Talk:Batgirl/Archive 1

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Archive This is an archive of past discussions. Do not edit the contents of this page. If you wish to start a new discussion or revive an old one, please do so on the current talk page.

This archive page covers approximately the dates between 2004 and August 2005.

Post replies to the main talk page, copying or summarizing the section you are replying to if necessary.

Please add new archivals to Talk:Batgirl/Archive02. (See Wikipedia:How to archive a talk page.) Thank you. -- Ipstenu 16:28, 13 March 2006 (UTC)

ÁIntro - I reverted and edited the introduction. There is more than enough information on Betty Kane, Barbara Gordon, and Cassandra Cain in the body of the article; that info is not needed in the intro. The intro should provide a very concise explanation of what the Batgirl character is in general--details about her paralysis, secret ID's, etc. are best left for the body. - Eric

I can see your reasoning that extensive information is exessive for the intro. But I would still like to include at least a few key traits of the character (young, Gordon's daughter, modeled after Batman) and get rid of some fanboy-ese ("Batman family of titles").
I know that a lot of this is covered in detail in the body of the text but I feel that articles of a certain length should have an intro provides all the essentials and most articles about superheroes do. - Nick

Okay, I can readily agree with most of that. I like your current version much better than the other one because it is much more concise. I've made some changes to it. I think that four paragraphs with 5 sentences is just too much. Let's have one paragraph explaining the character and noting that Barbara Gordon is the most well known Batgirl. I prefer to avoid the term "significant" because it makes a value judgement that prevents a NPOV, IMO. I also prefer the wording of the "current Batgirl" paragraph to begin with the note that Batgirl is also the title of the comic series. (Also, must we use the word "eponymous"? It seems out of place, somehow. If you really like it, I won't change it again.) I also don't see "Batman family" as fanboy-ese, but it's easy enough to do without. - Eric

The current version looks good. I, however, would change the second paragraph to:
The most well known Batgirl is Barbara Gordon, the daughter of Gotham City Police Commissioner James Gordon. Introduced in the 1960s Batman television series she was soon added to the comic book continuity. Although The Joker left Gordon paralyzed, forcing her to give up the mantle, this version of Batgirl remains the best known and has been appeared in adaptations of the Batman mythos in other media.
I know this gets into plot summary but, to me, paralysis is a key trait of the character for the last 15 years. You could argue that it is a key trait of Oracle and not Batgirl but anyone besides a regular reader of the comic book series probably best know Oracle as "that girl who was Batgirl until she got shot."
Plus, it bridges the gap between Gordon and Cain and explains why the old Batgirl is now a mentor to a new one. Anyway, it's not that big a deal and I won't change it until you've given me your opinion.
- Nick
The problem with the way you have it phrased there is that it sounds like Barbara was paralyzed by the Joker almost immediately. How about: "Although she gave up the mantle in the late 1980s after being paralyzed by The Joker, this version of Batgirl remains the best known and has been appeared in adaptations of the Batman mythos in other media."? --Paul A 03:00, 21 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Added stuff to Cassandra Cain. Includes a whole new short paragraph about her costume and a quote from the comic book series. -Shahrazhad

Current developments in Birds of Prey

Apparently, the current issue (#85) features a major change in Barbara Gordon's life. (I'm yet to read the issue myself, but according to hints made by Gail Simone, I'm pretty sure what in involves.) If someone could update the entry with the relevant information (a spoiler tag may be necessary, though) that'd be great. Fastbak77 23:37, August 18, 2005 (UTC)