Batgirl #37 just released and it delivered quite the bombshell. It appears as though Oracle will be returning to the DC Universe once again. But with Barbara Gordon operating as Batgirl, who (or what) could be using her former moniker?
For those who do not know, Oracle is an identity that Barbara Gordon created after being paralyzed by the Joker in The Killing Joke. Not content to watch from the sidelines, Barbara used her technological know-how to become an information broker for superheroes. Whether she was hacking into a villain’s systems or setting up communications between heroes, Oracle became an integral asset to crimefighters all over the world. While the New 52 returned Barbara’s use of her legs, the Oracle persona is where many fans believe Gordon shone brightest. Regardless of her role, Barbara Gordon’s legacy has endured until this day, featuring in tv shows and movies.
Oracle Reveal, Spoilers Ahead
In the pages of Batgirl #37, a group of criminals called The Terrible Trio is looking for items to salvage. When the members (Fox, Vulture, and Shark) receive intel that there is a secret facility in the Blue Ridge Mountains, they decide to investigate. Upon arriving, they come across a locked room with a piece of machinery hanging from the ceiling. Suddenly, the apparatus speaks and asks for a password. The thieves try guessing the password, thinking the code is hidden in plain sight. Each time they answer incorrectly, their number of attempts grow smaller.
After the Terrible Trio trigger an alarm, a drone flies through the entryway. It projects a hologram of Lex Luthor (who has undergone some changes as of late). Luthor tells the entity that he knows her name (the program is seemingly female). When the robot asks for its name, Luthor replies “Oracle”, which is also the password to unlock the system.
Barbara Gordon was not present at the facility when the new Oracle came to life. How will she react to such news? Will her current teammates in the Birds of Prey jump in? Who do you think is using the Oracle persona? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!