Though he was kept out of the Smallville TV show for various reasons, Batman finally showed up in the Season 11 comic book continuation. As usual, this version of the Dark Knight defends Gotham City alongside a trusty sidekick, but said partner in fighting crime wasn't Robin or even a Boy Wonder. In this world, Barbara Gordon was Bruce Wayne's sidekick, but she didn't fight in the guise of Batgirl.
The Smallville version of Barbara Gordon was known as Nightwing, though she eventually used the empowered blue ring of another hero's mythology. Embodying hope, the not-Batgirl of the Smallville continuity would become a Blue Lantern by the series' end. Here's how Barbara Gordon was introduced and how she obtained a blue Power Ring.
Barbara Gordon, as well as Batman and the mythos of Gotham City are introduced into the Smallville continuity in the "Detective" arc of the Season 11 comic book by Bryan Q. Miller and ChrisCross. As usual, she's the daughter of Gotham City police commissioner James Gordon, while also operating in secret as one of the city's vigilantes. Having apparently refused to use the name Batgirl (and having an equal amount of disdain for the name Supergirl), Barbara instead took the name Nightwing. Despite this, her Nightwing costume was a dark purple instead of black, reflecting her usual role as Batgirl. Likewise, in her civilian appearance, she took on the stereotypical look of a librarian, a job which other versions of Barbara are known for having.
As usual with Bruce Wayne's sidekicks, Barbara was far peppier and more comedic than her sullen billionaire boss. She ironically also took over "nanny" duties for him whenever Alfred was away. After a scuffle between the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel, Batman and Nightwing become firm allies of Superman and Green Arrow. Their further adventures with Superman involved taking all of the released criminals in Arkham Asylum, facing an alternate version of Batman who had become the Joker and a story where Lois and Nightwing fought members of the iconic Mutants gang from Gotham. Barbara's brightest hour wouldn't come until the series' end, however, where she suddenly used a tool far beyond mere batarangs.
The various Lantern Corps were introduced into this continuity in the arc "Lantern," wherein John Stewart and a Green Lantern ring-empowered Superman battled Parallax and the crooks of Arkham Asylum as they all gained Yellow Lantern rings. This was John Stewart's only appearance until the season finale arc known as "Continuity." There, he would also be joined by Saint Walker of the Blue Lantern Corps, who died in the same issue as his debut.
Unfortunately, this death was one of many as the very universe was under siege by a horrific Crisis that threatened to reboot all of reality. During this seemingly losing battle to save the world and all of existence, Batman begins to regret ever involving Barbara in his war on crime. She responds, however, with her trademark optimism, pointing out that it's what has always separate her from Bruce. As she makes this observation, she's enveloped in a blue light before being bequeathed with the deceased Saint Walker's Blue Lantern ring, using the power of hope to turn the tide of the battle.
After destroying nearby Manhunters with her energy constructs and saving the day alongside several other heroes, Barbara begins to prepare to depart from the Earth to learn more about the Blue Lantern legacy that she's inherited. Bruce gives her a heartfelt goodbye, telling her that her moxie, valor and hope are what saved both her and himself several times. Before leaving her home planet, Barbara secures a new sidekick for Bruce to take up the mantle of Nightwing, and it's suggested that it's none other than her boyfriend Richard Grayson.
This is the last that this Blue Lantern version of Barbara Gordon has been seen, with an animated sequel to Smallville on the way, fans can certainly hope to see more of her there.
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