Kids, teens, and adults can find great comics and graphic novels at Laman Library! You can browse our shelves yourself, explore the collection online, or ask a staff member for a great recommendation.
Want graphics on the go? Check out e-books on Libby and Hoopla, and find great movies on Kanopy!
All you need is your library card: the greatest super power of all.
Photo originally appeared in Detective Comics #1000 (2019).
Note: Some book covers may not appear - click on the book icon to discover the item in our catalog!
Barbara "Barb”/”Babs” Gordon is the second character to hold the mantle of Batgirl, but the first to make it the mantle of a strong, intelligent, capable hero. Created by William Dozier, Julius Schartz, Gardner Fox, and Carmine Infantino, Babs began as a Doctor of Library Sciences and the head of the Gotham Public Libraries before moonlighting as the vigilante Batgirl for purely altruistic means.
Since her creation the character has seen many iterations, going through retirement from vigilantism, facing assault resulting in her confinement to a wheelchair, to her re-entering the world of heroes as the computer and information genius, Oracle.
Information source: Batman Wiki
Image credit: Bernard Chang
Born to be the perfect weapon, Cassandra Cain was trained by her biological father David Cain through a rigorous and brutal regimen. While she became a formidable combatant, reading and responding to body language like it was her native tongue, these skills came at the cost of her ability to read, write, and speak. However, Cassandra felt such guilt after completing the assignment of her first kill leading her to run away. After several years on her own, she reached Gotham and ultimately joining Batman’s crusade as the fourth Batgirl.
Much like all members of the Batfamily, Cassandra has held many aliases during her tenure, “including Kasumi, Black Bat, and Orphan
Information source: DC Universe Wiki
Image credit: Tony Daniel
Richard ‘Dick’ Grayson is best known for founding the mantle of Robin and becoming Batman’s first sidekick. Created by artist Bob Kane, writer Bill Finger, and illustrator Jerry Robinson, Dick’s first appearance was in the 1940 issue #38 of the Detective Comics. Initially an acrobat in the circus with his family, the Flying Graysons, Dick went on to live with Bruce after his family was murdered during a performance.
Since he has grown into a fully fledged hero and leader in his own right, serving as the leader of the Teen Titans, becoming the hero Nightwing, and even operating as Batman during brief stints when Bruce is unable.
Information source: Batman Wiki
Image credit: Nicola Scott
Introduced in Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1 (June, 1986) after the death of Jason Todd, thirteen year old Caroline Keene "Carrie" Kelley was saved by Batman from a mugger attack. After, she bought herself a Robin costume with money for her school lunch and began hunting after low-level con men in an attempt to find Batman. After saving his life, Batman allowed her to become Robin although her disobeying orders was a constant problem.
What first distinguished Carrie from the other Robins was the fact her parents were actually alive, although they were generally depicted as neglectful and constantly using substances. Carrie was the first female Robin and would eventually go on to become Batwoman
You can find one of her featured books in our collection and the other on Hoopla as a downloadable e-book!
We might not have these titles on our shelves, but you can hunt for Carrie Kelley at your local comic book shop!
Image and information source: DC.Fandom.com
While Jason Todd has had multiple ‘entrances’ to the Batman comics, he is best known for entering the narrative by trying to steal the tires off the Batmobile. Although he tried other methods, Batman ultimately brought Jason into the world of vigilantism as he believed Jason would become part of the ‘criminal element’ without guidance. And so, Jason became the second Robin.
Ultimately, Jason’s time as Robin came to a brutal end when he was murdered by the Joker, a narrative choice voted for by fans of the comics. Still, as deaths are rarely permanent, Jason was resurrected, but with a deeper thirst for blood and vengeance. Jason is the only member of the Batfamily who regularly uses guns and lethal force; a choice that consistently puts members of his family, most notably Bruce, and himself at odds.
Information source: dc.fandom.com
Image credit: Dexter Soy
Daughter of Cluemaster, Stephanie Brown first joined the ranks of Batman by creating her own alter ego, Spoiler, to help stop her father. Much of her story becomes tied with Tim Drake’s Robin with her constant flirting, their consistent teaming up in the field, and an eventual if on-again-off-again romantic relationship. When Tim’s father discovers his identity as Robin, Stephanie takes on the mantle after completing Bruce’s month-long training making her the second girl to be Robin.
After graduating High School and the supposed death of Bruce Wayne, Stephanie is given the Batgirl costume from Cassandra Cain. While Barbara Gordon was initially against her taking on the mantle, it became quickly apparent the two needed one another to stop Scarecrow and Black Mask. In the end, Barbara would provide Stephanie with a new Batgirl uniform intended specifically for her.
Information and image source: Batman Wiki
The current Robin and Bruce Wayne’s biological son, Damian Wayne was born to Talia al Ghul, Ra’s al Ghul’s daughter, and intended to be the perfect heir for the League of Assassin’s. Using the Leagues resources, Talia sped up Damian’s conception and early childhood all the while training him to become a lethal assassin. After a time, Talia allowed her son to meet his father, Bruce, in Gotham. While Bruce had no idea of his conception or early life, he took the boy in and ultimately allowed him to become Robin
Information and image source: Batman Wiki
