How and Why the Barbara Gordon Batgirl Came to Be by Michael Uslan

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From the Uslan Vault of DC History, Ch. 2

We might as well dispel another piece of conjecture.

It was National’s Allen “Duke” Ducovny, whose role at National went back to the SUPERMAN radio series, who was the one who initially approached William Dozier suggesting he introduce Batgirl into the BATMAN TV series.

DETECTIVE COMICS #359 (January, 1967)

At the same time, in a co-ordinated effort, National Periodical Publications’ merchandising subsidiary, Licensing Corporation of America, made the same recommendation on the grounds of merchandising potential.

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Dozier agreed to do so provided DC agreed to make Batgirl an on-going permanent member of the comic books to support the character’s introduction into the show.

Yvonne Craig as Batgirl in BATMAN

The Batgirl facts have been documented by scholars researching the matter and there is correspondence from Dozier in support. – Michael Uslan

Michael Uslan

Dr. Michael Uslan is a Professor of Practice at the Indiana University Media School. He is the Executive Producer of many award-winning movies, including Batman Vs Superman: Dawn Of JusticeThe Lego Movie; and The Dark Knight TrilogyBatman BeginsThe Dark Knight & The Dark Knight Rises. He is also the Executive Producer of a wide range of TV movies, animated TV Series, and documentaries. He won an Emmy Award for “Best Animated Series” with his production of Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego? ®

Dr. Uslan was the instructor of both the first accredited college course and correspondence course on comic books (Indiana University 1971), and the author of the first textbook on comics, The Comic Book In America. He has authored a wide range of books and graphic novels, including, America At War- A History Of War Comics; Mysteries In Space- A History Of Science Fiction Comics; Best Of Archie; The Comic Book Revolution, and his memoir, The Boy Who Loved Batman. He worked with his friend and mentor, Stan Lee, on many comic books, including their most recent initiative, Just Imagine.

He is the recipient of the World’s first Doctorate of Comic Books, Monmouth University 2012, and also has a JD from Indiana University School of Law; M.S, Urban Education, Indiana University School of Education; and BA, History from Indiana University.