Batgirl debuted nearly 60 years ago, and in that time, she’s undergone a plethora of costume evolutions. While some upgrades leaned toward the questionable, most were outright iconic. Now, a cosplayer has unveiled her take on the Bat-Family heroine, combining some of the best elements of Batgirl’s past suits and showcasing what could be an incredible next step in the character’s costume evolution.
...Zeta’s cosplay serves as a reminder to DC that Batgirl Barbara Gordon could use some TLC...
Cosplayer Batgirl Barbara Gordon, with a costume that’s been earning an immense amount of upvotes and compliments on the discussion board.
This cosplay stands out for several reasons: the cityscape background that makes it feel like she’s mid-patrol, her dynamic action poses that bring Barbara Gordon’s vigilante persona to life, and, of course, the costume itself. What makes the suit particularly unique is that it’s not a recreation of any single Batgirl outfit. But rather, it’s a blend of some of Barbara’s most iconic looks.
Cosplayer Combines the Best Elements of Batgirl’s Most Iconic Costumes
Main Cover by Adam Hughes for Batgirl #1 (2011)
Zeta’s cosplay features a black domino mask and a predominantly purple bodysuit, with golden accents and select accessories. The golden elements include the bat logo on her chest, her gloves, utility belt, and the inner lining of her cape, which is black on the outside, matching her black boots. Right away, it’s clear this isn’t a replica of any single Batgirl costume Barbara Gordon has worn in the comics. However, there are clear design elements that harken back to canon looks, most notably Barbara’s Batgirl of Burnside outfit and her New 52 design.
For the most part, the suit emulates Barbara’s Burnside look, which was a modernized take on her costume from the 1960s Batman TV series. That version was known for its purple bodysuit and yellow accessories, including a black cape with a yellow inner lining. However, Zeta’s use of gold rather than yellow marks a notable departure from the Burnside aesthetic, aligning more closely with the New 52 design. As a result, Zeta’s Batgirl costume impressively combines two of Barbara’s most beloved looks, creating a suit that feels both familiar and refreshingly unique.
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DC’s ALL IN Initiative Is Here, It’s Time for a Batgirl Suit Upgrade
Babs Tarr The New 52! Variant for Batgirl #52 (2016)
DC has recently kicked off a new era with its ALL IN initiative, bringing major changes to the DC Universe, including the debut of the Absolute Universe, the launch of new titles, and characters like Batman showcasing new mainstream continuity looks. With that in mind, there’s no better time for Barbara Gordon to this trend, especially as she pivots between her dual roles as Oracle and Batgirl. Zeta’s take on her costume would be the perfect evolution, something fresh, yet still rooted in the classic elements of past suits. Ultimately, Zeta’s cosplay serves as a reminder to DC that Batgirl Barbara Gordon could use some TLC, particularly in the costume design department.
Source: ZetaMakesThings
