For over sixty years, the women who took on the mantle of Batgirl have served as inspirational superheroes for legions of underrepresented and under-appreciated fans. This book explores their compelling histories, on the page, screen, and behind the scenes, to showcase the turbulent evolution and importance of female characters and fandom.
Explores the history of Batgirl from her groundbreaking comics debut to her disappointing live-action appearances and beyond.
For over sixty years, every woman who took on the mantle of Batgirl has been a powerful, independent heroine, each belying the sidekick status the name implies and connecting with a unique subset of marginalized fans. Betty Kane, the original Bat-Girl, was a hero for young girls at a time when the genre was leaving them behind. Barbara Gordon embodied the values of the womens liberation movement and became a powerful figure in disability representation. Cassandra Cain was a woman of color in the traditionally monochromatic DC Comics universe. Stephanie Brown was a perpetual outsider, a voice for those who never belonged but kept trying regardless.
Batgirl and Beyond: The Dynamic History of the Heroines of Gotham Cityexplores the evolving role of the Batgirls across the turbulent history of the superhero industry, as well as the importance of their fans, who pushed the genre forward to become more diverse and inclusive. Tim Hanley traces how each Batgirl dealt with a litany of mistreatment from a publisher who didnt understand their distinct appeal and didnt care to learn. From erasure to benchings to grievous injury and even death, the Batgirls have been subject to the genres worst excessesand they havnot fared much better on television or in movies. However, Batgirl always comes back stronger and more resilient, and has remained a staple in the DC universe for decades. A must-read for fans new and old, Batgirl and Beyond is a tribute to an iconic character and a call to action for media to better embrace and represent female heroes.
