This Batman Character Is One of the Most Important DC Characters Ever and Deserves More Respect

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Within the DC Universe, each superhero has a unique purpose, but some heroes are more central than others. For example, Superman has a more significant role than Animal Man. This hierarchy is beneficial, as key characters deeply connected to the universe’s history and other heroes create a strong foundation and identity for DC. These widely appearing characters make the world feel cohesive, which is essential for a shared universe like DC. For a long time, Barbara Gordon perfectly embodied this crucial role.

While Superman embodies classic heroism and Zatanna excels in magic, Barbara Gordon, as Oracle, provided an irreplaceable and unexpectedly important service. She used to be the central hub connecting the entire superhero world, a role no one else could replicate. Although the New 52 reboot changed things, and she hasn’t fully regained that level of influence after all this time, she deserves to, and much more than that.

The Perfect Woman at The Perfect Time

Following the devastating events of The Killing Joke which left her paralyzed, Barbara Gordon was largely absent from stories for quite some time. She re-emerged in 1987’s Suicide Squad #23 as Oracle, a brilliant and enigmatic tech expert. Her true identity was later revealed in issue #38, and she soon became Batman’s primary source of information and tech support, effectively becoming the team’s central hub. Oracle quickly proved indispensable to the entire Batman Family, providing crucial information and technical assistance whenever needed. Beyond being an essential partner to one of DC’s most iconic heroes, Barbara continued to expand her role and influence.

When Oracle first appeared, her skills were ahead of their time – very few heroes had her unique background in technology. She rose to prominence in the 1990s, coinciding with the explosion of computers and their increasing presence in everyday life. Because of her exceptional abilities, heroes naturally sought her help with tech-related issues. As more and more heroes came to rely on Oracle, she quickly became the Justice League’s go-to computer expert, and eventually, the trusted tech advisor for the entire superhero world.

Originally known as Batgirl, Oracle evolved into the go-to source of information and support for all superheroes. While she wasn’t directly fighting villains, she was the strategist and tech expert who guided heroes, providing crucial intel and protecting them from technologically advanced threats. Oracle played a vital role in major crises like Infinite Crisis and helped contain the fallout from Final Crisis. Her exceptional intelligence and technological skills even led Brainiac to choose her as a host when he sought a physical body.

A Legacy Lost, Now Being Restored

Oracle used to be a central figure in the DC Universe, but her importance has diminished. This shift began with the New 52 reboot, which reset many characters, including Barbara Gordon. She was restored to the role of Batgirl, regaining the use of her legs and leaving the Oracle identity behind. While Barbara is a fantastic Batgirl, she’s become less significant overall, simply another member of the Batman family. Sadly, she even lost her unique position as the team’s information expert and strategist, and her stories haven’t had the same impact on the wider DC Universe.

After a long time, things are shifting for Barbara Gordon. She’s recently focused on her role as Oracle, occasionally stepping in as Batgirl when needed, but primarily working from behind the scenes. This has allowed her to firmly reestablish herself as the strategic center of the Bat Family, providing the crucial support they rely on. She’s also brought her Birds of Prey team back together, including powerful members like Black Canary and Big Barda.

Barbara Gordon has firmly regained her position as the central link within the Bat Family. However, her role in the Justice League has largely been filled by Mister Terrific. Despite this, her current importance is a positive development. Barbara consistently demonstrates resilience and resourcefulness, always finding a way to succeed. These qualities make her a compelling character, and she deserves to be as prominent in the Justice League as she once was.

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2025-10-25 16:11