James Gordon (comics)
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| Commissioner Gordon | |
 Detail from the cover art for Detective Comics #779 (Feb. 2003). Art by Tim Sale |
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| Publication information | |
|---|---|
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | Detective Comics #27 (May, 1939) |
| Created by | Bob Kane Bill Finger |
| In-story information | |
| Full name | James Worthington "Jim" Gordon |
| Supporting character of | Batman |
James Worthington "Jim" Gordon (better known as Commissioner Gordon) is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #27 (May 1939), and was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane. Gordon made his debut in the same panel as Batman, making him the first Batman supporting character to be introduced.[1]
In most incarnations of the Batman mythos, Gordon is the police commissioner of Batman's home of Gotham City. He shares the hero’s deep commitment to ridding the dark and corrupt city of crime. In Golden and Silver age comics and on the 1960s Batman television show, Gordon fully trusts, and is even somewhat dependent on Batman. In most modern stories, he is somewhat skeptical of Batman's vigilante method but recognizes the necessity of Batman and the two have a mutual respect and tacit friendship. He was the husband of Barbara Kean Gordon and, after his divorce, of Sarah Essen Gordon. Gordon is also the father of James Gordon Jr. and the father or adoptive father, depending on the continuity, of Barbara Gordon, the original Batgirl and later Oracle.
Gordon is an important part of the Batman mythos and has appeared in most other media adaptations of the character. This has included video games, Batman: The Animated Series, and the live-action films. Gordon was played by Lyle Talbot in the serial film Batman and Robin, Neil Hamilton in the television series, Pat Hingle in the Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher film series and Gary Oldman in the Christopher Nolan film series.
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[edit] Fictional character biography
In most versions of the Batman mythos, Gordon is at one point or another depicted as commissioner of the Gotham City Police Department. Gordon frequently contacts Batman for help in solving various crimes, particularly those committed by supervillains. Generally it is Gordon who uses the Batsignal to summon Batman, and it has become a running joke of sorts that the Dark Knight will often disappear in the middle of the discussion when Gordon's back is turned. Gordon is usually silver-haired, tall and thin with a mustache and glasses. In most incarnations, he is seen wearing a trenchcoat and a tie along with a suit. On occasion, he wears a fedora. He is also sometimes pictured with a cane, although it is not revealed why he uses it. 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.
[edit] Early characterizations
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 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.
[edit] Post-Crisis
[edit] Batman: Year One
The post-Crisis version of the character was introduced in the 1987 storyline Batman: Year One, written by Frank Miller. In this version, Gordon was transferred back to the city after spending more than fifteen years in Chicago. 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 is never deputized and Gordon's relationship with him is kept out of the public eye whenever possible. It was also added that he was a Special Forces veteran who is capable in hand-to-hand combat. He is depicted as having an extra-marital affair with a fellow detective, Sarah Essen, due to friction in his marriage. Essen and Gordon correctly deduce Batman's true identity, but are unable (and in Gordon's case, unwilling) to prove it.
The 1998 miniseries Gordon of Gotham takes place nearly twenty years prior to the current events of the DC Universe and two months before his arrival in Gotham in Batman: Year One. It reveals that Gordon, during his tenure in Chicago, struggled with his wife over conceiving a child while taking university night classes in criminology. He becomes a minor celebrity after a foiling a late-night robbery attempt. However, after deciding to investigate a corrupt fellow officer, he is assaulted and discredited. Gordon then uncovers evidence of rigging in the city council election and brings down two of his fellow officers, which leads to his commander recommending that he take a detective position opening in Gotham.
In the following years, Gordon quickly rises to the rank of Commissioner after he and Batman weed out corruption within the department. Gordon adopts his niece, Barbara, and eventually divorces his wife.
[edit] Batman: The Killing Joke
In the 1988 graphic novel The Killing Joke, the Joker kidnaps Gordon after shooting and paralyzing Barbara. He then cages Gordon in the freak show of an abandoned amusement park and forces him to look at enlarged photos of his wounded daughter in an effort to drive him insane, thus proving to Batman that even the most grounded, seemingly normal people can lose their minds after having "one bad day". Batman eventually apprehends the Joker and rescues Gordon. Despite the intense trauma he has endured, Gordon's sanity and code of ethics is intact; he insists that Batman apprehend the Joker without harming him in order to "show him that our way works."
[edit] No Man's Land
The No Man's Land storyline took place after Gotham was destroyed by an earthquake and isolated from outside assistance. Inside Gotham, Gordon struggled to maintain order amidst rampant crime. Batman was mysteriously absent for the initial three months, and Gordon felt somewhat betrayed. He forged an uneasy alliance with Two-Face, but was later double-crossed, kidnapped, and put on trial by Two-Face for breaking their "legally-binding" alliance. He escaped punishment, and later met with Batman once again. In this confrontation, Gordon expressed his disgust towards Batman for letting Gotham "fall into ruin". Batman offered to prove his trust by revealing his secret identity, but Gordon refused to look when Batman removed his mask. Eventually their friendship was repaired.
[edit] The Death of Sarah Essen
Gordon fell in love with and married fellow officer Sarah Essen. However, Essen could not comprehend why Gordon needed Batman so much, which occasionally put a strain on their relationship. Unfortunately, she was fatally shot by the Joker at the end of the No Man's Land storyline. An enraged Gordon was able to restrain himself from killing Joker, shooting the Joker's knee instead.[1] Not long after this, Gordon was gunned down by a crook seeking revenge for a previous arrest. Though seriously injured, he survived, and eventually made a full recovery.
[edit] Retirement
Gordon retired from the police force after having served for more than 20 years. He remained in Gotham, and occasionally enjoyed nighttime visits from Batman who came to him for company and advice. Despite being retired, Gordon would find himself still drawn to a series of life-and-death circumstances: of The Joker sending him flowers during The Joker's Last Laugh to being kidnapped by Francis Sullivan, grandson of one of Gotham's notorious serial killers in the 1940s who was following his grandfather Seamus' footsteps during the Made of Wood[2] storyline. After the attack by Sullivan, Batman gave Gordon an encrypted cellphone, the so-called Batphone, in case he needed to contact him, which also carried a transmitter in case of trouble. [3] He also still had contacts with the country's law enforcement agencies, which the sheriff's departments requested Gordon to contact Batman to help investigating a series of unusual serial killings on a suburb territory outside the city's limits which later discovered to be a paranormal case involving black magic, occult rituals, and the supernatural.[4] Commissioner Michael Akins had taken his position, with many officers expressing reluctance to follow him despite being an honorable officer. Even Harvey Bullock at one point attempts to humiliate Akins in front of other officers.[5]
After Barbara required surgery to save her life from the Brainiac virus, Gordon visited his adopted daughter in Metropolis. She revealed to him her current role as Oracle, as well as her past as Batgirl. Gordon admitted that he knew of her life as Batgirl, but was pleasantly surprised to know of her career as the computer information broker of the heroes.
[edit] Return
As part of DC's "One Year Later", Gordon has returned to the role of Commissioner;[1] as of the year-long jump he has been back in the job for 3 months. He rebuilt the Bat-Signal, but still carries the mobile Batphone that the Dark Knight gave him. The circumstances behind this are currently unknown, though there have been allusions to extreme corruption within the GCPD. These allusions are supported by events within Gotham Central, especially involving Detective Jim Corrigan. Most recently, Gordon survived an attempt on his life by the Joker (Batman #655), who had drugged him with Joker Venom in an attack on the GCPD. He was taken to the hospital in time.
[edit] Gordon and Batman's Identity
In most versions of the mythos, Gordon is ignorant of Batman's identity. There is usually the implication Gordon is smart enough to solve the puzzle, but chooses not to in order to preserve Batman's effectiveness and maintain Gordon's plausible deniability. In the 1966 Batman film, Gordon explicitly states his desire not to know for such a reason. In Batman: Year One, Gordon claims not to see the unmasked Batman well (whom his wife at that time, Barbara, also sees) because he doesn't have his glasses on. In Batman: The Animated Series, Gordon has implied he deliberately avoids deep investigation on the subject of Batman or Batgirl's identity (that of his own daughter, which he seems more sure of) but cannot acknowledge it because that would put him in an uncomfortable legal position. During No Man's Land, Batman attempts to regain Gordon's trust by revealing himself, but Gordon refuses to look, stating that if he wanted to know Batman's identity, he already would.
Likewise, in the 1980s Detective Comics storyline Blind Justice, the world at large incorrectly supposes Batman is dead and Gordon comments to Bruce Wayne that Batman has earned the right to retirement if he so desires. He then rather pointedly asks Bruce's advice on whether or not he should reveal that Batman still lives. In Batman: Year One, Gordon suspects early on that Bruce Wayne may be Batman, though he never follows up on his suspicions, although Sarah Essen is correct in her suspicions, even being correct with Bruce's motivation. In Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, Gordon and Bruce Wayne are portrayed as close friends, with Gordon discovering his identity years ago. During the Hush story arc, while working with Superman, Batman discusses whether or not Perry White has figured out Superman's secret identity. Theorizing that Perry is too good a reporter to not have figured it out, he draws the same comparison to himself and Gordon, stating that Gordon is too good a cop to not have figured it out.
[edit] Family
[edit] Pre-Crisis
[edit] Tony Gordon
In Pre-Crisis continuity, James Gordon was the biological father of Anthony "Tony" Gordon. Originally referred to as a college student, Tony later disappeared while hiding from Communist spies. He was later reunited with his sister Barbara and perished in a battle with the Sino-Supermen (Batman Family #12, Detective Comics #482).[6] In Post-Crisis continuity, there has been no mention of Tony Gordon.
[edit] Barbara "Babs" Gordon
Babs Gordon (Batgirl) is the biological daughter of James Gordon in Pre-Crisis continuity.
[edit] Post-Crisis
[edit] Barbara Eileen Gordon
Barbara Eileen Gordon is Gordon's ex-wife. In one Post-Crisis story, Gordon and Babs visit the grave of his late wife. However, this story is later retconned when it is revealed that she is not dead, but instead they are divorced. Frank Miller's All Star Batman and Robin depicts the character as an alcoholic. Barbara is portrayed by Melinda McGraw in the 2008 film The Dark Knight, in which she and Gordon's son and daughter are kidnapped by Two-Face. She also makes an appearance on Gotham Tonight giving an account of her husband's dedication to his job. During the "One Year Later" storyline, Gordon makes a slight reference to his ex-wife "doing well", implying that he keeps in touch with her.
[edit] Barbara "Babs" Gordon
Barbara "Babs" Gordon (later Batgirl and Oracle) is the daughter of Gordon's brother Roger and Roger's wife Thelma. When Babs was 12 or 13, Roger and Thelma died. Babs moved to Gotham City and lived with her uncle, aunt and cousin. Eventually, Gordon and Barbara adopted her. However, the couple divorced and Gordon retained custody of Babs, while Barbara moved to Chicago with Gordon, Jr. (Secret Origins #20). It has recently been revealed that Gordon had an affair with Thelma, and might be the biological father of Babs (Batman: Gotham Knights #6). Whether Gordon is Barbara's uncle or father in rebooted continuity has not been touched on since "One Year Later", though the latest arc in Batman Confidential features Batgirl and may touch on this. Solicitations claim Gordon to be Batgirl's father.
[edit] James Gordon Junior
Gordon and his wife, Barbara Kean-Gordon, are the parents of a son, James Gordon, Jr. (Batman #404-407) [1]. In The Dark Knight, he is kidnapped by Two-Face, and portrayed by Nathan Gamble.
[edit] Sarah Essen
Sarah Essen (Batman Annual #13, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Annual #2) was first referenced as Gordon's wife during the future tale The Dark Knight Returns. She first appeared fully in Batman: Year One as a co-worker Gordon has an extra-marital affair with. After marrying Gordon, Sarah was murdered by the Joker at the end of the No Man's Land storyline.
[edit] Alternate realities
[edit] The Dark Knight Returns
James Gordon appears in the limited series Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, which presents a future where a retiring Gordon not only knows Batman's identity, but is good friends with Bruce Wayne. He then makes a cameo on Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again. Now retired, he wrote a book about Batman, who was believed to be dead.
Gordon is also referred to in the first issue of the series, All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder, set in the same universe as and prior to The Dark Knight Returns. He made a full appearance on issue #6, as a police captain, having a conversations with his ex-partner, Sarah Essen, about Batman. He's still married to Barbara Kean Gordon, who is now an alcoholic, and has a son James Jr. Just as other continuities, his daughter, Barbara, who is fifteen, becomes Batgirl. Frank Miller has commented that the series is set in his Dark Knight Universe, which includes all of the Batman works by Frank Miller, therefore Barbara's inclusion confirms that Gordon had two children during Batman: Year One, at least in Miller's version of the continuity.
[edit] JLA: Earth 2
On the Anti-Matter Earth, where the evil Crime Syndicate of America live, James Gordon's counterpart is a crime boss named Boss Gordon, who was an ally to Owlman, and it is implied that he had an affair with Martha Wayne, although this might have been a lie meant to anger Commissioner Thomas Wayne. Boss Gordon was the city's leading crime boss until his empire was toppled by Batman and Commissioner Thomas Wayne.
[edit] Batman: Gotham Noir
In the Elseworld title set in 1940s Gotham, Jim Gordon is an alcoholic hard-boiled private detective who had left the police force following a failure to solve the disappearance of a judge. He is Selina Kyle's former lover and Bruce Wayne's wartime partner.
[edit] Batman: In Darkest Knight
In the Elseworld story Batman: In Darkest Knight, Jim Gordon is an honest cop who distrusts the Green Lantern (who in this reality is Bruce Wayne) because of his near-limitless power. Green Lantern comes to him in order to find the identity of the man who killed his parents, but he rebukes him. Later on, he relents and goes over the files and narrows it down, but he is then interrupted and killed by Sinestro, who ruptures his heart.
[edit] Earth-8
In Lord Havok and the Lord Havok and the Extremists #3, an alternate version of Gordon, known as Zombie Gordon is featured as part of Monarch's army. A flesh-hungry beast, Zombie Gordon is kept in line by Bat-Soldier, via a large chain.
[edit] In other media
Commissioner Gordon has appeared in very many Batman television shows and movies, both animated and live-action.
[edit] Television appearances
[edit] Batman (1960s TV series)
In the 1960s Batman series, Gordon was played by Neil Hamilton, and is portrayed as not only having the Bat-Signal at his disposal, but also an emergency "hotline" telephone that connects directly to the Batcave. Batman and Robin are regular visitors to his office. The series occasionally made light of his dependence on Batman. In one episode, when Batman is apparently unavailable, he laments that the police will have to solve a case "ourselves".
[edit] The Batman/Superman Hour
Actor Ted Knight provided the voice of James Gordon in The Batman/Superman Hour.
[edit] Super Friends
Gordon makes two appearances in Super Friends. He first appeared in Challenge of the Superfriends, episode "Superfriends, Rest In Peace", as The Riddler and Cheetah hold Gordon hostage so they can kill Batman with the Noxium Crystal.
The second is in The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians, episode "The Fear". Along with Jonathan Crane, Gordon is trying to find and arrest The Scarecrow. Gordon and Batman are both unaware that Crane is the Scarecrow.
He also appeared in some of the comics related to the show.
[edit] The New Adventures of Batman
In Filmation's 1977 cartoon series The New Adventures of Batman, Commissioner Gordon, voiced by Lennie Weinrib, is prominently featured as are Batgirl and Bat-Mite.
[edit] DC Animated Universe
[edit] Batman: The Animated Series
In the 1990s Batman: The Animated Series, Gordon is voiced by Bob Hastings, and his relationship with Batman was similar to that in the comics. Gordon in the series is also shown to frequently defend Batman's cause for justice among those who don't trust the Dark Knight, namely Harvey Bullock. Many scenes in the series portray Batman and the Commissioner having clandestine meetings at the Bat-Signal. A flashback in the episode "Robin's Reckoning" depicts Gordon as a red-haired police Lieutenant investigating the murder of Dick Grayson's parents. In the episode "What Is Reality?" Batman must save Gordon's life and outwit the Riddler in a computer game at the same time. In the episode "I Am The Night," it is revealed that Batman also sees Gordon as a surrogate father figure, as he would have been the same age as his father Dr. Thomas Wayne if he had still been alive, and is deeply affected after the police commissioner is seriously wounded (by gunshot) by drug runner James "The Jazzman" Peake, who holds a grudge against him after Gordon had arrested him six years previously. Subsequently, Batman contemplates giving up his crime-fighting career, out of a lack of faith in himself, until the Jazzman makes another attempt on the hospitalized Gordon's life, which Batman prevents.
[edit] The New Batman Adventures
Commissioner Gordon also appeared in the follow-up to Batman: The Animated Series, The New Batman Adventures. In the episode "Over the Edge" Batgirl suffers from the Scarecrow's fear toxins, producing a nightmare where Batgirl dies in battle without telling her father her secret. When Commissioner Gordon finds out, he blames Batman and starts a manhunt against his former ally after discovering his secret identity on Barbara's computer. After Barbara awakens, she tries to admit her secret to the real Commissioner Gordon, who says that he trusts his daughter with whatever choices she makes and that she doesn't need to tell him anything. The episode implies that Gordon already knows that his daughter is Batgirl, but keeps it to himself. Also in the episode "Holiday Knights" it is shown that Batman and Gordon meet every year on December 31 in a diner for a meal together; to celebrate, as Gordon puts it, "another year of survival."
[edit] Batman Beyond and other DCAU series
On a revelation on Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, Gordon is one of the few people who knew what happened to Robin and the Joker on a night at Arkham Asylum, and for the sake of the boy and his friendship with Batman, he kept it a secret, and it is implied that he also learned and kept secret Batman's true identity. Hastings continues his role as Commissioner Gordon in guest appearances on Superman: The Animated Series, Gotham Girls and Static Shock. The spinoff show Batman Beyond also had Barbara following in her father's footsteps and becoming Gotham's new police commissioner. While Barbara keeps a photo of him on her desk at work, he is never seen in the series and no indication of his status is given, leaving it unclear if Gordon is still alive.
[edit] The Batman
In the animated series The Batman, James Gordon is voiced by Mitch Pileggi. He is depicted as a newly appointed Gotham City police commissioner after an incident involving the Joker, the Penguin, and the Riddler. He ends the manhunt against Batman (much to the chagrin of Angel Rojas) and goes public with his support for the Batman in order to help make Gotham safer for his daughter, Barbara (who, as in most other incarnations, becomes Batgirl).
A young officer was seen trying to comfort Bruce Wayne after his parents’ murders in a flashback in the episode Traction was seen and following Gordon's introductory episode, Night and the City, there arose speculation about the officer being a young Gordon, especially after a line by Alfred on how Gordon had "loomed large over [Bruce’s] life". Former The Batman producer/character designer Jeff Matsuda, confirmed that while not intended as a tie-in for Batman Begins (which, as noted below, had a similar scene) that the officer was indeed Gordon.[7]
[edit] OnStar commercials
In the "Batmobile" OnStar commercial, Batman calls Gordon to tell him he will be coming. An unknown actor says "Gordon here" when Batman calls.
[edit] Appearances in film
[edit] Serials
In the 1949 15-episode movie serial Batman and Robin, Commissioner Gordon was portrayed by Ed Wood regular Lyle Talbot.
[edit] Batman (1966)
Commissioner Gordon played by Neil Hamilton was in Batman: The Movie, based on the 1960s TV series. He advised Batman and Robin which supervillains were at large.
[edit] Burton/Schumacher film series
In the 1989 film Batman, and its three sequels, Commissioner Gordon is portrayed by Pat Hingle, though in these films Gordon's role is rather minimal compared to his role in other media. In the first film, he regards the Batman as a rumor at best and vigilante at worst, though by the end of the film, after Batman saves the city from the Joker, Gordon and the citizens of Gotham publicly acknowledge his usefulness, and receive from him the gift of the Bat-Signal. In Batman Returns (1992), when the Penguin has Batman framed for murder, it is implied Gordon is not entirely convinced, as he was not willing to use lethal force in order to apprehend him (seen during a scene in which two Gotham officers open fire on Batman, knocking him off a building, before Gordon arrives and orders them to stop). In Batman Forever (1995), Gordon is shown to be fairly acquainted with Bruce Wayne, though whether or not he knows Bruce's secret identity as Batman is never revealed. Although Barbara Gordon is his daughter in most continuities, in Batman & Robin (1997), her name is Barbara Wilson and she is Alfred Pennyworth's niece. In Gordon's last appearance in the film, Poison Ivy uses her pheremones to make him fall in love with her in order to get the keys to police headquarters and the Bat-Signal, and almost kills him with her toxic kiss, but changes her mind at the last second, claiming "You're too old for me." Gordon's wife briefly appears in Batman, but isn't seen or mentioned in the sequels.
[edit] Nolan film series
[edit] Batman Begins
In the 2005 reboot Batman Begins Gordon is portrayed by Gary Oldman. The film partly concerns Gordon's rise from beat cop to Sergeant and, by the end of the film, Lieutenant. He did his best to comfort the eight-year-old Bruce Wayne after the murder of his parents, when he was a young man, and Bruce later recognizes him as one of the few honest police officers in the city and would always remember his kindness after his parents' death.
In the novelization, Gordon is transferred to Chicago during the time frame between the Waynes' murder and the reappearance of Bruce after his seven-year disappearance. It is hinted that something bad went down during his time as a Chicago PD officer, something Gordon "took the heat for", and had to return to Gotham because the GCPD was the only force that would hire him after what happened in Chicago. In a bit of expanded dialogue, when Detective Flass sneaks cash away from a street vendor, and tells Gordon he's nervous about Gordon reporting it, Gordon says, "I'm no rat. In a town this bent, who's there to rat to anyway?"
While Bruce Wayne develops his Batman identity, Gordon is the first person in law enforcement that he contacts. They form a secret alliance against Carmine Falcone's criminal operation. Gordon proves important when Batman fights Ra's al Ghul. Batman gives Gordon the task of destroying the monorail tracks around Gotham City with the Batmobile, halting Ra's plan to destroy the city. He is promoted to lieutenant and devises the first Bat-Signal. The movie ends with Gordon talking about another criminal who robbed a bank and leaves a calling card in the form of a Joker playing card. In this film, he is shown with a young son rather than a daughter; it was only at the sequel that Gordon and his wife were shown to have a daughter as well.
Many critics have noted that Oldman's portrayal of Gordon bears a strong resemblance to the way the character was drawn by David Mazzucchelli in Batman: Year One.[8]
[edit] The Dark Knight
Oldman reprises his role of Gordon in the 2008 sequel The Dark Knight. In the film, Gordon is leading Gotham PD's Major Crimes Unit and forms a tenuous alliance with Batman and district attorney Harvey Dent to round up the remaining members of Carmine Falcone's mob. When the Joker reveals that Commissioner Loeb is one of his upcoming targets, Gordon arrives at his office with other officers to offer protection, but he fails when Loeb dies upon drinking a glass of scotch mixed with acidic poison by corrupt police.
At the funeral of Commissioner Loeb, Gordon foils the Joker's attempt on Mayor Garcia's life. He appears to have taken a bullet for the mayor and died, but it is revealed that he faked his death to protect his family. After Harvey Dent claims to be Batman, Gordon disguises himself in order to join the police convoy taking Dent to Central Holding. Following a vehicular battle with the Joker on the streets of Gotham, Gordon rescues both Batman and Dent, captures the Joker, and is promoted to Police Commissioner by the mayor. That same night, two corrupt cops and the Joker's men abduct Dent and his fiancee, Rachel Dawes, placing them in separate buildings with oil drums rigged to explode. While Batman is able to rescue Dent, Gordon does not arrive in time to save Rachel. Disfigured in the explosion and mentally unstable after the death of his fiancee, Dent becomes the vigilante Two-Face and seeks to claim vengeance against Gordon, whom he blames for Rachel's death. While the Joker holds two ferry boats hostage, Two-Face kidnaps Gordon's wife and children and forces Gordon to plead for their lives at the site of Rachel's death. Determined to make Gordon suffer as he had suffered, Two-Face flips his coin to determine whether his son should live or die. Batman, with no other choice, pushes Two-Face off the building to save Gordon's son and Two-Face subsequently dies from the fall.
In order to preserve Dent's image as the city's "White Knight" and prevent the Joker from fully attaining his goal of a chaotic Gotham, Batman tells Gordon that he will take the blame for all of Two-Face's murders, so that the public will never need to know of Dent's insanity and his charges against the mob are not dismissed. Gordon is initially against it, due to him owing his family's safety to the Caped Crusader, but after much convincing from Batman, he reluctantly agrees. After eulogizing Dent as a hero to the city, Gordon destroys the Bat-Signal in front of his men and calls for a manhunt against the Dark Knight, though he secretly tells his son that Batman is not just a hero still; he's something even more, "a Dark Knight."
[edit] Animated films
[edit] DC Animated Universe films
Bob Hastings, who voiced Gordon in Batman: The Animated Series and its follow-up, The New Batman Adventures, reprised his role in the spin-off films, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero, and Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman.
[edit] Justice League: The New Frontier
In Justice League: The New Frontier, Gordon makes a cameo appearance in the interogation scene with King Faraday and Martian Manhunter.
[edit] Batman: Gotham Knight
Gordon appeared in Batman: Gotham Knight, within three segments: Crossfire, In Darkness Dwells, and Deadshot. He is voiced by Jim Meskimen.
[edit] Video games
[edit] LEGO Batman
He appears in LEGO Batman for the PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, Wii, PlayStation 2, PC, and Xbox 360, serving as a boss in the villains' story (with the exception of the DS Version) and is a playable character.[9]
[edit] Batman: Arkham Asylum
Gordon will appear in the upcoming video game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, voiced by Tom Kane.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Jimenez, Phil (2008), "Gordon, James W.", in Dougall, Alastair, The DC Comics Encyclopedia, New York: Dorling Kindersley, pp. 141, ISBN 0-7566-4119-5, OCLC 213309017
- ^ Detective Comics #784-786
- ^ Detective Comics #786
- ^ Batman: Gotham County Line #1-3
- ^ Batman: The Joker's Last Laugh #6
- ^ http://www.dcuguide.com/who.php?name=tonygordon
- ^ Toon Zone Forum - View Single Post - The Batman "Night and The City" Talkback
- ^ Gretzinger, Matthew. "Batman Begins Review". World of Batman. UGO Networks. http://batman.ugo.com/movies/batman_begins/review.asp. Retrieved on 2008-07-22.;
Millard, Josh (2007-01-09). "I love Batman: Year One". Pen & Inklings. http://draw.joshmillard.com/2007/01/09/i-love-batman-year-one/. Retrieved on 2008-07-22.;
Frey, Philip. "Movie Reviews - Batman Begins". theLogBook.com. http://www.thelogbook.com/movies/2005/b.htm. Retrieved on 2008-07-22.;
Fox, Jeremy C.. "Batman Begins". Pajiba. http://www.pajiba.com/batman-begins.htm. Retrieved on 2008-07-22.;
"izu no odoriko" (2008-07-19). "The Dark Knight in Print: Batman". bookstove.com. http://www.bookstove.com/Book-Talk/The-Dark-Knight-in-Print-Batman.174223. Retrieved on 2008-07-22. - ^ Game Informer features a two-page gallery of the many heroes and villains who appear in the game with a picture for each character and a descriptive paragraph. See "LEGO Batman: Character Gallery," Game Informer 186 (October 2008): 92.
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