James Gordon (comics)

Template:Dablink Template:Superherobox James Gordon is a supporting character in the Batman comic books published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Detective Comics #27 (May, 1939) and was the first Batman supporting character to be introduced.

In most versions of the Batman mythos, he is Gotham City's police commissioner. He succeeded Commissioner Gillian B. Loeb in the rank at GCPD. Gordon frequently contacts Batman for help in solving various crimes, particularly those committed by supervillains. Because DC Comics retconned its characters' history in the 1985 miniseries Crisis on Infinite Earths, and because of different interpretations in television and film, the details of Gordon's history vary from story to story.

In the original pre-Crisis version of his history, Gordon was a police detective who initially bitterly resented the mysterious vigilante's interference in police business. Although the Batman seemed to fight on the side of justice, his bizarre methods and phenomenal track record for stopping crimes and capturing criminals embarrassed the police by comparison. Eventually, Batman met up with Gordon and persuaded the detective that they needed each other's help. Batman was deputized and worked with Gordon as an agent of the law.

The post-Crisis version of the character was introduced in the mid-1980s storyline Batman: Year One, written by Frank Miller. In this version, Gordon was transferred from Chicago to Gotham City's corrupt police department. A man of integrity, Gordon found that his only ally against the mob-controlled administration was the Batman. One of the most significant differences in this version is that Batman was never deputized and Gordon's relationship with him was kept out of the public eye whenever possible.

When Gordon needs to summon Batman, he uses the Bat-Signal, a specially modified Klieg searchlight with a stylized symbol of a bat placed on it so that it projects a large Bat emblem on the sky or buildings of Gotham City.

In addition, Gordon has a relative, Barbara Gordon, also known as Batgirl and Oracle. In the original comics and in the 1990s Batman: The Animated Series and its spinoffs, Barbara is James Gordon's daughter; in the current comics, she is his niece-turned-adopted-daughter (though it was revealed that he may actually be her biological father as well).

In most versions of the mythos, Gordon is ignorant of Batman's identity, though some fans and writers feel that Gordon is smart enough to solve the puzzle, but chooses not to in order to preserve Batman's effectiveness. In the 1966 Batman theatrical movie, Gordon explicitly states his desire not to know for such a reason.

Gordon fell in love with fellow officer, Sarah Essen and eventually the two were married. However, Sarah Essen, could not comprehend why Gordon needs Batman so much and that did put a strain on their relationship on a few occasions. Nevertheless though they remained with each other and did get married. Unfortunately she was fatally shot by the Joker at the end of "No Man's Land".

Gordon has since retired from the police force after having served 20 odd years in it. He still remains as a friend and ally to Batman.

Portrayed in other media

In the 1960s Batman series, Gordon is played by Neil Hamilton, and is portrayed as not only having the Bat-signal at his disposal, but also an emergency telephone that connects directly to the Batcave. Batman and Robin are regular visitors to his office.

In the 1989 Batman film, and its three sequels, Gordon is portrayed by Pat Hingle. In the first film, he regards the Batman as a rumor at best and vigilante at worst, thought by the end of the film, he and the citizens of Gotham publicly acknowledge his usefulness, and receive from him the gift of the Batsignal, which he uses regularly in subsequent films to call for Batman and, later, Robin as well.

In Batman: The Animated Series, he is portrayed by Robert Hastings, and his relationship with Batman was similar to that in the comics, with the alliance largely kept between Batman, Gordon, and Harvey Bullock. Many scenes in the series portray Batman and the Commissioner having clandestine meetings at the Batsignal.

The 2005 film Batman Begins portrays Gordon's rise from beat cop to Seargeant and, by the end of the film, Lieutenant. He comforts Bruce Wayne after the murder of his parents, and Wayne later recognizes him as one of the few honest police officers in the city. The two form an alliance that is kept secret from all other police officers. In this film, he is portrayed by Gary Oldman.fr:James Gordon (Batman)