Batgirl’s Bronze Age Costume Returns To DC: How Does It Rank Among Her Modern Suits?

WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for DC’S I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST CRISIS #1!With 57 years of comic history under her belt, Barbara Gordon boasts a multitude of Batgirl costumes, and now one of her most classic designs is making a comeback, bringing a wave of nostalgia. The reappearance of this costume provides the perfect opportunity to discuss how it ranks among her other iconic looks. Is your favorite Batgirl costume among these designs?

DC’s I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 delivers eight chilling tales set across the multiverse, revisiting every major crisis in DCU history and spotlighting never-before-told stories featuring fan-favorite characters. Among these eight tales is Cavan Scott, Ario Anindito, and Carrie Strachan’s What Kind of Hero? This Batgirl-centric story takes place “between the pages of Crisis on Infinite Earths #4” and features Killer Croc, with a cameo by Superman’s Krypto. While only the first few pages have been released in the preview, fans are left wondering what to expect, but the return of Batgirl’s Bronze Age costume is sure to capture plenty of attention.

This Costume Is Also a Return of Batgirl’s Filmation’s The Adventures of Batman (1968) Look

Batgirl’s ‘Bronze Age’ costume, which she wore in comics from the 1970s to the 1980s, showcases a predominantly blue, grey, and yellow color scheme. While this look closely resembles her original costume, the primary change is the switch from black to grey in the suit. Designed to mimic Batman’s aesthetic during that era, Barbara’s costume features a light grey bodysuit adorned with a yellow Bat insignia, along with a utility belt, boots, and matching gloves, all complemented by a bold blue cape and cowl. This design also evokes Batgirl’s appearance in Filmation’s The Adventures of Batman animated series from 1968, further emphasizing its iconic status.

Artist Ario Anindito’s recreation of this classic look in DC’s I Know What You Did Last Crisis remains faithful to the original design, skillfully capturing details like the spikes on Batgirl’s gauntlets and her high-heeled boots. The return of this costume is particularly fitting in the context of What Kind of Hero?, which is set during Crisis on Infinite Earths. With the story taking place in Gotham in 1985, it aligns perfectly with how Barbara’s costume would have appeared during that era. This reappearance of her suit, especially against the backdrop of Crisis on Infinite Earths, is bound to evoke a wave of nostalgia among fans, making this short story a standout highlight.

How Does the Bronze Age Costume Compare to Barbara Gordon’s Other Most Iconic Looks?

Which Is YOUR Favorite Batgirl Costume?

Some of Barbara Gordon’s most iconic looks, aside from her Bronze Age costume, include her New 52, Rebirth, Burnside, classic, and Fear State designs, listed in the order they appear in the gallery above. These suits are among her most memorable and beloved by fans, representing a significant portion of her costume history, though this is by no means an exhaustive list. Notably, Batgirl’s Rebirth design stands out in the context of this article, as it revives the color scheme of her Bronze Age costume, albeit with a slightly muted blue and some design alterations.

However, blue, grey, and yellow are far from Barbara’s only color schemes. Her New 52 design features a striking black and gold suit, which is an upgraded version of her classic black and yellow ensemble. Additionally, Barbara’s Burnside and Fear State costumes showcase a fan-favorite combination of purple, yellow, and black. Recently, Batgirl has predominantly appeared in either her purple and yellow or black and yellow suits, making the return of her iconic blue and grey Bronze Age costume a refreshing change, even if some fans may not consider it her overall best look.

Batgirl’s Blue & Gray Costume Will ALWAYS Be One of Her Most Classic Looks

A Crisis on Infinite Earths Story That Stars Batgirl? SIGN US UP!

While Batgirl’s Bronze Age costume may not be an absolute favorite among most fans, it is undeniably a classic that played a significant role in shaping the character’s history. Its semi-revival during the Rebirth era further solidified its standing among her other costumes in readers’ minds, making its return in this Halloween-themed special all the more welcome. In addition to the excitement surrounding the suit itself, fans are eagerly anticipating a Crisis on Infinite Earths story that places a greater focus on Batgirl, transforming this special into a must-read for many.

DC’s I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 is available October 2, 2024, from DC Comics!