Batman Family - Definition and Overview

The Batman Family are various characters that appear in the various titles produced by DC Comics. These characters are generally masked vigilantes who were either trained by Batman, or operate in Gotham City, with (at least) his tacit approval. Thus Superman and the JLA, while allies of Batman, are not usually included. Batman seems to consider them his agents in his war on crime, and while he often directs their efforts where they are most needed, they sometimes recent his intrusion in their lives. At the same time, many of them consider themselves his friends and try to help him with his personal problems as well. It could be argued that they keep him from turning into a merciless vigilante.

Members include:

• Azrael
• Batgirl
• Batman
• The Huntress
• Nightwing
• Oracle
• Robin

It could be expanded to include non-superhero characters like Alfred Pennyworth and Commissioner James Gordon. Catwoman and Black Canary could be consider members too, but that is debatable.

Two Comic book series have used the title Batman Family. The first was an ongoing series that ran 20 issues from 1972 to 1975. This was an anthology title that featured members of the Batman Family, predominately Batgirl and Robin, Batman himself rarely appeared. After this title was finished similar type stories were included as backup stories in an expanded version of Detective Comics for a few years before the comic was reduced back to a regular size issue. In 2002 an 8 issue miniseries titled Batman Family was published featuring Batman and the Batman Family.