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As a result of the New 52 in 2011, the entire line of DC characters was relaunched, incorporating properties belonging to the company's imprints: Wildstorm, Milestone, and Vertigo. As such, elements of this character's history have been altered in some way from the previous incarnation. For a complete list of all versions of this character, see our disambiguation page. |
- This is our city. And when Hell is unleashed, we don't run and hide, we stand up. And there's a symbol, a symbol we all know stands for what we can do. What we are capable of. Tonight needs more than just one hero. It needs a city. It needs all of us. Tonight we need to do what he does for us every night. Tonight, we all need to be Batman.
- — Jim Gordon src
James Worthington "Jim" Gordon was the commissioner of the Gotham City Police Department, before being replaced by Harvey Bullock for a brief period, and is an ally to Batman. He is the father of Barbara Gordon and James Gordon Jr., and he is the ex-husband of Barbara Eileen. He eventually retired, taking a role as a private investigator.
History
Before Batman
Jim Gordon was born and raised in Chicago.[2] As a child, Jim witnessed his father commit suicide in front of him and his mother with a shotgun.[3] When Gordon was fourteen, he broke his femur while jumping a fence to escape a truant officer.[4]
When Gordon became of age, he served in the United States Marine Corps.[2] He later became an officer in the Gotham City Police Department.
Gordon and his partner Dan Corrigan were sent to pick up a young boy named Bruce Wayne, who had skipped school to watch a movie. With Bruce in the police car, Gordon received a free trench coat from a local shopkeeper, not realizing it had been a bribe. Figuring out his mistake later that night, Jim returned to the shop to find a group of corrupt police officers and petty criminals betting on dog fights, with Corrigan, his partner, leading the bets. Gordon threatened to turn all of them in but was forced to back down when Corrigan, in response, threatened Gordon's daughter. After leaving the shop defeated, Gordon heard two gunshots down a nearby alley and was the first officer to arrive at the crime scene where Bruce Wayne's parents were murdered.[5]
Eventually, Gordon transferred to the Chicago Police Department. He and his family lived there for some time before returning to Gotham.
Zero Year
When the mysterious vigilante known as the "Batman" started to appear in Gotham, Gordon, now a lieutenant, reacquainted himself with Wayne, only to discover that the man held a grudge against him, believing Gordon was as corrupt as everyone else on the police force.
Later, Lieutenant Gordon, investigating the crimes of the Red Hood Gang, was tipped off to the gang's plans by Wayne, rushing into apprehend the criminals at Ace Chemical Processing Plant. Discovering Batman there, Gordon attempted to put the vigilante under arrest, but Batman escaped. Gordon, sympathetic to Batman's cause, ordered his men to apprehend the real criminals - the Red Hood Gang - instead.
With the Red Hood Gang stopped, the Riddler finally stepped into the spotlight and enacted his plan for "the Zero Year". Challenging Batman and forcing Gotham into a blackout only hours before a major hurricane, Gordon attempted to organize the police force, despite opposition from its corrupt commissioner Gillian Loeb. With Loeb seemingly killed as Riddler's plan continually escalated, Gordon took an even more managerial position as he worked directly alongside Batman to take Gotham back from the Riddler's control.
After Nygma was finally defeated by the two heroes' teamwork, Gordon had the Bat-Signal installed on the roof of GCPD Headquarters.
In the original New 52 continuity, Jim Gordon was then immediately advanced to the role of commissioner following the conclusion of the Zero Year; however, following subsequent continuity changes, Jim Gordon remains Captain as late as the Joker's debut.[6]
Later Adventures with Batman
Gordon eventually became Commissioner of the GCPD. He spent years trying to root out the corruption that had taken hold so deep in the department, and was largely successful, often going to great and controversial lengths to do so. In one incident, he fired half of GCPD's morning shift upon confirmation that the cops in question were dirty. This had unintentional side effects; one of the fired cops, Jurgensen, ended up moving into the employ of the Joker, though he died soon afterwards.[7]
At some point, Jim's hair went gray. He eventually began dying it red again, at his daughter's suggestion, as to avoid showing his age. [8]
Years after, Jim worked with Batman to investigate the mystery of the Joker having his face cut off. Gordon was then captured by the villain Dollmaker as revenge for him killing his father many years ago. He was rescued by Batman before Dollmaker had a chance to kill him.[9]
After Batman dove into an investigation into the mysterious Court of Owls, the organization unleashed their assassin Talon army on Gotham to purge the city of those deemed unworthy; Gordon and the police department were pushed to their limits to save as many civilians as they could. The commissioner, having ignored the Court's threats to hold back the police, was targeted by a Talon but was thankfully saved by Batgirl.[10] In time, the Court was defeated, and the city was reclaimed by the Bats.[11]
A year having passed since the disappearance of the Joker, Gordon was attacked by the clown in GCPD Headquarters when the Joker came to retrieve his severed face skin from police lock-up. Gordon was later hospitalized after it became apparent the Joker had poisoned his possessions with Joker gas.[12] Gordon eventually recovered but was deeply scarred by the villain.
When the Crime Syndicate apparently killed the Justice League and condoned all criminals to walk free, Gordon found himself caught in the middle of a war between villains in Gotham City. Later called "the Arkham War", Gordon was forced to survive on the streets as a refugee when the freaks of Arkham and Blackgate fought each other for control of the city. Though he attempted to be a hero when he could, Gordon was no match for the warfare until Batman finally returned and took back the city from the villains.
Batman Eternal
After a mysterious benefactor began a yearlong plan against Batman, Gordon became one of the first pawn's in the grand scheme. Commissioner Gordon, after chasing Professor Pyg and his cronies into a Gotham subway station, ordered one of the thugs to lower his gun, despite the criminal claiming not to have one. Taking the shot at the criminal's weapon, the bullet phased right through the weapon and hit a vital transformer behind it, causing two train cars to collide and kill a group of civilians inside. Upon reviewing the security tapes, it was revealed there really was no gun, and Gordon was arrested and sent to Blackgate Penitentiary for the innocent deaths he had accidentally caused.
While in Blackgate, Gordon was reunited with his estranged son who volunteered to help his father breakout, but Jim refused his offer.[13] Soon after, mob boss rivals Carmine Falcone and the Penguin were captured and also sent to Blackgate and continued their gang war in the prison, causing a major riot. In the chaos, Gordon worked to save as many prison guards as he could and learned that his cellmate Leo was actually the former crime boss Rex "the Lion" Calabrese.
With the investigation into the plot against Batman intensifying, Batman and his allies found evidence to suggest that Gordon had been framed for the deaths and that he was brainwashed into thinking there was really a gun. The new commissioner Jason Bard, secretly a pawn in the real villain's plot, destroyed the evidence that would clear Gordon.
Near the conclusion of his year in imprisonment, Gordon found himself caught in another riot orchestrated by the Penguin, but, this time, the criminal made Gordon the prime target. Saved only by Det. Harvey Bullock and Jason Bard, who had a change of heart, the three escaped into the streets of Gotham as the city went up in flames - the yearlong plot had reached its climax, and Gordon organized all the civilians he could in support of Batman as the hero faced the mastermind behind everything.
Endgame
With the city back to normal, Jim Gordon was restored to his rightful place as police commissioner but was immediately surprised by the initiation of the Joker's endgame. The Joker, having returned to Gotham intending to finally kill Batman, surprised Gordon in his apartment, but the commissioner managed to shoot him several times before he could get too close. Though he thought he had finally killed the Joker, Dionesium in the clown's bloodstream caused him to survive and plunge an ax into Gordon's chest, simultaneously infecting him with Joker Venom. Jokerized Gordon attempted to kill Batman but was subdued by Julia Pennyworth long enough for them to escape.
In their final confrontation, Batman and the Joker killed each in the caves beneath Gotham and the remaining Bat family managed to spread the cure to Joker's toxin throughout Gotham, healing Gordon.
Superheavy
In the wake of Batman's apparent death against the Joker, plans for a new Batman were discussed, with Powers International laying the groundwork for a Batman-inspired task force. Their first candidate chosen to model the program was Jim Gordon, who was initially hesitant to fill Batman's shoes but eventually agreed. Going through intense government training and getting surgical muscle implants, Gordon was given the first model of the new Batman robot-armor, which he nicknamed "Rookie", and took to the streets as the new Batman.[14] By complete chance, he finds Bruce Wayne and informs him he has taken up the reigns as Batman.
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The Batman Who Laughs
As Gordon hears several different reports about Bruce Wayne being found dead throughout Gotham, he works with Batman to figure out that a Batman from an alternate dark universe (known as The Batman Who Laughs) is the one responsible. Tracking him down, Gordon seeks help from his estranged son James Jr.; however, another dark version of Batman arrives and introduces himself as The Grim Knight.
Knowing that Gordon is needed for The Batman Who Laughs to activate the 'Last Laugh' protocol, the Grim Knight knocks Gordon unconscious and takes him to Laughs' lair underneath Gotham. Gordon learns that The Batman Who Laughs wishes to potentially recruit him as an ally only for Gordon to strongly rebuke his offer. After the Batman Who Laughs leaves, the Grim Knight releases Gordon in order to hunt him within the catacombs and kill him. Learning that the Grim Knight has brought several 'hounds' for the hunt, Gordon flees only to be quickly overrun by several Dark Robins; he is further horrified to learn from the Grim Knight that these Robins are Jokerized versions of his son James, brought in from other universes. He momentarily is able to escape from the Grim Knight and meets back up with James and Batman.
Learning that Batman has been infected by the Batman Who Laughs, Gordon and James are tasked to protect the Batcave from the Grim Knight, who is on his way. With each one donning a Batsuit, they briefly get the jump on the Grim Knight. However, the Grim Knight uses Gordon's own words against him and seemingly sway James Jr. to his side. As he is strangled by the dark Batman, Gordon notices a vial of toxin poured into the water and the Grim Knight begins to drown him in the water; taking several gulps of the poisoned water, Gordon is saved by James stabbing the Grim Knight repeatedly in the shoulder and back. Gordon consoles his son and affirms that he loves him.
However, due to being subjected to a small dosage of the toxin, Gordon slowly begins to exhibit traits similar to The Batman Who Laughs.
The Secret Six
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Roughly a year passes after the Batman Who Laughs is imprisoned within the Hall of Justice and Gordon is able to maintain his act, fooling Batman into thinking he was not subjected to the toxin. As Batman works with Superman to figure out what the overall plan of The Batman Who Laughs is, Gordon is able to establish contact with four other heroes the villain was able to infect as well: Shazam, Donna Troy, Hawkman and The Blue Beetle. During one of these sojourns, he gains access to his old 'Rookie' suit of armor and programs it to view Batman as a hostile.
As Batman manages to track down Gordon from a clue left by the Batman Who Laughs, Gordon gives up his facade and mocks Batman for being right under his nose the whole time. Belittling the Caped Crusader for all the cops who died throughout the years because of him, Gordon activates Rookie but is stopped from killing Batman due to Superman arriving and blocking the bullets. After mocking Batman for Superman figuring out he was infected, both Gordon and Rookie are defeated and taken to the Fortress of Solitude.
Gordon is able to escape confinement and works with Hawkman and Donna Troy to beat back Superman and Batman. He then signals to Blue Beetle and triggers the destroyed Rookie armor to bond with him. After Superman is saved by the actions of Supergirl (with her becoming infected instead of Superman), Gordon notes that The Batman Who Laughs' plan was slightly altered due to the change, but it ultimately does not matter: with all six becoming infected, they can now move on to the next stage of the plan.
A-Day
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Powers and Abilities
Abilities
- Criminology
- Martial Arts
- Hand-to-Hand Combat (Advanced): With the aid of his son James Gordon, Jr. and special armor, they managed to defeat the Grim Knight in battle.[15][16]
- Interrogation
- Intimidation
- Investigation
- Leadership
- Marksmanship
- Tactical Analysis
- Military Protocol: Gordon is a former Marine, and has received standard training.[17][2]
Other Characteristics
- Hypertension: Due to years of smoking cigarettes, Gordon has developed a heart condition. While he has made attempts to quit over the years, he still occasionally relapses during times of stress.[citation needed]
Paraphernalia
Equipment
- Batsuit (Formerly): During his period as Batman, Gordon used a black and yellow version of Batman's suit.[14]
- Invisibility: Gordon's batsuit possessed digital camouflage capable of making him invisible.
- Rookie (Formerly): During his period as Batman, Gordon was given a powered suit that he called Rookie, this suit was capable of superhuman feats and following simple orders in order to fight beside Gordon.[14]
- Superhuman Strength
- Superhuman Durability
- Flight
- Weaponry: Rookie possessed rocket launchers on his shoulders.
- Enhanced Vision: Rookie possessed X-Ray vision.
Notes
- Commissioner Gordon was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, first appearing in Detective Comics #27. However, in the Prime Earth continuity, Commissioner Gordon first appeared as part of the New 52 DC Universe in Batgirl (Volume 4) #1 by Gail Simone and Ardian Syaf.
Trivia
- Jim had been a cop for twenty years by the time of Batman's first year as a vigilante.[18]
- Jim is right-handed.[19]
- In original New 52 continuity, at the time he became Batman, Jim was 46 years old.[14]
- Jim has admitted that he has a good idea of who Batman really is, but when given the chance to look under the mask and confirm his suspicions, he chooses not to because deep down he doesn't want to know.[20]
- Jim and Batman used the red scarlet rotary Batphone during the early years of Batman's career to communicate with each other, a reference to the 60's series. Years later Batman upgraded it to be a red touch-screen phone.[21][22]
- The middle name Worthington was first used for James Gordon in the 1977 animated TV series New Adventures of Batman. It did not get adapted into comics until this version of James Gordon, nearly 40 years later.[1]
Related
- 561 Appearances of James Gordon (Prime Earth)
- 108 Images featuring James Gordon (Prime Earth)
- 51 Quotations by or about James Gordon (Prime Earth)
- Character Gallery: James Gordon (Prime Earth)
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 DC Comics Encyclopedia: All-New Edition
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Divergence #1
- ↑ Batman: The Brave and the Bold (Volume 2) #2
- ↑ Batman (Volume 2) #25
- ↑ Batman (Volume 2) #27
- ↑ The Joker (Volume 2) #5
- ↑ The Joker 2021 Annual (Volume 2) #1
- ↑ The Joker (Volume 2) #1
- ↑ Batman: Faces of Death
- ↑ Batgirl (Volume 4) #9
- ↑ Batman (Volume 2) #11
- ↑ Batman (Volume 2) #13
- ↑ Batman Eternal #13
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Batman (Volume 2) #41
- ↑ The Batman Who Laughs (Volume 2) #6
- ↑ The Batman Who Laughs (Volume 2) #7
- ↑ Batman Eternal #50
- ↑ Batman: The Brave and the Bold (Volume 2) #9
- ↑ Batman (Volume 3) #9
- ↑ Detective Comics #1065
- ↑ Detective Comics #995
- ↑ Batman (Volume 3) #128
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GCPD Officer This character is or was an officer of, or held a title in the Gotham City Police Department, in any of its various incarnations. This template will automatically categorize articles that include it into the "GCPD members" and "Police Officers" categories. |
Batman Family member This character is or was an incarnation of or an ally of Batman, and a member of the Batman Family. This template will automatically categorize articles that include it into the "Batman Family members" category. |
Justice League member This character has been a member of the Justice League of America, or the Justice League in any of its various incarnations, sworn by a duty to act as guardians of America and the world by using their skills and/or superpowers to protect Earth from the clutches of both interstellar and domestic threats. |