Stephanie Brown is a
fiction
Fiction is any creative work, chiefly any narrative work, portraying character (arts), individuals, events, or setting (narrative), places that are imagination, imaginary or in ways that are imaginary. Fictional portrayals are thus inconsistent ...
al
superheroine
A superhero or superheroine is a fictional character who typically possesses Superpower (ability), ''superpowers'' or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, is frequently costumed concealing their identity, and fits the role of the hero, t ...
appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
DC Comics
DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
, most commonly in association with the superhero
Batman
Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on M ...
. The character first appeared in ''
Detective Comics
''Detective Comics'' (later retitled as ''Batman Detective Comics'') is an American comic book series published by Detective Comics, later shortened to DC Comics. The first volume, published from 1937 to 2011 (and later continued in 2016), is ...
'' #647 (June 1992), and was created by
Chuck Dixon
Charles Dixon (born April 14, 1954) is an American comic book writer, best known for his work on the Marvel Comics character the Punisher and on the DC Comics characters Batman, Nightwing, and Robin in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Early life
D ...
and
Tom Lyle
Thomas Stanford Lyle (November 2, 1953 – November 19, 2019) was an American comics artist, best known for his work on '' Starman'' and '' Robin'' for DC Comics, and ''Spider-Man'' for Marvel Comics.
Career
Tom Lyle's comics career began in ...
.
The character originated as the amateur crime-fighter Spoiler, who had taken it upon herself to foil her criminal father
Cluemaster
The Cluemaster (Arthur Brown) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman as well as a recurring enemy of Tim Drake, the third Robin. Cluemaster first appeared in ' ...
's schemes. Establishing herself as a
Gotham vigilante, she would have a short, unsuccessful stint as the fourth incarnation of Batman's partner and
sidekick
A sidekick is a close companion or colleague who is, or is generally regarded as, subordinate to those whom they accompany.
Origins
The first recorded use of the term dates from 1896. It is believed to have originated in pickpocket slang of ...
Robin
Robin most commonly refers to several species of passerine birds.
Robin may also refer to:
Animals
* Australasian robins, red-breasted songbirds of the family Petroicidae
* Many members of the subfamily Saxicolinae (Old World chats), inclu ...
in the early 2000s, replacing her longtime love interest
Tim Drake
Timothy Jackson "Tim" Drake is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Created by Marv Wolfman and Pat Broderick, he first appeared in ''Batman'' #436 (August 19 ...
. Her time as Robin is plagued with struggles and dissensions with Batman, who eventually fires her shortly before
her death at the hands of
Black Mask. She is later
revealed to have survived and returns as Spoiler, resuming her romantic relationship with Drake. In 2009,
Cassandra Cain
Cassandra Cain (also known as Cassandra Wayne and Cassandra Wu-San) is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Created by Kelley Puckett and Damion Scott, Cassandr ...
, the latest
Batgirl
Batgirl is the name of several fictional superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, depicted as female counterparts and allies to the superhero Batman. The character Bette Kane, Betty Kane was introduced into publica ...
, entrusts the costume and monicker to Brown; although she is initially reluctant due to Brown's disastrous spell as Robin, former Batgirl
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Joan Gordon is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. The character was created by television producer William Dozier, editor Julius Schwartz, writer Ga ...
later takes Brown as a pupil, and the character's run as Batgirl largely redeems her, including in Batman's eyes.
After
DC's continuity reboot in 2011, Brown is re-introduced as Spoiler in ''
Batman Eternal
''Batman Eternal'' is a year-long weekly limited series published by DC Comics, that began in April 2014. The series featured Batman, his allies, and Gotham City, with a writing team led by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, Kyle Higgins ...
'' in 2014, developing into a morally grey character that openly denounces Batman while resuming a complex romantic relationship with Drake. During the 2020 "
The Joker War
"The Joker War" is a comic book crossover storyline published by the comic book publishing company DC Comics in late 2020, featuring Batman and his allies. Primarily written by James Tynion IV, the arc is his first major arc on ''Batman'' in '' ...
" storyline, Gordon, the sole Batgirl of the new continuity at that point, shares the monicker with both Brown and Cain to form a trio of Batgirls who were later featured in their own comic book series, ''Batgirls''; in this continuity, Brown's costume is a mix of her old Batgirl costume and Spoiler's.
Brown remains the sole mainline female Robin, and the only person to have to have been both Robin and Batgirl, the superhero monickers commonly considered Batman's two closest allies. In other media, Brown was portrayed by
Morgan Kohan
Morgan Kohan (born December 30, 1993) is a Canadian actress.
In 2019, Kohan began starring as Lillian in '' When Hope Calls'', a spinoff of ''When Calls the Heart'' in which Kohan guest starred in an episode that served as a backdoor pilot for '' ...
in a 2021 episode of the
Arrowverse
The Arrowverse is an American Superhero fiction, superhero media franchise and shared universe that is centered on various interconnected television series based on DC Comics superhero characters, primarily airing on The CW as well as web series ...
series ''
Batwoman
Batwoman is a name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, depicted as female counterparts and allies of Batman similarly to Batgirl. The original version of the character, Kathy Kane (eventually given t ...
'', and by Anna Lore in ''
Gotham Knights'' (2023), in which she is one of the main characters; she does not use the Spoiler, Robin or Batgirl monickers in either appearance.
Publication history
Stephanie Brown was introduced in a three-issue story arc in ''Detective Comics'' #647–649 in which writer Chuck Dixon reinvented a villain called the
Cluemaster
The Cluemaster (Arthur Brown) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman as well as a recurring enemy of Tim Drake, the third Robin. Cluemaster first appeared in ' ...
. Dixon created the Cluemaster's daughter Stephanie as simply a plot device for this story, seeking to "spoil" her father's plans. Even so, the character was well received by fans. The following year, Dixon launched the first ongoing ''Robin'' series and featured the Spoiler as a foil and love interest for
Tim Drake
Timothy Jackson "Tim" Drake is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Created by Marv Wolfman and Pat Broderick, he first appeared in ''Batman'' #436 (August 19 ...
. The character was at the center of a high-profile
teen pregnancy
Teenage pregnancy, also known as adolescent pregnancy, is pregnancy in a female under the age of 20.
Worldwide, pregnancy complications are the leading cause of death for women and girls 15 to 19 years old. The definition of teenage pregnancy i ...
storyline in 1998, which caused ''
Wizard Magazine
''Wizard'' or ''Wizard: The Magazine of Comics, Entertainment and Pop Culture'' (previously titled ''Wizard: The Guide to Comics'' and ''Wizard: The Comics Magazine'') was a magazine about comic books, published monthly in the United States by ...
'' to name ''Robin'' the best ongoing comic book of the year. Stephanie remained an integral part of the ''Robin'' supporting cast for over a decade, until her death in the 2004 crossover storyline ''
Batman: War Games''.
Her death was revealed to have been faked in a 2008 story,
[''Robin/Spoiler Special'' (August 2008)] and she became the
eponym
An eponym is a noun after which or for which someone or something is, or is believed to be, named. Adjectives derived from the word ''eponym'' include ''eponymous'' and ''eponymic''.
Eponyms are commonly used for time periods, places, innovati ...
ous lead character in the 2009 ''Batgirl'' series written by
Bryan Q. Miller
Bryan Q. Miller is an American television and comic writer most notable for his work on the CW’s television series ''Smallville'' and DC’s comic book ''Batgirl''.
Career
Miller began work on ''Smallville'' as an unpaid intern during Season F ...
, with pencils by
Lee Garbett
Lee Garbett is a British comic book artist born in the West Midlands (region), West Midlands. He has worked on History of the British comic, British comics. As of February 2011, he is working freelance after a period of exclusivity with DC Comic ...
.
The title was canceled after 24 issues and replaced with a new ''Batgirl'' series starring
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Joan Gordon is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. The character was created by television producer William Dozier, editor Julius Schwartz, writer Ga ...
as part of the New 52 relaunch.
Controversy on Stephanie's death
There was some controversy in the fan community about both the character's death by torture and the fact that even though she served as Robin for a time, she received no monument or memorial in the
Batcave
The Batcave is a subterranean location appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It is the headquarters of the superhero Batman, whose secret identity is Bruce Wayne and his partners, consisting of caves beneath his personal r ...
during the years of her apparent death unlike the second Robin
Jason Todd
Jason Peter Todd is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. First appearing in ''Batman (comic book), Batman'' #357 in March 1983, he was created to succeed Dick Grayson as Robin (character), Robin, Batman's partner ...
.
Regarding the former issue, at the 2011 Auckland Writers and Readers Festival, the former ''Batgirl'' writer
Dylan Horrocks
Dylan Horrocks (born 1966) is a New Zealand cartoonist best known for his graphic novel '' Hicksville'' and his scripts for the ''Batgirl'' comic book series.
His works are published by the University of Auckland student magazine ''Craccum'', Aus ...
said that the writers were told from the start that Spoiler would die in this crossover and she was made Robin "purely as a trick to play on the readers, that we would fool them into thinking that the big event
ar Gameswas that Stephanie Brown would become Robin". The decision was unpopular with both him and ''Nightwing'' writer
Devin Grayson
Devin Kalile Grayson (born July 19, 1970) is an American writer of comic books and novels. Titles that she has written include ''Catwoman'', '' Gotham Knights'', '' The Titans'', the Vertigo series ''USER'', and ''Nightwing''.
Early life
Grayso ...
, and he felt "pleased and vindicated" over the eventual controversy.
During a Q&A at a convention in March 2007, DC executive editor
Dan DiDio
Dan DiDio (; born October 13, 1959) is an American writer, editor, and publisher who has worked in the television and comic book industries. From February 2010 until February 2020, he was the co-publisher of DC Comics, along with Jim Lee. '' Wizar ...
responded to questions about the absence of a Stephanie tribute from the Batcave, saying that the official position of DC Comics is that "She was never really a Robin", despite on-panel claims to the contrary. When
Alfred Pennyworth
Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth, originally Alfred Beagle and commonly known simply as Alfred, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, most commonly in association with the superhero Batman.
Alfred is ...
asks if
Batman
Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on M ...
's acceptance of Stephanie as Robin was conceived by him as only a temporary measure from the outset and constituted part of an effort to lure Tim back to the cape, Batman evades the question. However, when a dying Stephanie asks, "Was I ever really Robin?", Batman answers, "Of course you were."
[''Batman'' #633 (December 2004)] However, her memorial has been present in different publications since the controversy arose.
The New 52 publication
In September 2011,
The New 52
The New 52 was the 2011 revamp and relaunch by DC Comics of its entire Line (comics), line of ongoing monthly superhero American comic books, comic books. Following the conclusion of the "Flashpoint (comics), Flashpoint" Fictional crossover, cros ...
rebooted DC's continuity. In this new timeline,
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Joan Gordon is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. The character was created by television producer William Dozier, editor Julius Schwartz, writer Ga ...
takes the role of Batgirl once again, with Stephanie Brown no longer existing in mainstream continuity. In June 2012, fans of the character attempted a letter movement, sending waffles, waffle mix, or letters to the editors, expressing a wish to see her published once more. Shortly thereafter,
Dan DiDio
Dan DiDio (; born October 13, 1959) is an American writer, editor, and publisher who has worked in the television and comic book industries. From February 2010 until February 2020, he was the co-publisher of DC Comics, along with Jim Lee. '' Wizar ...
claimed in an interview that about ten waffles had arrived and expressed doubt that her fandom was really as strong as it appeared.
On October 11, 2013, writer
Scott Snyder
Scott Snyder (born January 15, 1976) is an American comic book author. He is known for his 2006 short story collection ''Voodoo Heart'', and his work for DC Comics, including series such as ''American Vampire'', ''Detective Comics'', a highly acc ...
announced at
New York Comic Con
The New York Comic Con is an annual New York City fan convention dedicated to comics, Western comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, cosplay, toys, Film, movies, and television. It was first held in 2006. With an attendance of 200,00 ...
that Brown would appear as Spoiler beginning in the third issue of DC's 2014 weekly series ''
Batman Eternal
''Batman Eternal'' is a year-long weekly limited series published by DC Comics, that began in April 2014. The series featured Batman, his allies, and Gotham City, with a writing team led by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, Kyle Higgins ...
''.
Brown made her first New 52 appearance in ''
Batman
Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on M ...
'' (vol. 2) #28, a teaser issue for ''Batman Eternal''.
Fictional character biography
Stephanie Brown is the daughter of the
Cluemaster
The Cluemaster (Arthur Brown) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman as well as a recurring enemy of Tim Drake, the third Robin. Cluemaster first appeared in ' ...
, one of
Gotham City
Gotham City ( ), or simply Gotham, is a fictional city in the Northeastern United States that serves as the primary city appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It is best known as the home of the superhero Batman and his List ...
's third-rate criminals, and a registered
nurse
Nursing is a health care profession that "integrates the art and science of caring and focuses on the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and human functioning; prevention of illness and injury; facilitation of healing; and alle ...
named
Crystal Brown
B'wana Beast
Zviad Baazovi
Baby Boom
Baby Boom is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics.
She was among the children who were experimented on by Doctor Love while they were still in their mother's wom ...
. Her father spends most of her childhood in jail or away from the family and claims to be
rehabilitated upon his return to Gotham. Stephanie becomes furious when she discovers that he is actually returning to crime, this time not leaving his trademark clues behind. She decides something needs to be done.
The Spoiler
Stephanie Brown tailors a costume for herself, and calls herself "the Spoiler" due to her attempts to spoil her father's plans. She learns where her father is hiding out, finds out his plans, and leaves clues so that the police and Batman could stop him.
Robin
Robin most commonly refers to several species of passerine birds.
Robin may also refer to:
Animals
* Australasian robins, red-breasted songbirds of the family Petroicidae
* Many members of the subfamily Saxicolinae (Old World chats), inclu ...
(Tim Drake) tracks her down and, after a few brief confrontations, helps capture Cluemaster. Although she initially wishes to kill her father,
Batman
Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on M ...
convinces her to allow him to be arrested.
Each time Cluemaster escapes or starts some new plan, Stephanie dons her costume again. Eventually, she decides she likes being a
superhero
A superhero or superheroine is a fictional character who typically possesses ''superpowers'' or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, is frequently costumed concealing their identity, and fits the role of the hero, typically using their ...
, and she begins regular patrols as Spoiler. This also brings her into regular contact with Robin, on whom she has a bit of a crush. At first, Robin thinks of her as a pest, but later comes to enjoy her company. He was dating Ariana Dzerchenko at the time. However, the two sometimes work as partners, and during a point in which Robin and Ariana were unable to see each other, he and Stephanie grew even closer. Robin soon realizes that his feelings for Stephanie have grown into something more, and, after breaking up with Ariana, he begins dating Stephanie. Unfortunately, because Robin needs to maintain the secrecy of Batman and his allies, Robin is unable to reveal his true identity to Spoiler. At first, she seems happy with this arrangement.
Stephanie then finds out she is pregnant by an ex-boyfriend who had run from Gotham City after the
earthquake
An earthquakealso called a quake, tremor, or tembloris the shaking of the Earth's surface resulting from a sudden release of energy in the lithosphere that creates seismic waves. Earthquakes can range in intensity, from those so weak they ...
depicted in ''
Batman: Cataclysm''. Robin, under the alias Alvin Draper, takes Stephanie to
Lamaze
The Lamaze technique, also known as the psychoprophylactic method or simply Lamaze, began as a prepared childbirth technique. As an alternative to medical intervention during childbirth, it was popularized in the 1950s by French obstetrician Fern ...
classes, and the two become even closer. Robin moves to
Keystone City
This page lists the locations in the DC Universe, the shared universe setting of DC Comics.
Sites
Arrowcave
The Arrowcave is the former base of operations of the Green Arrow and Speedy.
Avernus Cemetery
Avernus Cemetery is a hidden burial gro ...
during the last few months of her pregnancy, but he returns to her when she is giving birth. With Robin's help, she is able to cope with placing her child up for
adoption
Adoption is a process whereby a person assumes the parenting of another, usually a child, from that person's biological or legal parent or parents. Legal adoptions permanently transfer all rights and responsibilities, along with filiation, fro ...
. Although a painful experience, she feels it best to give her daughter a chance at a better life.
Soon after, Robin's father sends him away to boarding school, and the couple is forced into a long-distance relationship, made even more complicated by the fact that Stephanie still did not know his real name. During his time away, Robin befriends a girl named Star. One night, after seeing her go into an alley with some suspicious-looking people, Robin decides to follow her in costume. He runs into Stephanie, also on patrol, and she follows him as he tracks down Star to a gang meeting that erupts in a violent shootout. He saves Star, but Stephanie is convinced that he is cheating on her, and refuses to see him afterward.
Shortly after this, Robin disappears from Gotham for several days, because he is in
Tibet
Tibet (; ''Böd''; ), or Greater Tibet, is a region in the western part of East Asia, covering much of the Tibetan Plateau and spanning about . It is the homeland of the Tibetan people. Also resident on the plateau are other ethnic groups s ...
on a secret mission. In his absence, Spoiler realizes that she still wants to be with him. Batman approaches Spoiler to try to discover Tim's whereabouts, and then offers to train her. He also tells her Robin's real name, and this betrayal by Batman drives a wedge between the two. Spoiler begins to train with Batman,
Batgirl
Batgirl is the name of several fictional superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, depicted as female counterparts and allies to the superhero Batman. The character Bette Kane, Betty Kane was introduced into publica ...
, and, briefly, the
Birds of Prey
Birds of prey or predatory birds, also known as (although not the same as) raptors, are hypercarnivorous bird species that actively predation, hunt and feed on other vertebrates (mainly mammals, reptiles and smaller birds). In addition to speed ...
.
Stephanie and Tim, as she now knows him, reconcile. Even after Batman, having decided that she was not crime fighter material, tells her to hang up her costume and have the Birds of Prey stop mentoring her, she still patrols secretly, in addition to going on occasional dates with Robin in their civilian identities.
When the
U.S. government
The Federal Government of the United States of America (U.S. federal government or U.S. government) is the national government of the United States.
The U.S. federal government is composed of three distinct branches: legislative, executi ...
comes to Stephanie and her mother and tells her that Cluemaster had died while working for the
Suicide Squad
The Suicide Squad is an antihero/supervillain team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first version of the Suicide Squad debuted in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #25 (September 1959) and the second and modern version, cre ...
, Stephanie is shocked. She temporarily cuts off ties with Tim and goes on a
vigilante
Vigilantism () is the act of preventing, investigating, and punishing perceived offenses and crimes without legal authority.
A vigilante is a person who practices or partakes in vigilantism, or undertakes public safety and retributive justice ...
rampage, hunting down the
Riddler
The Riddler (Edward Nigma, later Edward Nygma or Edward Nashton) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang, and debuted in ''Detective Comics'' #140 in O ...
, her father's former associate, to try to get a better idea of who he had been in life. Eventually, she makes peace with his memory, and she and Tim rekindle their relationship.
Stephanie is later injured during Tim's battle with the occult hitman Johnny Warlock, breaking her leg. In a fit of rage, Tim apparently beats Warlock to death (though he would later be magically
resurrected), which sends him into a deep, angry
depression. He refuses to speak with Stephanie, whom he blames for him killing Warlock.
Robin
Stephanie Brown snaps Tim Drake out of his depression just as his father
Jack Drake
Jack Drake is a fictional character from DC Comics books, specifically the ''Batman'' titles. Jack is the father of Robin (Tim Drake), Tim Drake, formerly the third Robin (comics), Robin.
Fictional character biography
Jack Drake and his wife Jane ...
discovers he is
Robin
Robin most commonly refers to several species of passerine birds.
Robin may also refer to:
Animals
* Australasian robins, red-breasted songbirds of the family Petroicidae
* Many members of the subfamily Saxicolinae (Old World chats), inclu ...
. After Warlock's death, Tim's father orders him to hang up his cape, and Tim is forced to live a normal life for a time. One day after school, Stephanie attempts to surprise Tim with a visit. As she arrives, however, she catches a female classmate, Darla Aquista, attempting to seduce him. Assuming that Tim is being unfaithful, she breaks off ties with Tim and angrily decides to put her attention elsewhere. Creating a homemade Robin costume, Stephanie sneaks into the Batcave and demands that Batman train her as the new Robin. Batman reluctantly accepts her as the new Robin, puts her through several months of intensive training, and makes her a better costume with roughly the same design as Tim's. As Robin, she patrols with Batman, but he thinks she isn't skilled enough to replace Tim. Batman later fires her after she disobeys him in the field.
In an effort to prove her worth to Batman, Stephanie steals one of his long-term plans for dealing with the entirety of Gotham's criminal underworld, arranging a meeting to bring them all together. Since this plan is predicated on the involvement of "Matches Malone" who, unbeknownst to her, is a persona that Batman uses to infiltrate the underworld, it quickly spins out of control. The result is a citywide
gang war in which Stephanie is captured by the
Black Mask. She is tortured extensively by Black Mask to get information about Batman, as well as learning enough information to allow him to take control of Batman's plan and assume command of the gangs himself. Although she escapes and makes her way to a hospital, she is severely injured, and supposedly dies in a hospital bed as Batman sits beside her.
Batman later finds evidence that a vital medical treatment that could have saved Stephanie's life had been denied by Doctor
Leslie Thompkins
Leslie Maurin Thompkins (sometimes spelled Tompkins) is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, usually as a supporting character in stories featuring Batman, of whom she is an ally. Created by writer Dennis O'Neil a ...
. When Batman confronts the doctor, Thompkins claims she willfully withheld such treatment to send a warning to any of Gotham's youth intending to follow Stephanie's example.
Posthumous appearances
Following her death, Stephanie Brown appears twice in the ''Batgirl'' series. The first time, in ''Batgirl'' #62,
Cassandra Cain
Cassandra Cain (also known as Cassandra Wayne and Cassandra Wu-San) is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Created by Kelley Puckett and Damion Scott, Cassandr ...
meets her during a
near death experience
A near-death experience (NDE) is a profound personal experience associated with death or impending death, which researchers describe as having similar characteristics. When positive, which the great majority are, such experiences may encompa ...
. Then, in ''Batgirl'' #72–73, Cassandra is near death following a battle with
Mad Dog
Mad dog is a phrase commonly applied to rabid dogs.
Mad Dog may also refer to:
People Nickname
* Johnny Adair (born 1963), Northern Irish loyalist paramilitary
* Martin Allen (born 1965), English footballer
* Brett Banasiewicz (born 1994), Am ...
when Stephanie's "ghost" appears before her again and informs Cassandra of her true parentage and of
Blüdhaven
This page lists the locations in the DC Universe, the shared universe setting of DC Comics.
Sites
Arrowcave
The Arrowcave is the former base of operations of the Green Arrow and Speedy.
Avernus Cemetery
Avernus Cemetery is a hidden burial gro ...
's destruction. During the ''
Titans East
Titans East is the name of several DC Comics superhero teams. The teams appear in the ''Teen Titans'' comic books and Teen Titans (TV series), animated series. The comic book incarnation of Titans East first appeared in ''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) # ...
'' storyline, a glass case with Stephanie's Spoiler costume (alongside cases with clothing representing Tim Drake's parents and
Conner Kent
Conner Kent is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared as a modern variation of Superboy in ''The Adventures of Superman (comic book), The Adventures of Superman'' #500 (June 1993), and ...
) is in a room
Deathstroke
Deathstroke is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, the character first appeared in ''The New Teen Titans'' #2 (December 1980) as Deathstroke the Terminator. In his co ...
uses to torture Robin.
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Joan Gordon is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. The character was created by television producer William Dozier, editor Julius Schwartz, writer Ga ...
uses photos of her
autopsy
An autopsy (also referred to as post-mortem examination, obduction, necropsy, or autopsia cadaverum) is a surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse by dissection to determine the cause, mode, and manner of deat ...
to dissuade another young superheroine,
Misfit, from using the name Batgirl. In ''
Booster Gold
Booster Gold (Michael Jon "Booster" Carter) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Dan Jurgens, the character first appeared in ''Booster Gold (comic book), Booster Gold'' #1 (February 1986) and has be ...
'' (vol. 2) #5,
Rip Hunter
Rip Hunter (Michael Jon Carter Jr.) is a time-traveling superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Jack Miller and artist Ruben Moreira, the character first appeared in ''Showcase (comics), Showcase'' #20 ...
's chalk board shows the phrase "No Trophy = Stephanie?" written on it. In ''
Gotham Underground
''Gotham Underground'' is a nine-issue limited series from DC Comics, written by Frank Tieri, with art by Jim Califiore.
The series looked at the repercussions of ''Countdown to Final Crisis'' and focuses on the Batman Family banding together to ...
'', an unidentified female in a Spoiler costume (later revealed to be Stephanie) is shown working for the
Penguin
Penguins are a group of aquatic flightless birds from the family Spheniscidae () of the order Sphenisciformes (). They live almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. Only one species, the Galápagos penguin, is equatorial, with a sm ...
.
Spoiler returns
In the events following ''
The Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul
"The Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul" is an eight issue comic book crossover story arc published by the comic book publishing company DC Comics in 2007 and 2008. It involves the return of notable Batman villain Ra's al Ghul, and is his first appeara ...
'', Robin follows the trail of a female thief called Violet. This leads him to reunite with his friend Ives during social service classes at St. Camillus Cathedral. He also has random encounters with a blonde student in high school that trigger his memories of Stephanie. During his quest to find Violet, he is followed by a character dressed as Spoiler. This Spoiler reveals herself to Robin, trying to warn him that Violet led him to an ambush. Believing someone else is dressing up as Spoiler, Robin falls into Violet's trap after Spoiler addresses him by his real name.
After escaping the ambush, Robin and Batman track down the woman in a bid to force her to stop imitating Stephanie. When confronted, she removes her mask and reveals that she is indeed Stephanie, with Leslie Thompkins having faked her death. Batman
reveals his doubts about her death leading him to not erect a memorial for her in the Batcave. Since her secret identity had been compromised, Leslie faked her death so villains could not use her against Batman as Black Mask had done. Living with Leslie in Africa under an alias, Stephanie had been performing volunteer work until an attack from a local witch-hunting tribe prompted her to return to crimefighting, and subsequently to Gotham.
[ Stephanie reunites with her mother, enrolls in Tim's high school, and rejoins the Bat-Family.
Before being revealed to Robin and Batman, Stephanie works freelance for the Penguin and gets information that helps him in his gang wars. She abruptly stops aiding him, after which he loses the advantage and leaves Gotham. She sends Penguin a note apologizing for leaving him when he needed her the most.
During the '']Batman R.I.P.
Batman R.I.P. is an American comic book story arc published in ''Batman (comic book), Batman'' #676–681 by DC Comics. Written by Grant Morrison, penciled by Tony Daniel, and with covers by Alex Ross, the story pits the superhero Batman against t ...
'' storyline, Stephanie played the role of both ally and betrayer to Robin. Following Batman's disappearance and descent into madness, Robin attempts to balance his search for Bruce with his attempts to maintain control over Gotham's criminals. Tim asks that Stephanie help him locate Batman, but having anticipated his downfall, Batman has ordered Stephanie to hinder the investigation, believing that Tim needs to learn how to handle things on his own. Tim discovers the deception, and pulls away from his relationship with Stephanie. Unbeknownst to Tim, Batman has also ordered Stephanie to make Robin a stronger hero by challenging him, so Stephanie hires the Scarab, an assassin she encountered while she was Robin. After ordering the Scarab to use non-lethal methods, she also begins working with Tim's enemy, the General
A general officer is an Officer (armed forces), officer of high rank in the army, armies, and in some nations' air force, air and space forces, marines or naval infantry.
In some usages, the term "general officer" refers to a rank above colone ...
, who eventually tries to kill her. Her martial arts skills were able to save her from getting shot in the head—she is instead shot in the shoulder, escaping just in time to save Tim's life when the Scarab goes rogue.
The General, now using the identity of Anarky, decides to plunge Gotham into anarchy by starting a citywide gang war, and Stephanie aids Robin in keeping order and defeating the General. Afterward, Robin reveals that he is aware that Stephanie had worked with the villains to help him become a better Robin under Batman's orders. He notes that her actions were successful, but her methods were questionable. No longer in love with Stephanie, Robin orders her to abandon the Spoiler identity as he can no longer trust her.
In ''Batman and the Outsiders
The Outsiders are a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. As their name suggests, the team consists of superheroes who do not fit the norms of the "mainstream" superhero community, i.e. the Justice League.
The ...
'' (vol. 2) #13, Batgirl recruits Spoiler and Vigilante
Vigilantism () is the act of preventing, investigating, and punishing perceived offenses and crimes without legal authority.
A vigilante is a person who practices or partakes in vigilantism, or undertakes public safety and retributive justice ...
to a new network of heroes that will replace Batman, who is missing after the ''Batman R.I.P.'' storyline. She is able to turn completely invisible while fighting the Vigilante, though Fabian Nicieza
Fabian Nicieza (; December 31, 1961) is an Argentine-American comic book writer and editor who is best known for his work on Marvel titles such as ''X-Men'', '' X-Force'', ''New Warriors'', ''Nomad'', ''Cable'', '' Gambit'', '' Deadpool'' and ' ...
, current writer of the ''Robin'' title, said he knew nothing about it. However, in ''Gotham Gazette: Batman Alive'', Nicieza incorporates the new ability, with Robin stating she stole the technology to make herself invisible.
In ''Teen Titans
The Teen Titans are a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, frequently in eponymous monthly series. As the group's name indicates, the members are teenage superheroes, many of whom have acted as sidekicks to DC ...
'' (vol. 3) #66, Stephanie appeared as one of the potential candidates to help fill Miss Martian
Miss Martian (M'gann M'orzz; alias Megan Morse) is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. An extraterrestrial, she is a White Martian who usually appears in stories as a member of the Teen Titans. Created by write ...
's vacant seat on the team's roster. She was drawn into a fight with Bombshell, who mocked her and accused her of being a coward. In the end, Robin revealed that Stephanie had not come to join the Titans, but instead to help him with his preparations to leave the team.
In the ''Red Robin
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., more commonly known as Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews or simply Red Robin, is an American chain of casual dining restaurants founded in September 1969 in Seattle, Washington. In 1979, the first franchised R ...
'' series, Stephanie and Dick Grayson
Richard John "Dick" Grayson is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Batman, Teen Titans and Justice League. Created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane, he first appeared in ' ...
(now, the new Batman, following Bruce Wayne's apparent death) become concerned about Tim after Dick transfers the mantle of Robin from Tim to Damian Wayne
Damian Thomas Wayne is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Batman. He was created by Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert. Damian Wayne is the biological son of Bruce Wayne/Batman. His mo ...
. Furious, Tim comes to believe that Bruce is still alive, and goes in search of him under the guise of Red Robin. When he cuts off all communication with the Bat-Family and the Teen Titans, Stephanie approaches Tim in his private base. This action, however, only infuriates Tim more. Kicking her in the chest after she sneaks up on him, he reiterates that he cannot trust her and orders her not to follow him on his mission, leading her to return to Gotham.
Batgirl
Stephanie Brown graduates from high school off-panel, is a student at Gotham University, and is still living with her mother. Cassandra Cain has apparently become disillusioned following Bruce Wayne's apparent death
Apparent death is a behavior in which animals take on the appearance of being death, dead. It is an immobile state most often triggered by a predatory attack and can be found in a wide range of animals from insects and crustaceans to mammals, b ...
and gives Stephanie her Batgirl costume. After operating as the new Batgirl in Cain's costume, Stephanie is confronted by Barbara Gordon who was notified of her activities by Dick Grayson. Barbara tried to reason with Stephanie to get her to stop being a vigilante, as she still saw Stephanie as an impetuous youth, remembering her role in causing a citywide gang war and her near-death experience at Black Mask's hands.['' Batgirl'' (vol. 3) #1 (October 2009)] However, a new type of recreational drug is hitting the streets of Gotham known as "Thrill", which they discover was manufactured by the Scarecrow
A scarecrow is a decoy or mannequin that is often in the shape of a human. Humanoid scarecrows are usually dressed in old clothes and placed in open fields to discourage birds from disturbing and feeding on recently cast seed and growing crops. ...
and the second Black Mask, and the two women need each other to stop the drug trade. Stephanie eventually confronts and defeats the Scarecrow, impressing Barbara and proving that she now has the maturity and the responsibility to face her fears and failures. Barbara decides to allow Stephanie to continue on as Batgirl. Barbara later takes a job as an assistant professor
Assistant professor is an academic rank just below the rank of an associate professor used in universities or colleges, mainly in the United States, Canada, Japan, and South Korea.
Overview
This position is generally taken after earning a doct ...
at Stephanie's school to continue to keep in contact with her. Barbara also designs a costume for Stephanie to replace Cassandra's tattered costume, incorporating various elements of both the Spoiler and previous Batgirl costumes.
As Stephanie is taking steps to balance her double-life as a college student and a vigilante, Barbara makes a test run on Stephanie's Batsuit, which includes monitoring Stephanie's vital signs and allowing both women to communicate through wireless links. After some warm-up against minor criminals, Stephanie finds herself against Livewire who causes a blackout in the city while draining its power. Fortunately, Stephanie's costume is insulated, and she is able to overpower the villainess. Stephanie also develops an attraction to Gotham PD's newest young recruit who just transferred from Coast City
This page lists the locations in the DC Universe, the shared universe setting of DC Comics.
Sites
Arrowcave
The Arrowcave is the former base of operations of the Green Arrow and Speedy.
Avernus Cemetery
Avernus Cemetery is a hidden burial gro ...
PD, Detective Nicholas "St. Nick" Gage, who is also attracted to her as Batgirl. However, this budding romance is complicated by Commissioner Gordon
James W. "Jim" Gordon Sr. is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, most commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane as an ally of Batman, the character debuted in the fir ...
, who is trying to set the young detective up on a blind date
A blind date is a romantic meeting between two people who have never met before.
Both parties arrange a date with little to no information about each other, hoping for the possibility of making a lasting impression. Typically, a family member or ...
with Barbara. The Commissioner finds their mutual attraction unsettling, because despite the fact that Batgirl's identity is yet unknown to him, Gordon knows that the superheroine is still a teenager.[''Batgirl'' (vol. 3) #4 (January 2010)] Her activities also have led her and Barbara into conflict with the new Dynamic Duo, Batman
Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on M ...
(Dick Grayson) and Robin
Robin most commonly refers to several species of passerine birds.
Robin may also refer to:
Animals
* Australasian robins, red-breasted songbirds of the family Petroicidae
* Many members of the subfamily Saxicolinae (Old World chats), inclu ...
(Damian Wayne). However, even though Stephanie and Damian initially do not get along, he is intrigued by her motivations to be a vigilante.
While meeting a classmate, Francisco, Stephanie is left unconscious after being shot while trying to protect him from a group of kidnappers. Stephanie survives the gunshot wound and it is later revealed that Francisco's real name is Fernando Garcia, a son of a real estate mogul whose father's unethical business practices have led to him becoming a target. Because of Garcia's abduction, Stephanie and Barbara join forces with Batman and Robin, as some of the Gotham rogues are involved in the crime, including Roulette
Roulette (named after the French language, French word meaning "little wheel") is a casino game which was likely developed from the Italy, Italian game Biribi. In the game, a player may choose to place a bet on a single number, various grouping ...
. After they rescue Garcia, Dick, after seeing Stephanie's fight with Roxy Rocket
Roxy Rocket (Roxanne Sutton) is a supervillain appearing in media published by DC Comics. She was created in 1994 for the DC Animated Universe comic series ''The Batman Adventures'' before appearing in the animated series ''The New Batman Adventur ...
, although still not completely approving of her as Batgirl, realizes that she reminds him of Barbara when she was in the role, so he allows Barbara to continue training Stephanie. Stephanie also receives a new state-of-the-art transportation known as the Ricochet (based from Batman's Batcycle
Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on March 30, 1939. In t ...
designs) from Barbara.
Stephanie was later asked by Barbara to shut down the vigilante operations of John Raymond, a wealthy young superhero who had been giving powerful exo-suits to a number of people in hopes of creating a nationwide army of crime-fighters he dubbed "Web Hosts". After being convinced by John that he could keep his Web Hosts in line, Stephanie and Barbara agreed to not only allow him to continue his vigilante actions, but also upgrade the equipment he was using.
In the first part of the ''Red Robin/Batgirl'' crossover story "Collision", Tim Drake returns to Gotham with proof that Bruce Wayne is not only still alive but also lost in time. At the same time, immortal terrorist Ra's al Ghul
Ra's al Ghul is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman. Created by editor Julius Schwartz, writer Dennis O'Neil, and artist Neal Adams, the character first appeared ...
begins his attack to destroy everything the Wayne family has built, in response to Tim crippling his League of Assassins
The League of Assassins (sometimes known as the League of Shadows or Society of Shadows in adapted works) is a group of supervillains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The group is depicted as a collective of assassins who ...
organization during his quest. Tim returns to the Batcave to seek the current Batman's aid, only to find Stephanie as Batgirl. After their confrontation, Stephanie and Tim reluctantly work together to protect Ra's al Ghul's possible targets. After saving Leslie Thompkins from the League, Tim attempts to rekindle his and Stephanie's old romance. She rejects these advances before Prudence, another member of Ra's al Ghul's men, interrupts them with her assignment to target the new Batgirl. Stephanie, however, bested the assassin in combat. Prudence subsequently reveals her true allegiance to Tim, which apparently overcomes her supposed loyalty to The Demon's Head. After narrowly escaping Tim's safehouse (which the League of Assassins had booby-trapped before the three arrived), they encounter members of another organization of assassins, the Council of Spiders. The League of Assassins are eventually defeated after Tim thwarts Ra's al Ghul's plan strategically with Bruce Wayne's will
Will may refer to:
Common meanings
* Will and testament, instructions for the disposition of one's property after death
* Will (philosophy), or willpower
* Will (sociology)
* Will, volition (psychology)
* Will, a modal verb - see Shall and will
...
that was made before his disappearance.
Stephanie would also show up against her mentor's nemesis, the Calculator
An electronic calculator is typically a portable electronic device used to perform calculations, ranging from basic arithmetic to complex mathematics.
The first solid-state electronic calculator was created in the early 1960s. Pocket-si ...
, with his daughter, Wendy Harris
Wendy Harris, Marvin White and Wonder Dog are fictional characters from the 1973 American animated TV series ''Super Friends'', based on the famous superheroes published by DC Comics. The series featured a lineup of DC's most popular characters, ...
, to rescue Barbara and Gotham itself after the villain injects nanites
Molecular machines are a class of molecules typically described as an assembly of a discrete number of molecular components intended to produce mechanical movements in response to specific stimuli, mimicking macromolecular devices such as switche ...
into the citizens and heroes of the city and controls them.
In another storyline, Stephanie made a cameo appearance as a member of the assault team led by Dick Grayson to go against the new Black Mask.
She later appears alongside Batwoman
Batwoman is a name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, depicted as female counterparts and allies of Batman similarly to Batgirl. The original version of the character, Kathy Kane (eventually given t ...
and fellow teen superheroines Stargirl, Supergirl
Supergirl is the name of several fictional superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The original, current, and most well known Supergirl is Supergirl (Kara Zor-El), Kara Zor-El, the cousin of superhero Superman. Th ...
, and Lightning
Lightning is a natural phenomenon consisting of electrostatic discharges occurring through the atmosphere between two electrically charged regions. One or both regions are within the atmosphere, with the second region sometimes occurring on ...
as part of an all-female team created by Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a superheroine who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''All Star Comics'' Introducing Wonder Woman, #8, published October 21, 1941, with her first feature in ''Sensation Comic ...
to repel Professor Ivo
Anthony Ivo is a supervillain in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is a mad scientist who is the creator of the android villain Amazo and, along with villainous scientist T. O. Morrow, the co-creator of the android Tomorrow Woman. As ...
's faux-alien invasion of Washington, D.C.
After Bruce Wayne's return
Return may refer to:
In business, economics, and finance
* Return on investment (ROI), the financial gain after an expense.
* Rate of return, the financial term for the profit or loss derived from an investment
* Tax return, a blank document or t ...
, it is revealed that the true reason Cassandra Cain handed over her Batgirl mantle to Stephanie was that she was acting under her mentor's order in the event of his death or disappearance.[''Bruce Wayne: The Road Home – Batgirl'' #1 (December 2010)]
Around this time, during ''The Lesson'' arc, Stephanie was forced to deal with a mysterious group known as The Order of the Scythe, who briefly framed her for murdering a student on her campus. During her final adventure as Batgirl, Stephanie confronts her father and is ensnared by a sample of Black Mercy
This list of fictional plants describes invented plants that appear in works of fiction.
In fiction
*Audrey Jr.: A human-eating plant in the 1960 film ''The Little Shop of Horrors''
**Audrey II: A singing, fast-talking alien plant with a taste ...
. Stephanie experiences a number of future events, including a time-travelling adventure with Cassandra and Barbara, the Royal Flush Gang
The Royal Flush Gang is a group of supervillains appearing in DC Comics. The group, which debuted in ''Justice League of America'' #43 (March 1966), use a playing card theme. Their code names are based on the cards needed to form a royal flush in ...
attacking her at her college graduation, and eventually training the new Batgirl, a girl named Nell. She ultimately breaks free from the Black Mercy and confides in Barbara that despite the wonderful things she experienced while in the fantasy world, she preferred to live in the here and now.[''Batgirl'' (vol. 3) #24 (August 2011)] Stephanie was later tasked to infiltrate Saint Hadrian's Finishing School for Girls as a student in ''Batman Incorporated
''Batman Incorporated'' (''Batman, Inc.'') is an ongoing American comic book series published by DC Comics, featuring the superhero Batman. Written by Grant Morrison, the series debuted following the events of '' Batman R.I.P'', ''Final Crisis'', ...
''.
During the ''Convergence
Convergence may refer to:
Arts and media Literature
*''Convergence'' (book series), edited by Ruth Nanda Anshen
*Convergence (comics), "Convergence" (comics), two separate story lines published by DC Comics:
**A four-part crossover storyline that ...
'' storyline, Stephanie (who still uses the Batgirl title) is chosen as the champion of her version of Gotham City, and must fight other city's champions if they are to survive.[''Convergence – Batgirl'' #1]
The New 52
In the New 52
The New 52 was the 2011 revamp and relaunch by DC Comics of its entire Line (comics), line of ongoing monthly superhero American comic books, comic books. Following the conclusion of the "Flashpoint (comics), Flashpoint" Fictional crossover, cros ...
, a 2011 reboot of the DC Universe, Stephanie Brown's history was completely removed from continuity. She makes her first appearance in the new mainstream continuity as Spoiler in ''Batman'' (vol. 2) #28 (April 2014), a sneak peek into the future of the ''Batman Eternal'' series; she is seen tied up in a vault by Selina Kyle
Catwoman is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, she debuted as "the Cat" in ''Batman (comic book), Batman'' #1 (spring 1940). She has become one of the superhero Batman' ...
, with Kyle stating she is the only one who knows how to stop what is coming next for Gotham. In ''Batman Eternal'' #3 (July 2014), Stephanie is a purple-clad teen who stumbles into a meeting between her father, the Cluemaster, and his criminal associates. She manages to escape their murderous plot, and over the course of the series, works to "spoil" her father's plans by becoming a vigilante, calling herself the "Spoiler." At first, she merely attempts to spread news of the Cluemaster's plans on the internet, then works actively as a costumed crimefighter to capture and foil him. Following the ''Batman Eternal'' storyline, Brown as Spoiler helped other teens fight the Joker's chaos in ''Detective Comics: Endgame'', and sought training from Selina Kyle and Eiko Hasigawa in ''Catwoman''. In the aftermath of the gang war in that title, Barbara Gordon took Stephanie under her wing for a time. Stephanie also appeared as Spoiler fighting the supervillain Mother alongside the Robins in ''Batman and Robin Eternal
''Batman and Robin Eternal'' is a 6-month weekly limited series published by DC Comics, that began in October 2015 and concluded in March 2016. The series featured Batman, Robin, and their allies, and was a follow-up series to '' Batman Eternal' ...
''.
DC Rebirth
In DC Rebirth
DC Rebirth is a 2016 relaunch by the American comic book publisher DC Comics of its entire Line (comics), line of ongoing monthly superhero comic book titles. Using the end of The New 52 (2011–2016) initiative in May 2016 as its launching point ...
, the 2016 relaunch of DC Comics, Stephanie was recruited into Batman's emergency response team headed by Batwoman
Batwoman is a name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, depicted as female counterparts and allies of Batman similarly to Batgirl. The original version of the character, Kathy Kane (eventually given t ...
, along with Red Robin
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., more commonly known as Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews or simply Red Robin, is an American chain of casual dining restaurants founded in September 1969 in Seattle, Washington. In 1979, the first franchised R ...
, Orphan (Cassandra Cain), and Clayface
Clayface is an alias used by several supervillains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Most incarnations of the character possess clay-like bodies and shapeshifting abilities, and all of them are List of Batman family enemies ...
. After Red Robin is "killed" by Jacob Kane's Colony drones, Stephanie becomes depressed and questions her purpose and the world she wants to live in, in the "Victim Syndicate" storyline. The story ends with her challenging the rest of the team and threatening to expose their secret identities if they don't give up their vigilantism. After disarming her by refusing her offer, she leaves the team and tells Batman that until he gives up his cowl, she'll be standing in his way. Stephanie actively opposes Batman and his allies in the field, while still fighting criminals like Wrath. It also appears that she is falling under the influence of Anarky, who is attempting to build an underground society of people who were impacted by Batman's activities. Eventually, Stephanie sees through Anarky's lies and helps Batman apprehend him. However, she walks away from Batman before he can tell her that Tim Drake is still alive.
After discovering Tim is alive, she briefly rejoins the team to help them stop the Victim Syndicate, but leaves again after the death of Clayface and breaks up with Tim since he was consistently dishonest about his intent to remain Red Robin instead of attending Ivy University. When Ulysses Hadrian Armstrong, the General, infects Tim with the OMAC nanites and threatens to control Gotham, Batman and Cassandra ask Stephanie for help, and she reluctantly agrees. Using her drones, she leads an infiltration into the General's Belfry 2.0 stronghold, and hacks into the system to shut it down. The evil AI Brother Eye confronts her with images of her past in the alternate timeline from which Batman Tim Drake from the future appeared, mocking her as "lesser" than a timeline where she was both Robin and Batgirl. Instead of being cast down, Steph laughs and cracks into the timeline history that Brother Eye and the General have been using to manipulate Tim, showing him the truth, and convincing him to destroy the OMACs himself. After the dust settles, Tim decides to investigate the divergence in timelines Steph discovered, and she joins him in his quest.
Batgirl trio
During ''The Joker War
"The Joker War" is a comic book crossover storyline published by the comic book publishing company DC Comics in late 2020, featuring Batman and his allies. Primarily written by James Tynion IV, the arc is his first major arc on ''Batman'' in '' ...
'', Stephanie and Cassandra fight the Hench Master in Bludhaven. At the end of the story, both she and Stephanie reclaim their Bat symbols. Stephanie receives a new costume, which is an amalgamation of her Spoiler outfit and her previous Batgirl suit.
In Infinite Frontier
Infinite Frontier is a 2021 relaunch by the American comic book publisher DC Comics of its entire line of ongoing monthly superhero comic book titles. It is the follow-up to the 2018 New Justice relaunch. The relaunch and event was shepherded by ...
, Barbara Gordon – now primarily operating as Oracle again – explains to Huntress that Stephanie and Cassandra will share the Batgirl title, but that she reserves the right to occasionally suit up as Batgirl in future. In ''Batman: Urban Legends'', it is revealed she and Tim broke up and are not speaking, although she is supportive when he comes out as bisexual and starts dating Bernard Dowd.
In 2022, Stephanie and Cassandra received a series called ''Batgirls'' by Becky Cloonan
Becky Cloonan (born 23 June) is an American comic book creator, known for work published by Tokyopop and Vertigo. In 2012 she became the first female artist to draw the main ''Batman'' title for DC Comics.Beck, Laura (February 8, 2013)"Meet the Fi ...
and Michael W. Conrad where they take up residence in one of Gotham's poorer areas after Fear State
"Fear State" is a comic book crossover storyline published by the comic book publishing company DC Comics in late 2021, featuring Batman and his family. Primarily written by James Tynion IV, the arc is his second and final major arc on ''Batman'' ...
made them fugitives. Stephanie and Cassandra acquire a new vehicle they name Bondo.
Powers and abilities
Like most of the Batman family, Stephanie Brown has no superhuman
The term superhuman refers to humans, humanoids or other beings with abilities and other qualities that exceed those naturally found in humans. These qualities may be acquired through natural ability, self-actualization or technological aids. ...
powers. She has been trained extensively by Oracle, Batgirl, Batman, and the Birds of Prey in martial arts
Martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for a number of reasons such as self-defence; military and law enforcement applications; combat sport, competition; physical, mental, and spiritual development; entertainment; ...
, acrobatics
Acrobatics () is the performance of human feats of balance (ability), balance, agility, and motor coordination. Acrobatic skills are used in performing arts, sports, sporting events, and martial arts. Extensive use of acrobatic skills are most ...
, strength training, interrogation, engineering, computer operation and detective work. She's spontaneous, inventive and quick on her feet, known for her creative solutions and 'leap before you look' attitude in her vigilante work. Bruce Wayne likens her mobility, wit and determination to that of fellow ex-Robin Dick Grayson
Richard John "Dick" Grayson is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Batman, Teen Titans and Justice League. Created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane, he first appeared in ' ...
. She has a strong intuition when it comes to people and is able to get across to and bond with many different kinds of people. Although not a martial artist of the caliber of Cassandra Cain, she is an expert in her own right; an unpredictable fighter and a match for Tim Drake. She carries a belt similar to that used by other Gotham vigilantes containing a grappling hook, tracking devices, and various other crime-fighting paraphernalia
Paraphernalia refers to a collection of items or equipment associated with a particular activity, hobby, or lifestyle. The term is often used to describe the tools, accessories, or objects that are used in various fields, such as sports, arts ...
. During ''Gotham Underground'', the Penguin gave her an unknown device that allowed her to become completely invisible. According to Tim Drake, this "ability" was achieved through stolen technology. According to ''Batgirl'' writer Bryan Q. Miller, the ability to become invisible has not been incorporated into Stephanie's Batgirl costume.
After Stephanie took on the Batgirl identity, Barbara Gordon designed a new costume for Stephanie more in line with the rest of the Bat-family's. It is equipped with kevlar
Kevlar (para-aramid) is a strong, heat-resistant synthetic fiber, related to other aramids such as Nomex and Technora. Developed by Stephanie Kwolek at DuPont in 1965, the high-strength material was first used commercially in the early 1970s as ...
and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (American English), carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers (English in the Commonwealth of Nations, Commonwealth English), carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics, carbon-fiber reinforced-thermoplastic (CFRP, CRP, CFRTP), ...
to protect against ballistic, flame, and electrical attacks. Stephanie's Batsuit also carries a wireless relay within the cowl, permitting her to remain in contact with Barbara. The suit also allows Barbara to monitor Stephanie's vital signs. Stephanie now also uses a collapsible bo staff, similar to the one that Tim Drake uses. It is implied that she had been trained by Cassandra Cain in using it before assuming the Batgirl mantle.
Other versions
* An alternate universe variant of Stephanie Brown appears in '' World Without Young Justice''.
* Stephanie Brown appears in ''''.
* An alternate universe variant of Stephanie Brown appears in '' The New 52: Futures End''.
* An alternate universe variant of Stephanie Brown from Earth-Three
Earth-Three, or simply Earth-3 or Earth 3, is a “partially-reversed” Earth, where supervillainous counterparts of the mainstream DC superheroes reside. It first appeared in ''Justice League of America'' #29 (August 1964), and the concept has ...
appears in '' Young Justice (2019)''.
*An alternate universe variant of Stephanie Brown appears in ''Future State
"Future State" is a comic book storyline published by DC Comics in January and February 2021, consisting of multiple limited series released in place of DC's regular ongoing series during those months. The event is set in the aftermath of the " ...
''.
In other media
Television
* Stephanie Brown as Spoiler appears in ''Young Justice
Young Justice is a fictional DC Comics superhero team consisting of teenaged heroes. The team was formed in 1998 when DC's usual teen hero group, the Teen Titans, had become adults and changed their name to the Titans. Like the original ''Teen T ...
'', voiced by Mae Whitman
Mae Margaret Whitman (born June 9, 1988) is an American actor. She began her career as a child actor, starring in the films '' When a Man Loves a Woman'' (1994), '' One Fine Day'' (1996), ''Independence Day'' (1996), and '' Hope Floats'' (1998), ...
.[ A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.] This version is a member of the Team who temporarily left the group to counter United Nations secretary general Lex Luthor
Alexander "Lex" Joseph Luthor () is a supervillain in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the character first appeared in ''Action Comics'' #23 (published on February 22, 1940, with a cover d ...
's restrictions on the Justice League
The Justice League, or Justice League of America (JLA), is a group of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The team first appeared in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #28 (March 1960). Writer Gardner Fox conceived the ...
.
* Stephanie Brown appears in the ''Batwoman
Batwoman is a name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, depicted as female counterparts and allies of Batman similarly to Batgirl. The original version of the character, Kathy Kane (eventually given t ...
'' episode "I'll Give You a Clue", portrayed by Morgan Kohan
Morgan Kohan (born December 30, 1993) is a Canadian actress.
In 2019, Kohan began starring as Lillian in '' When Hope Calls'', a spinoff of ''When Calls the Heart'' in which Kohan guest starred in an episode that served as a backdoor pilot for '' ...
. This version is a redhead and technological genius who develops an interest in Luke Fox.
* Stephanie Brown appears in a photograph in the ''Titans
In Greek mythology, the Titans ( ; ) were the pre-Twelve Olympians, Olympian gods. According to the ''Theogony'' of Hesiod, they were the twelve children of the primordial parents Uranus (mythology), Uranus (Sky) and Gaia (Earth). The six male ...
'' episode "Barbara Gordon" as one of Bruce Wayne's potential Robin candidates following the death of Jason Todd
Jason Peter Todd is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. First appearing in ''Batman (comic book), Batman'' #357 in March 1983, he was created to succeed Dick Grayson as Robin (character), Robin, Batman's partner ...
.
* Stephanie Brown appears in '' Gotham Knights'', portrayed by Anna Lore. This version is the best friend of Bruce Wayne's adoptive son Turner Hayes who initially develops a rivalry, later romantic relationship, with Harper Row
Bluebird (Harper Row) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, primarily in association with Batman. Harper Row was created by writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo, first appearing in ''Batman'' (vo ...
.
* Stephanie Brown as Spoiler appears in the '' Kite Man: Hell Yeah!'' episode "Pilot, Hell Yeah!", voiced by Stephanie Hsu
Stephanie Ann Hsu ( : born November 25, 1990) is an American actress. She received critical acclaim for her dual role as Joy Wang and Jobu Tupaki in the film ''Everything Everywhere All at Once'' (2022), which earned her a nomination for the Aca ...
.
* Stephanie Brown appears in the '' Batman: Caped Crusader'' episode "Nocturne", voiced by Amari McCoy Amari may refer to:
* Amari Province, Greece
* Amari Valley and town in Crete, Greece
** Amari (municipality) in Crete, Greece
* Amari, Nepal
* Ämari, Estonia
** Ämari Air Base, military airfield near the village
* Amari Hotels and Resorts
* Mikh ...
. This version is an orphan under Leslie Thompkins
Leslie Maurin Thompkins (sometimes spelled Tompkins) is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, usually as a supporting character in stories featuring Batman, of whom she is an ally. Created by writer Dennis O'Neil a ...
' care.
Video games
* Stephanie Brown as Spoiler appears as a unlockable playable character in the Nintendo DS
The is a foldable handheld game console produced by Nintendo, released globally across 2004 and 2005. The DS, an initialism for "Developers' System" or "Dual Screen", introduced distinctive new features to handheld games: two LCD screens worki ...
version of '' Lego Batman: The Videogame.
* Stephanie Brown as Spoiler, Batgirl, and Robin appears as a character summon in '' Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure''.
* Stephanie Brown as Spoiler appears as a DLC character in '' Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham''.
* Stephanie Brown as Spoiler appears as an unlockable character in ''DC Legends''.
Miscellaneous
* Two incarnations of Stephanie Brown appear in '' All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold'' #13. The Phantom Stranger
The Phantom Stranger is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, of unspecified paranormal origins, who battles mysterious and occult forces, sometimes under their Vertigo (DC Comics), Vertigo imprint. The character ...
summons her as Robin, among other Robins, to help Batman while Madame Xanadu
Madame Xanadu (Nimue Inwudu) is a fictional character published by DC Comics. The character is identified with Nimue, the sorceress from Arthurian mythology made popular by Sir Thomas Malory's ''Le Morte d'Arthur''.
Jeryl Prescott portrays X ...
shows him a team of Batgirls, with Brown as a member.
* The ''Batwoman'' incarnation of Stephanie Brown appears in the tie-in comic ''Earth-Prime: Batwoman'' #1.[''Earth-Prime: Batwoman'' #1]
Collected editions
Stephanie Brown as Spoiler/Robin:
Issues not collected into TPB/HC format:
''Detective Comics'' Vol. 1 #647–649
''Robin'' Vol 4: #15–16; #25–26; #35; #40–41; #43–45; #50; #54; #56–62; #64–65; #74–75; #80; #82–84; #87–88; #92–95; #100–105; #107–113; #116; #119–120
''Batgirl'' Vol. 1 #31–32; #38; #53–55
''Young Justice'' Vol. 1 #30; #49–51; #54
''Batman'' Vol. 1 #713
''Nightwing'' Vol. 2 #75
''Batman and the outsiders'' Vol 2 #13
''Supergirl'' Vol. 4 #60
''Convergence'' Vol. 1 #1
''Convergence Batgirl'' Vol. 1 #1
''Detective Comics: Endgame'' Vol. 1 #1
Stephanie Brown as Batgirl:
See also
;Character lists
*List of Batman supporting characters
The Batman supporting characters are fictional characters that appear in the American comic books published by DC Comics featuring the superhero Batman as the main protagonist.
"Batman family" or "Bat-Family" is the informal term for Batman's clo ...
;Concepts and themes
*''Girl Heroes
''Girl Heroes: The New Force In Popular Culture'' is a 2002 book by Susan Hopkins. It is a cultural analysis of the contemporary archetype of the girl hero in popular culture.
Hopkins argues for a link between the 1990s British band Spice Girls, ...
''
*Girl Power
Girl power is a slogan that encourages and celebrates women's empowerment, independence, confidence and strength. The slogan's invention is credited to the US punk band Bikini Kill, who published a zine called ''Bikini Kill #2: Girl Power'' in ...
*Portrayal of women in comics
The portrayal of women in American comic books has often been a subject of controversy since the medium's beginning. Critics have noted that both lead and supporting female characters are substantially more subjected to gender stereotypes (with f ...
*Women warriors in literature and culture
The portrayal of women warriors in literature and popular culture is a subject of study in history, literary studies, film studies, folklore history, and mythology. The archetypal figure of the woman warrior is an example of a normal thing t ...
* Women in Refrigerators
References
External links
*
*
*
*
GirlWonder.org
Host of
Project Girl Wonder
Spoiler
at the Unofficial Guide to the DC Universe
{{DEFAULTSORT:Brown, Stephanie (Comics)
Batgirl
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Characters created by Chuck Dixon
Characters created by Tom Lyle
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