Batgirl Key Issues: All Essential Comics to Collect

Batgirl is one of the most popular and collectible characters in the DC Comics universe. Since Barbara Gordon's introduction in 1967, the mantle of Batgirl has been worn by several heroines — each with their own dedicated identity, visual style, and key issues. The diversity of incarnations (Barbara Gordon, Cassandra Cain, Stephanie Brown) offers collectors a vast territory with entry points at all budgets, from the extremely rare Golden/Silver Age to the very accessible Modern Age.

This guide details all the essential Batgirl key issues, organized by character and era, with current market prices and valuation trends. Whether you're a fan of classic Barbara Gordon, warrior Cassandra Cain, or the hipster Burnside era, these are the must-have issues for your collection.

Detective Comics #359 (1967) — The Birth of Batgirl

Detective Comics #359, published in January 1967, contains the first appearance of Barbara Gordon as Batgirl. Created by Gardner Fox (screenplay) and Carmine Infantino (drawing), Barbara is the daughter of Commissioner Gordon — a brilliant librarian who becomes a superhero by choice, not tragedy. This issue is the absolute grail of any Batgirl collection.

Creation context

DC Comics created Barbara Gordon/Batgirl in coordination with the 1960s Batman television series (starring Adam West). The character appeared almost simultaneously in comics and on television (played by Yvonne Craig), an avant-garde multimedia strategy for the time. The success was immediate: Batgirl became a feminist symbol and a model of intelligence and independence.

Valuation by grade

• CGC 9.4 (NM): $25,000 – $40,000 — extremely rare at this grade
• CGC 9.0 (VF/NM): $12,000 – $18,000
• CGC 8.0 (VF): $5,000 – $8,000
• CGC 6.0 (FN): $2,000 – $3,500
• CGC 4.0 (VG): $800 – $1,200
• CGC 2.0 (GD): 400 – 600 $

The trend has been upward since 2015, driven by the growing popularity of Batgirl in modern media, the Arkham games and the solo film project announced then canceled by Warner Bros. Even the film's cancellation didn't lower prices, a sign of the character's intrinsic strength.

Batman: The Killing Joke (1988) — The Tragic Turning Point

Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland is one of the most influential graphic novels in comic book history. The Joker shoots Barbara Gordon, paralyzing her from the waist down — a moment that would transform the character into the Oracle for over 20 years.

Editions and prices

• First print (1988, softcover): $200 – 500 in CGC 9.8, $80 – 150 in CGC 9.6
• First print (hardcover): $100 – $200 in CGC 9.8
• Deluxe Edition (2008, recolored by Bolland): $30 – $60 in CGC 9.8

The first print from 1988 is the most sought after. The animated film adaptation (2016) and this story's continued influence on all depictions of the Joker keeps demand high.

Cassandra Cain — The Warrior Batgirl

Cassandra Cain, introduced during No Man's Land in 1999, is the first Batgirl to receive her own ongoing series. The daughter of assassin David Cain, raised without language to become the perfect fighter, she is considered by many to be the best fighter in the entire DC Universe.

Key issues Cassandra Cain

• Batman #567 (1999)— First appearance of Cassandra Cain. $100 – 250 in CGC 9.8, $40 – 80 in CGC 9.6.
• Detective Comics #741 (1999)— First appearance in Batgirl costume. $60 – $150 in CGC 9.8.
• Batgirl #1 (2000, ongoing series)— First issue of his solo series, 73 issues in total. $150 – $350 in CGC 9.8.
• Batgirl #50 (2004)— Cassandra against Lady Shiva, conclusion of the first part of the run. $20 – $40 in CGC 9.8.
• Batgirl #73 (2006)— Last issue of the series. $25 – $50 in CGC 9.8.

Cassandra's appearances in the Birds of Prey (2020) film and constant rumors of a larger role in the DCEU/DCU have kept demand high. Its appearance in the game Gotham Knights (2022) also boosted the interest of new collectors.

Birds of Prey — Barbara Gordon as Oracle

During Barbara Gordon's time as Oracle (1988-2011), she led the Birds of Prey team. These issues are essential for any Batgirl/Barbara collection:

• Birds of Prey #1 (1999, ongoing series)— Start of the series by Chuck Dixon. $40 – $100 in CGC 9.8.
• Birds of Prey #56 (2003)— Gail Simone resumes the series, start of the final run. $30 – $60 in CGC 9.8.
• Birds of Prey #1 (2010, relaunch)— Return of Gail Simone. $15 – $30 in CGC 9.8.
• Suicide Squad #23 (1989)— First appearance of Oracle (Barbara in a wheelchair). $50 – $120 in CGC 9.8.

The film Birds of Prey (2020) starring Margot Robbie generated interest in these issues, although the film had little to do with the comics. Gail Simone's numbers remain the most sought after by fans of the character.

The Burnside era (2014-2016) — The pop revival

In 2014, DC Comics relaunched Batgirl with a new creative team (Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher, Babs Tarr) and a new "hipster" look for Barbara Gordon, now based in the trendy Burnside neighborhood. This radical change in tone divided fans but attracted a massive new audience.

Keys from the Burnside era

• Batgirl #35 (2014)— Start of the Burnside era, new iconic costume. $30 – $60 in CGC 9.8.
• Batgirl #36 variant Babs Tarr— Highly sought-after variant. $40 – $80 in CGC 9.8.
• Batgirl #37 (2014)— Controversial cover removed and then reissued. The original edition with the modified cover: $20 – $40 in CGC 9.8.
• Batgirl #41 variant (Joker cover)— Rafael Albuquerque's controversial Killing Joke tribute cover, removed by DC after controversy. Extremely rare: $300 – $800 for rare unreturned pre-order copies.

Batgirl #41 "Joker variant" has become one of the most controversial and sought-after modern comics. DC officially removed this cover before publication, but a few copies were reportedly distributed, creating a near-mythical modern grail.

Batgirl in the Rebirth era and beyond (2016–present)

• Batgirl #1 (2016, Rebirth)— Relaunch by Hope Larson. $15 – $30 in CGC 9.8.
• Batgirl #23 (2018)— Return to the classic purple suit. $10 – $20 in CGC 9.8.
• Batgirls #1 (2021)— New series bringing together Barbara, Cassandra and Stephanie. $15 – $30 in CGC 9.8.

The Batgirls series (2021-2023) with all three Batgirls together represents an excellent entry point for new collectors, with accessible issues and quality content.