well.

Nightwing #93 Is Available At Your Local Comic-book Emporium Right Now!

Comic Cover Of The Week: Battle Of The Bats!

Welcome, my cool and compelling comic collecting cohorts to another Comic Cover Of The Week, and “Holy Bat Bust-Ups, Batman!” it seems we have the mother of all bodacious bat beatdowns, as these brawly bat brethren go (pointy eared) head to (pointy eared) head in a month that sees no less than five Bat-tacular covers released. But which of these creatively charming Chiroptera covers will claw its way to the top? That, my Bat-tastic buddies is up to YOU!

Whether it’s the 60’s Adam West ‘Kapowing’ criminals, or 80’s Keaton ‘getting nuts!’, 2000’s Bale’s broody belligerence, Affleck’s vengeance fuelled vigilante or Robert Pattison’s grim and gothic variant, you can be sure there’s a Batman out there for every taste and the same can be said for these stunning covers, personal favourite is the Batman 89 cover in all it’s Michelle Pfeiffer-tastic glory, but which of these fabulous five is your favourite, well why not sound off in the comments below!

Batgirls #5 – Cover By Jorge Corona

Batman 89 #5 – Cover By Joe Quinones

Batman/Catwoman #11 – Cover By Clay Mann

Batman: Urban Legends #14 – Cover By Karl Mostert

I Am Batman #8 -Cover By Stephen Segovia

So, which of this breathtaking battalion of  brush-stroked Bats is your fave, my bodacious bat-buddies? You know what to do… oh and don’t forget to tune in again next week for another comic cover classic. Same Bat-Time, Same Bat-Channel!

Batman, Catwoman, Batgirl,  And All Imagery Are Copyright: DC Comics.

Precinct1313’s Top Ten Favourite Feisty Female Fighting Furies…

Mmmmm, we haven’t dared to tread the perilous path of the infamous Top 10 list so far here in the darkest depths of Precinct1313, never really gave the idea of doing one much thought to be honest. That is until recently, when blogging buddy ‘The Vintage Toy Advertiser’ rendered his very own (and really rather amusing) Top 10 masterclass (which you can indulge your senses in right here) that we thought, suffering sappho, let’s do one of them there list things then, and thus…

Precinct1313’s Ten Favourite Furiously Fierce Femme’s Fatale

NB: This list will contain both fictional and non-fictional wildly wondrous warrior women for your delectation…

No.10 – Big Barda

No list of vivacious virago vixens should ever be without the formidable presence of fighting fury and thorn in Granny Goodness’ side – Big Barda, for she truly encompasses everything to love about powerful, vibrant female characters who are easily able to match and (in most cases for Barda especially) surpass their male counterparts. How tough is Barda? we’ll let the picture below answer that query…

No.09 – Lara Croft

Quintessentially British acrobatic archaeologist Lara Croft has been raiding tombs, securing ancient artefacts and performing perilous platforming since she was first unleashed unto the gaming world by Core Design in 1996. Since that time she has become one of the most recognisable video-game characters of all time and sits proudly in the upper echelons alongside Master Chief, Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog.

No.08 – Moon Lee

I’m an 80’s kid, I grew up during that phenomenal decade alongside many classic onscreen action stars and martial artists, even as a youngster my preference was always female characters/fighters and one of the biggest influences for me then was the magnificent Moon Lee. Hong Kong action star supreme, Moon Lee Choi-Fung starred in close to a formidable fifty films during her heyday of the 1980’s!

No. 07 – Batwoman

Kate Kane’s Batwoman alter ego first debuted in the 1956 issue of Detective Comics #233 created by Bob Kane and Sheldon Moldoff. Initially created as a female counterpart and love interest to the Batman, Kate has over the past sixty years (thankfully) shed that unfortunate creation calamity and has now become one of the biggest and most beloved of female comic book characters, with a much needed revamp and resurgence through the hand of artist/writer JH Williams III. Reversing the inauspicious and unenlightened conception and delivering a new standard for empowerment in the burgeoning female Superhero market.

No. 06 – Catwoman

Though most Bat-fans see The Joker as Batsy’s biggest foe, for me personally the character that inhabited that perch was always anti-hero cat burglar Selina Kyle. Though Mr J is without a doubt the bigger threat to the dark and surly one’s psyche, Selina holds something over Bats that the jester of genocide never, ever could… his heart. She has been Batman’s most enduring love interest since her inception in Batman #1 in June of 1940… puuuurfect!

No. 05 – Cynthia Rothrock

As previously mentioned some of the biggest influences on me growing up were the plethora of fantastic fighting females that occupied the realms of martial arts cinema, and my most beloved and admired is none other than scintillating Cynthia Rothrock. American born Cynthia is quite possibly the most successful female martial arts master in history – she is five times world champion in weapons and forms and currently holds an astonishing seven black belts in varying martial disciplines! She has also starred in over fifty movies throughout her career, and has acted alongside greats such as Sammo Hung and Michelle Yeoh.

No. 04 – Batgirl

Though the Batgirl name and costume have been inhabited by several different women over the years, the most beloved and well known is assuredly the second holder of the bombastic bat mantle – Barbara (Babs) Gordon. Replacing original holder of the title – Bette Kane (who was created in 1961) Babs debut was in 1967, daughter of Gotham Police Commissioner James Gordon and head of Gotham City Library. Her auspicious crime fighting career began with a triumphant save of Bruce Wayne from a kidnapping plot wrought by SuperVillain Killer Moth, and cemented her place in Bat history!

No. 03 – Elvira – Mistress Of The Dark

Elvira may not be a martial arts action star or female fighting force but what she definitely is, is a sensation of female empowerment and positive attitude. A strong, outspoken comedienne who used her innate sexual prowess to turn the tables on mysogynynistic and prejudice laden media from her first appearance courtesy of actress Cassandra Peterson in 1981. Self deprecating and dripping in risque double-entendres, her campy humour has propelled the voluptuous vixen vamp to celebrated cult status, and beyond!

No. 02 – Starfire

Fiery alien princess – Starfire has been a favourite of the Precinct since she was first unleashed in the pages of DC Comics Presents #26 in 1980. Created by the legendary pairing of comic book royalty – George Perez and Marv Wolfman, Koriand’r instantly became a much beloved character and mainstay of The Teen Titans. Hailing from the planet Tamaran, Kory escaped the ravaging of her home by Tamaran enemies The Citadel and her own feuding sister Komand’r (aka – Blackfire) and made a new life for herself on Earth. She is currently the leader of the Teen Titans and founding member of Justice League Odyssey alongside Jessica Cruz, Azrael and Cyborg.

No. 01 – Wonder Woman

Well, if you’ve been following the Precinct for any length of time then you probably knew that the Themysciran Titan would, of course, occupy the titular top spot, and hey, guess what… you were right! I’ve been a WW fan since I was around nine years old, she truly is the greatest fictional female character in my mind, and has the distinction of having the most significant and profound effect upon female empowerment of any fictitious persona ever created. Her genius creator William Moulton Marston first envisioned the Amazon warrior princess in 1941, when she took the covetous cover appearance on All Star Comics #8. Marston was a supporter of the Suffrage movement of the 1940’s, of whom his own wife Elizabeth was a founding member.

All hail the wondrous one!

If you’ve managed to stay the course of this list, then thanks fellow Agents. Who are some of your personal favourite female furies of all time? let battle commence in the comments below…

V-Log 1313: Halloween Batgirl Unboxing…

Oh hey there fellow Agents, it’s great to see you down here in the celebrated Comic Crypts of Precinct1313. Now if you’d just like to follow me, we are about to take a short trip to our validly vicarious Video Vaults, where we shall indulge in another round of cool unboxing. This enthralling episode we shall be introducing you to the vampire vixen variant version of the bombastic ‘Bombshells Batgirl’ statue! And so, without further ado, let the unboxing commence…

Thanks for watching fellow fans of fantastic fiction, we have another unboxing video incoming rather soon which will star our absolute favourite fiery alien Princess – Koriand’r of Tamaran, or more popularly known as Starfire (yes indeed, a brand new Starfire statue… so exciting!) So stay tuned, the disembodied hands of master unboxing talent shall return, same Bat-time, same Bat-channel… 

A Celebration Of Kate And Bette Kane…

Well now, how excited do you think we are right now here in the celebrated Comic Crypts of Precinct1313? I mean, I assume you’ve heard the rather awesome news, right? Batwoman is finally materialising into live action form… yep, Batwoman… how awesome? Much awesome fellow Agents, much.

CW, the company responsible for DC Comics’ vice like grip on small screen Superhero sagas are to add another of DC’s worlds finest creations to their burgeoning cast list in the form of Kate Kane, aka Batwoman. And, in what appears to be the finest piece of actor casting in recent history, they have also revealed that popular actress Ruby Rose will be donning the iconic black and red costume of Gotham’s titular anti-hero… anticipation overload in 3… 2… 

Ruby Rose Has Been  Confirmed In The Role Of Batwoman!

Batwoman had been skirting the edges of the DC Universe since her original introduction by comic-book auteurs Bob Kane and Sheldon Moldoff in Detective Comics #233 in 1956. Kate (known as Kathy in her original form) was initially created as a female counterpart and love interest for Batman to refute the idea that the Caped Crusader had homosexual tendencies. An unfortunate and rather disturbingly awful vision for any comic book creation to be ushered into the limelight, the 1950’s were an extremely unenlightened time, sexism and misogyny ran rampant in all areas, and especially the entertainment arena, which included the wildly popular comic book scene.

Kathy And Bette Circa 1961

In 1961, Sheldon Moldoff, alongside Batman co-creator Bill Finger, added Betty Kane to the ever growing Bat-Family as the niece of Kathy, whom upon discovering the secret identity of her crime fighting aunt, persuaded her to train her as her sidekick, resulting in the initiation of Batgirl, long before the mantle was taken up by the arguably more famous Barbara Gordon version of the wildly popular character. Just three short years later though, Batgirl, Batwoman and other popular members of Bruce’s broody band (such as Ace the Bathound and the mischievous Bat-Mite) were removed entirely from Bat lore in a restructure of the Batman universe by new editor Julius Schwartz.

Bruce And Kate Unite In A Scene From The Recent Animated Movie – Batman: Bad Blood

Kathy and Betty Kane remained consigned to creative memory for decades following their shock erasure, that is until their revamped and progressive resurgence through the hands of master scribe and astonishing artist JH Williams III. Reversing the unenlightened and inauspicious history of the characters, Williams delivered to us strong, diverse and sophisticated heroes who could match their peers in Gotham, and finally laid to rest the awful spectre of their past conception. Phoenix like, Kathy and Betty (now renamed Kate and Bette) became a new standard for empowerment in the burgeoning female Superhero market, shrugging off their inception and, especially for Kate, becoming one of DC’s most popular and biggest selling creations.

In fact, aside from sharing similar names, the two variants of Batwoman couldn’t be more disparate if they tried. Whereas Kathy was a fun loving socialite with the hots for Bruce Wayne, Kate is resilient, no nonsense ex military, who, until recently, cast herself independent from Batman and his crime-busting cohorts. Also of note is Kate’s sexual orientation, Kate is a lesbian, and much was made of this revelation at the time with both good and bad press from various media outlets. Ultimately it proved not just a popular move by the creators, but also a defining trait for the character of Batwoman herself, with LGBT groups worldwide heralding the character and Kate ultimately becoming a poster child of diversification and emancipation.

Bette Kane Eventually Took On The Mantle Of Flamebird, With Her Relationship To Kate  Retconned To Cousin, As Opposed To Niece

Are You As Excited As We Are For Kate’s Live Action Debut? Then Why Not Sound Off In The Comments Section Below, Fellow Fans Of Fantastic Fiction…

 

The Week In Geek… With Precinct1313: San Diego Comic-Con Special

Welcome fellow agents of Precinct1313 to another episode of – ‘The Week In Geek’ where we love to share our favourite – Comic Book, Video-Game, and Cult Movie news for your perusal and pleasure. And so once more unto the geek dear agents, once more…

Batgirl Movie Swings Into Production In 2018…

Finally stepping out of the shadow of her mentor, Warner Bros has confirmed at this years San Diego Comic Con that fan favourite director Joss Whedon will start production on the Batgirl movie in 2018.

As I write this my hands are trembling slightly at the thought of one of my very favourite comic book icons being unleashed unto the silver screen for her very first solo escapade, triumphantly following in the footsteps of the recent smash hit Wonder Woman movie… and directed by Joss Whedon no less!

Babs Gordon has been prowling the mean streets of Gotham City since 1967, and since that time has become one of the most prominent and well loved female Superheroes, a resolute, highly intelligent character that can easily match wits with her mentor, The Batman. Though a core member of the titular “Bat-Family” Babs doesn’t share Bruce’s angst ridden, morose ideals, but is very much her own person, a brighter more optimistic member of the sullen crime-fighting team, who actually relishes her alter ego, and also enjoys a lifestyle outside of the cape and cowl. Babs is less scowling pessimist and more sassy optimist, with a penchant for quips and selfies in the heat of her frequent justice seeking ventures.

Here’s hoping Joss Whedon can do the character proud, and Babs can hit the giddy heights set by this years stunning Wonder Woman flick.

New Justice League Trailer Steals The Show At San Diego Comic-Con…

You want more live action Wonder Woman? well you’ve got it, along with the substantial added bonus of Batman, Cyborg, The Flash, and Aquaman… that’s right the new Justice League trailer was revealed at SDCC today and it’s AWESOME! Showcasing not just the World’s Greatest Superheroes, but also big bad, Steppenwolf. Prepare for minds to be blown…

 

Black Lightning Strikes At SDCC…

The CW have dropped the first trailer for their new upcoming Superhero saga – Black Lightning. Starring Cress Williams, Black Lightning was one of DC’s first African/American Superheroes. Jefferson Pierce’s initial debut in the DC Universe was in 1977, his powerful electricity based powers have helped him secure a place amongst some of DC’s finest Meta-Human teams including the Justice League, and the Batman created Outsiders. Enjoy…

Why not join us next time friends, for more ‘Week In Geek’

The Week In Geek… With Precinct1313

Welcome fellow agents of Precinct1313 to another episode of ‘The Week In Geek’ where we love to share our favourite Comic Book, Video-Game, and Cult Movie news for your perusal and pleasure. And so once unto the geek dear agents, once more…

Batman Family Set To Infiltrate Cinemas In 2019…

There’s an ancient Chinese proverb that says “You can never have too much Batman” and thankfully, in 2019, that wise old axiom will be coming true as we will be besieged by a veritable swarm of Bat awesomeness. According to my Gotham City sources, Warner Bros intend to make 2019 the year of the Bat by releasing not one, or two, but an astonishing SIX Batman related movies! 

That’s right fellow Batfans, six movies centered around everyone’s favourite costumed crimefighting compatriots. Apparently the plan is to release the Margot Robbie led “Gotham City Sirens” on or around Valentines Day, the highly anticipated “Nightwing” movie in May, Babs Gordon’s solo escapades in “Batgirl” in August, and finishing their DCEU Bat-run with “The Batman” in September. There will also be two animated movies, that will include an adaptation of the classic Long Halloween. All this Bat goodness will be part of DC and WB’s celebration of 80 years of Batman, roll on 2019, for it truly shall be… The Year Of The Bat.

Deathstroke… Superhero!?

Deathstroke is one of DC’s most popular and enduring bad guys, the Teen Titan’s nemesis has been with us since his inception in 1980 by comic book gods, mighty Marv Wolfman and glorious George Perez. Throughout his auspicious career as one of comic’s most prolific fan favourites he has been cast as both a murderous mercenary SuperVillain, and a violent anti-hero… but from Deathstroke #21, Slade Wilson will be going full Superhero ahead after being thrust into the Speedforce (by a Flash, which one is yet to be revealed) and emerging… a hero!?

“A new day has dawned for Deathstroke. Having emerged from the Speedforce a changed man, Slade Wilson takes aim at living a better life, a life in the sevice of justice. But when the world refuses to accept a new Deathstroke, Slade recruits a group of young Superheroes to join him including former Teen Titans, Kid Flash and Power Girl, his children Rose and Jericho, and the awesome Terra. But has Slade truly shed his villainous past? And what other shadowy forces are working against him?”

Well if Marvel can make Captain America evil (apparently he’s a bad guy, always has been) then DC can make Slade a good guy… right!?

It’s Dark, And It Matters…

DC Comics have disclosed that five new titles will be emerging from their newly announced “Dark Matter” line. The comic series’ will be barrelling out from the previously announced “Dark Knights: Metal”, the Batman-centric major event series that will encompass the entire DC Universe line this summer.

The five new ongoing comic series will consist of – “New Challengers” by Scott Snyder and Andy Kubert, “Damage” by Tony Daniel and Robert Venditti, “Immortal Men” by James Tynion IV and Jim Lee, “Sideways” by Dan Didio, Kenneth Rocafort and Justin Jordan, and finally, “The Silencer” by Dan Abnett and John Romita Jr.

These are seriously dream teams of the highest creative echelons, which bodes exceptionally well for the newly announced titles. DC Comics’ Co-Publisher and superstar artist Jim Lee commented on the new line with:

 “Dark Matter is a return to bringing both the writer and the artist to the fore, to unlock their true potential. At the talent summit we discussed what was currently missing in comics and how we could create something new for this generation. The result was Dark Matter, you’ll see bombastic action scenes and a narrative driven by the artist. This approach has energised the creators involved, myself included, and we’re going to have a lot of fun with these books!”

Why not join us again next time friends for more Week In Geek.

The Week In Geek… With Precinct1313

Welcome fellow agents of Precinct1313 to another episode of  ‘The Week In Geek’  where we love to share our favourite, Comic Book, Video-Game, and Cult Movie news for your perusal and pleasure. And so once more unto the geek dear agents, once more…

Big Trouble Is Heading To Your Tabletop…

We are huge fans of director John Carpenter here in the Precinct, which will be obvious to most considering the name of our website is a riff on one of his greatest movies. After Halloween and The Thing our third favourite Carpenter classic is the fantastically funny “Big Trouble In Little China”  the Kurt Russell starring martial arts/comedy combo is an absolute gem of a film, and now you can recreate the quintessential classic at home thanks to a new board game based upon the cult movie.

The game itself is currently still in development, but designers Chris Batarlis and Boris Polonsky have revealed the workings of the game itself and images of the fantastically recreated board and pieces, which look remarkably like their cinematic counterparts.

The Board Recreates Scenes From The Classic Movie In Fantastic Detail

“It’s a thematic, co-operative, strategy, miniatures adventure game that allows 1-4 players to experience the events they remember from the film as well as create new adventures of their own. The game plays in two acts – Act One uses the front side of the game board: Chinatown, whilst Act Two takes place on the back: Lo Pan’s Lair”

Intricate Game Pieces Evoke The Original Movie Beautifully

Batgirl Joins DCEU Courtesy Of Joss Whedon…

That’s right Bat-fans, everyone’s second favourite bat eared, cape wearing vigilante, Batgirl will be starring in her very own movie… directed by Joss Whedon no less! It has been confirmed by entertainment magazine, Variety, that Babs Gordon’s red haired costumed crime-fighter will follow Wonder Woman into the annals of female led Superhero movies… great news indeed, the diversity will surely help balance out the overabundance of male driven comic-book films and pave the way for more classic female heroes and villains (Come on Batwoman!!)

Variety also confirmed that the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Avengers director is currently in talks with Warner Bros to write and direct the comic-book spin off, which should help the prospective film to gain traction amongst fans and critics alike… exciting news indeed.

Black Lightning Strikes: First Look At Cress Williams In Costume…

Our first glimpse at actor Cress Williams in the iconic Black Lightning costume was revealed this week, the upcoming CW show is being produced by Greg Berlanti and is currently still in production.

Black Lightning (real name Jefferson Pierce) was created by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden, and made his debut appearance in ‘Black Lightning #1′ in April 1977. Jefferson is one of the first major African-American Superheroes to appear in comics, he has been an on/off member of the Justice League and a regular in the Batman created team ‘The Outsiders’. Jefferson’s power set includes – the generation and manipulation of electricity, flight, and the ability to conjure force fields.

Why Not Join Us Again Next Time Friends, For More ‘Week In Geek’

Holy Half Century Batgirl!!

In 1967, at the behest of the producers of the classically camp sixties Batman show a new Superhero was born, Barbara (Babs) Gordon, better known as the feisty flame haired vigilante – Batgirl!

Bab’s creators – Julius Schwartz, William Dozier, and Carmine Infantino called for a female analogue to the Caped Crusader, who could be simultaneously introduced into both the comics and the popular television series. Technically though, Batgirl wasn’t a new character, she was a variant of the original Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff created persona from earlier that decade. The original Batgirl appeared in Batman #139 in April 1961, the niece of Kathy Kane aka Batwoman.

Original Pre-Crisis Versions Of Batwoman And Batgirl

Batwoman and Batgirl were originally created to be romantic interests for Batman and Robin, as well as costumed crime-fighting associates. In 1964, Batman editor of the time Julius Schwartz erased Batwoman, Batgirl (and other supporting characters – Ace the Bathound and Bat-mite) from the timeline on the grounds that the characters were “too silly”. Both Batwoman and her niece Betty (now known as Bette) Kane eventually and triumphantly returned to the DC Comics timeline, with Kate Kane reprising her role as Batwoman (with a few fundamental changes to her character) though Bette returned not as Batgirl, but as Flamebird, a role that had previously been inhabited by several other DC creations that included Jimmy Olsen and Kara Zor-El.

Original Batgirl – Bette Kane, Took On The Mantle Of Flamebird

Babs Gordon though has always been seen and celebrated as the Batgirl by her millions of adoring fans, debuting in Detective Comics # 359 in a story entitled “The Million Dollar Debut Of Batgirl” by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino. Babs was introduced as the daughter of long time Batman aide – Commissioner James Gordon, she retains a doctorate in library science, is employed as the head of the Gotham City Library and possesses a photographic memory and genius level intellect.

Bab’s Dynamic Debut

Aside from being a popular recurring character in many DC publications, Babs didn’t get her first starring role until the “Batman Family” comic series in 1975, where she took centre stage alongside other members of the bodacious Bat clan including original Robin, Dick Grayson.

Bab’s continued her well loved run as the masked avenger up until Alan Moore’s Eisner winning one-shot “The Killing Joke“, where, in a controversial sequence of events, she was shot through the spine by the genocidal jester himself, The Joker, ultimately causing paralysis from the waist down, with the paraplegia signalling the end of her crime-fighting career… or did it?

A subsequent storyline by John Ostrander and Kim Yale established Babs in a new role, as the wheelchair bound Oracle. Forming a formidable team of female Superheroes (that includes amongst its members – Black Canary and The Huntress), Babs became a behind the scenes leader and information collator as her Birds of Prey fought crime and corruption on a global scale. During this time two other ongoing versions of Batgirl took over the mantle – Cassandra Cain and then later Stephanie Brown, both had a modicum of success as the character.

In 2011, DC Comics heralded a comic wide reboot of their entire Universe of characters known as “The New 52“, the major revamp followed the “Flashpoint” paradox which brought extensive changes to their classic cadre of characters, including Batgirl/Oracle. Babs was eventually given back the use of her legs after receiving experimental surgery at a South African clinic and through rigorous physical rehabilitation. The decision to allow Babs to regain her mobility was seen by some fans as somewhat of a shame, as she had become one of the few very prominent disabled heroes in comics, but most fans were (myself included here) ecstatic to see the Batgirl prowling the rooftops of Gotham once more.

And so “Happy Birthday Babs” and here’s to another fifty years in your awe inspiring presence, oh and “hey DC Comics, how about some live action love for Babs huh? the only actress who has ever done her justice onscreen was the lovely and very much lamented, Yvonne Craig, I think it’s about time… Batgirl Returned!”

Comic Cover Of The Week: Batgirl #50

Welcome my comic collecting cohorts, and this week’s captivating cover celebrates the 50th issue of Batgirl’s latest ongoing monthly series. Babs has gone through quite a significant change since this new series was introduced way back in the 2011 DC reboot – ‘The New 52’. 

Barbara Gordon had not donned the Bat suit since the tragic events of the 1988 ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ storyline where she was shot and paralysed by the Joker. Undeterred by the event Babs became the wheelchair bound character known as the Oracle, and used her vast intellect, photographic memory and extensive knowledge of criminal networks to continue her crime-fighting career, beginning by anonymously offering her services to Amanda Waller’s Task Force X (aka – The Suicide Squad) before eventually forming the Birds of Prey team, that included lifelong friend Black Canary and The Huntress in its initial line up.

In 2011 Babs triumphantly returned as Gotham’s flame haired guardian after the company wide relaunch of its new continuity following on from the ‘Flashpoint’ mini series saga. In this new and revised version, the Killing Joke incident happened three years previously, and whilst she had still spent time in a wheelchair as the Oracle, she had regained mobility in her limbs through experimental surgery in a South African private clinic. Gail Simone, the writer tasked with bringing Babs back to the costumed avenger fold remarked that her fictional recovery was based upon real life cases of paraplegia, and instances of PTSD experienced through traumatic life events, which gave the series a more realistically grounded and emotional set up.

In 2014, Batgirl’s title underwent a minor reboot, with a new creative team brought onboard that included, Brenden Fletcher and Cameron Stewart on writing duties, with the cool and quirky art style by the appropriately named Babs Tarr. Injecting more humour and giving the readership a somewhat lighter approach to the character, effectively enabling Babs to escape, to a certain degree, from her trauma at the hands of the Joker. This soft reboot has proven popular amongst fans, bringing Babs back in line with the fun loving masked adventurer seen previously to the Killing Joke incident.

Batgirl #50 is available at your local comic book emporium right now. Written by: Brenden Fletcher and Cameron Stewart. Art by: Babs Tarr, Roger Robinson, John Timms and Eleonora Carlini.  Cover art by: Babs Tarr, Variant covers by: Kevin Nowlan.

Comic Cover Of The Week: Batgirl #48

(DC Comics-2016)

New comics Wednesday is upon us once more, my comic collecting cohorts, and our spotlight of the sublime this week falls upon “Batgirl #48” and this fantastic Babs Tarr illustration featuring two of Gotham’s greatest guardians.

“When Batgirl gets taken down, Black Canary once again comes to her rescue. Babs and Dinah team up in an attempt to determine the identity of the malicious mastermind making their presence felt in Gotham’s Burnside district.”

Babs’ awesomely quirky anime influenced art has been a real selling point for Batgirl since she took over artistic duties in issue #35. Batgirl’s change of pace and direction has been helped immeasurably by Babs’ style, which greatly suits the fun and upbeat nature of Ms Gordon’s nightly escapades as the feisty red-headed avenger. The refreshing change of pace ultimately suits the character, if you like your Bat-family adventures dark and brooding then you still have Batman and Batwoman to fall back upon, but if you want to read a fun, feel good comic with striking artwork, then why not let Batgirl be your femme-fatale of choice.

Batgirl #48 is available at your local comic-book emporium right now. Written by: Cameron Stewart and Brenden Fletcher. Cover and interior art by: Babs Tarr.

Batgirl Actress Yvonne Craig Passes Away…

Actress Yvonne Craig best known for her role as feisty costumed crimefighter Batgirl, sadly passed away on Monday after a two year battle against breast cancer. Yvonne was the pioneer of the on-screen female Superhero, many years before Lynda Carter’s portrayal of Wonder Woman or Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman. Yvonne was a professional ballet dancer and was known for performing her own stunts when she joined the 1960’s Batman TV series in its third season. 

Working alongside Adam West and Burt Ward, Yvonne said that it was a “Wonderful experience, everyone on that show got on so well, which does not happen often, it was a joy to go to work everyday.” In an interview with Femme Fatale magazine the actress said “I meet women who say that Batgirl was their role model, because it was the first time they really felt that girls could do the same things guys could, and sometimes even better.” She retired from acting in the late seventies, but was an active campaigner throughout her life for equal rights and pay for women. Our thoughts and condolences go out to her family and friends. 

Batgirl Prepares To Step Out Of The Shadows…

(DC Comics/Sideshow Collectibles – 2015)

Even though there have been several different characters that have inherited the mantle of Batgirl since her introduction by Batman co–creator Bill Finger in 1961, the most famous and without a doubt popular of these has always been Barbara (Babs) Gordon, the flame haired daughter of Gotham City’s very own Commissioner Gordon.

And so, in honour of one of the world’s premier female crime-fighters, Sideshow Collectibles is readying to launch their very own tribute to Babs, with this astonishingly detailed premium format statue that captures everything we love about the ravishing red-headed vigilante.

Standing an impressive 22.5″ in height and clad in her iconic black and blue costume, batarang in hand, this is yet another meticulously detailed and seriously impressive piece from the masters at Sideshow. Based on an original design by comic book artist supreme Stanley Lau, and sculpted by Sideshow’s impressively talented staff, this is a piece no fan of Gotham’s favourite daughter should be without. Moulded in high quality polystone and lovingly hand painted by expert painters, Kate Sapene and Mireya Romo-Bowen, Babs is available to pre-order right now, is limited to just 1500 pieces and will ship in September 2015.