Who's Who Profile: Batgirl

A Ph.D. graduate of Gotham State University, Barbara Gordon began her career as a librarian, while pursued her interest in the martial arts. One evening, on her way to Policemen's Masquerade Ball, wearing a brand new Batgirl costume of her own design, she witnessed Killer Moth ambushing Bruce Wayne as part of a massive extorsion plot. Impulsively rushing to Wayne's recue, Barbara discovered she enjoyed the excitement and danger, and decided to dedicate her life to the fight against crime.

Her interest in protecting society led to her serving one term in Washington D.C. as a congresswoman. Defeated in her re-election bid, Barbara now continues her efforts on behalf of the people as Associate Director of Humanities Research and Development.

Batgirl art by Brent Anderson & Terry Austin

Batgirl wears a utility belt similar to that of the Batman, containing gas and smoke pellets, a batarang, and a bat-line with a grapping hook, among many other variable items. At times she has worn a customized pocketbook on her belt, containing extra crimefighting equipment, but she has discarded it in recent years as being too bulky. She also rides a custom-built batcycle, which contains, among other things, sophisticated tracking equipment.

Batgirl is a skilled hand-to-hand combatant, possessing a first kyu brown belt in judo and karate. She has also trained her body to physical perfection, and is an Olympic-level athlete.