Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) throughout DC Comics. It may not encompass every one of her appearances but is an outline of the major ones and the stories that affect them.

The continuity details relating to each specific storyline are explained in the “Review” of each storyline. Every “Review” link will provide a detailed continuity breakdown of that story and will explain any reference the story makes to other aspects of the DC Universe. All of this can be found under the “Continuity” section of each link.

Jump to: New 52 – Rebirth

New 52

With the beginning of the New 52, the DC Universe’s continuity was reset. Almost all of Batgirl’s history was wiped clean and her earlier appearances were no longer considered in continuity. However, her general history as Batgirl and her paralysis remained.

Batgirl’s story is primarily told through her solo series. This comic showcases almost all of her important adventures and is what furthers her character development in this era. The majority of the series is set in Gotham but Batgirl #35 introduces a shift in location and a shift in the general tone of the series. Besides this, Batgirl also has a costarring role as a member of the Birds of Prey (Reading Order) and has intense ties to the Bat-family and its individual members.

JLU = Justice League United
Birds of Prey issues are from the Vol. 3 series
Batgirl issues are from the Vol. 4 series
Nightwing issues are from the Vol. 3 series
Batman issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Batman/Superman issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Batman and Robin issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Detective Comics issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Secret Six issues are from the Vol. 4 series

Notes

1. This issue establishes Batgirl's early feelings toward the Birds of Prey (Reading Order).
2. A conversation between Batgirl and Nightwing (Reading Order) starts in Batgirl #3 and is continued in Nightwing #3. This issue elaborates on what was said in Batgirl #3 but is not completely necessary in understanding Batgirl's story.
3. Batgirl is a member of the Birds of Prey (Reading Order) in this era. In most of the Birds' appearances Black Canary (Reading Order) is the focus of the comic. However, Batgirl still serves in a supporting role or plays a contributing part in a larger group effort. For these appearances, this reading order links ComicBookWire's "Birds of Prey Reading Order" to prevent this reading order from becoming overly complicated. Larger or more significant appearances are listed separately and explained where indicated.
4. Only the "Tomorrow" story from this issue is relevant to this reading order. This story is a flashback that simply shows a brief moment of inspiration from Barbara's past.
5. This issue depicts a meeting of the Bat-family in the midst of the Death of the Family (Reading Order) event. Because Batgirl's role in this event has little to no breaks in it, Batman #15 does not fit well into this reading order so we have tried to place it where it fits best.
6. Only the "Dreamer" story from this issue is relevant to this reading order.
7. This issue is mostly about Superman (Reading Order) and Batman. However, it also sees contributions toward Batman's efforts from Batgirl and Red Hood (Reading Order).
8. This issue mostly focuses on Batman but features Batgirl as a supporting character.
9. This issue has Batgirl as a supporting character. It also expands on Barbara's relationship with Dick Grayson (Reading Order) at the time.
10. One of the storylines running through the Batman Eternal series is centered around Batgirl. It has little impact on her main storyline but is briefly mentioned in a few issues of the Batgirl series. Note: The Batgirl-centric storyline essentially ends around Batman Eternal #28; in the second set of Batman Eternal issues listed here (36-52) her appearances are far less prominent.
11. These issues expand upon the Gothtopia (Reading Order) event. The Detective Comics issues simply explain how the event began and was resolved, with brief appearances from Batgirl. Meanwhile, the Birds of Prey issue features more prominent appearances from Batgirl and tie in to what is currently happening in the Birds of Prey series.
12. These issues feature a guest appearance from Batgirl. Her role here connects to earlier storylines from the Batgirl series and helps set up a small piece of the "Deadline" story arc from the Batgirl series.
13. These issues take place in the alternate future of the Futures End (Reading Order) series and, therefore, does not have an impact on Batgirl's current storyline. However, They offer a unique reflection on a possible path her character may take.
14. This arc centers around the entire Bat-family. It also serves as an emotional successor to the hurt feelings present at the conclusion of the Death of the Family (Reading Order) event.
15. Only "The Algorithm" story is relevant to this reading order.
16. These issues conclude the Batman: Endgame (Reading Order) event and feature small appearances from Batgirl.
17. These issues have Batgirl in a supporting role on the Justice League United (Reading Order). Though they have little impact on her character, they may be interesting for readers looking to see her connections to the Justice Leagues of this time.
18. This issue reveals, to Batgirl, some mysteries surrounding Dick Grayson. It also explains how they feel toward each other at this point in time.
19. This issue only features a brief appearance from Batgirl. However, it somewhat continues a conversation from Batgirl #45. 
20. These issues feature a guest appearance from Batgirl. Her role here is not big but continues the ongoing storyline surrounding her relationship with Strix.
21. This arc centers around the entire Bat-family and briefly highlights contributions from them as individuals.

Rebirth

The transition from the New 52 to the Rebirth introduces almost no continuity changes for Batgirl. It more specifically mentions her pre-New 52 history as Oracle but this was never explicitly removed by the New 52's continuity changes anyway. Instead, Batgirl's journey here picks up directly where it left off in the previous era.

In the Rebirth era, Batgirl's adventures mainly play out through two separate comics. The Batgirl series details her solo adventures and most of her actions in the neighborhood of Burnside. The Batgirl and the Birds of Prey series details her efforts alongside the newly reformed Birds of Prey (Reading Order) and develops her friendships with Black Canary (Reading Order) and Huntress (Reading Order). Outside of these comics, Batgirl also makes several appearances alongside Nightwing (Reading Order) and a few other characters.

BatBoP = Batgirl and the Birds of Prey
B:PttW = Batman: Prelude to the Wedding
Nightwing issues are from the Vol. 4 series
Batgirl issues are from the Vol. 5 series
Supergirl issues are from the Vol. 7 series
Detective Comics issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Green Arrow issues are from the Vol. 6 series

Notes

1. These issues are mostly about Nightwing (Reading Order). Batgirl's appearances in these issues mostly involve team-ups between the two or discussions about their romantic relationship.
2. Only the "I Don't Wanna Be Late" story from this issue is relevant to this reading order.
3. This story arc is mostly about Supergirl (Reading Order). However, it continues some elements of the Batgirl/Supergirl team-up that were seen when they met in Batgirl Annual #1.
4. This issue mostly focuses on the characters and plotlines currently present in this Detective Comics (Reading Order) series. However, it is probably Batgirl's most significant appearance alongside the Bat-family in this entire era and, thus, may be of interest to fans.
5. This issue only features somewhat small contributions from Batgirl. However, they help cement her contribution to the Justice League: No Justice (Reading Order) event.

All DC Comics Reading Orders