Gotham Unleashed: The Most Notorious Villains in Batman's Rogues' Gallery
Joker, Catwoman, Riddler, Penguin, Two-Face, Bane and the rest of comics' greatest rogues' gallery β who they are, what drives them, and why Gotham...
Bat Family! Who are they?
Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, Oracle, Red Hood and more β meet the whole Bat-Family, who each member is, and how Gotham's lone wolf ended up with comics' biggest family.
The funny thing about comics' most famous loner is that he built the biggest family in superhero fiction. The Bat-Family β the allies, partners, and proteges who share Batman's mission β has grown for over eighty years, and keeping track of who's who is half the fun of Gotham. Here's the roster that matters.
The Robins
It started in 1940 with Dick Grayson, the circus acrobat who became the first Robin and lightened the whole book. Since then the mantle has passed down a famous line:
- Dick Grayson β the original, who grew up and out of the role
- Jason Todd β the second, whose death and return changed Gotham forever
- Tim Drake β the detective's detective, who deduced Batman's identity to get the job
- Stephanie Brown β briefly Robin, memorably Spoiler and Batgirl
- Damian Wayne β Bruce's own son, raised by assassins, learning to be a hero
Nightwing: the one who graduated
Dick Grayson outgrew the sidekick role and became Nightwing, protector of the neighboring city of BlΓΌdhaven β proof the Bat-Family produces leaders, not shadows. He's the hero every other hero trusts, and the heir apparent whenever Gotham needs a Batman.
Batman trained partners, and the partners became a dynasty.
The Batgirls and Oracle
Barbara Gordon, the commissioner's daughter, defined Batgirl β and after the Joker's attack in The Killing Joke, redefined heroism itself as Oracle, the information hub of the entire superhero community and leader of the Birds of Prey. Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown have both carried the Batgirl mantle since, each in her own style.
The extended household
| Member | Role in the family |
|---|---|
| Alfred Pennyworth | Butler, medic, conscience β the true head of household |
| Red Hood (Jason Todd) | The prodigal son with a harder code |
| Batwoman (Kate Kane) | Bruce's cousin, a soldier's Batman |
| Huntress | The family's sharpest edge |
| Ace the Bat-Hound | A very good boy |
New-reader tip: the family dynamic is best on display in stories where they all share a page β look for "Battle for the Cowl" or any Bat-Family crossover event.
Family colors
Rep the whole dynasty β Batman, Nightwing, Catwoman, and more β officially licensed, printed to order in the USA, free US shipping and free 30-day returns.
Disclaimer: SonsOfGotham.com is not affiliated with DC Comics or Warner Bros. All shirts are officially licensed.
FAQ
Who was the first Robin?
Dick Grayson, the circus acrobat who joined Batman in 1940 and later became Nightwing.
How many Robins have there been?
Five main ones: Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Damian Wayne.
Who is Oracle?
Barbara Gordon, the original Batgirl, who became the superhero community's information hub after The Killing Joke and leads the Birds of Prey.
Do you carry Bat-Family shirts?
Yes, Batman, Nightwing, Batgirl and more, all officially licensed and printed to order in the USA.
All titles, characters, and trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners. Sons of Gotham sells officially licensed merchandise.
Shop the story
Shop all BatmanKeep reading
The Evolution of Batman: A Journey Through the Eras
The cowl changes, the oval comes and goes, and every era leaves a mark you can wear. Here is how to date any Batman design at a glance, from 1939 p...
Avengers Vs. Justice League: How Would These Worlds Collide?
Comics' favorite what-if: Marvel's mightiest versus DC's finest. We break down the matchups, the history of real crossovers, and why the Justice Le...