Big Barda
Encyclopedia
Big Barda is a fiction
al comic book superheroine appearing in books published by DC Comics
. She first appeared in Mister Miracle
#4 (October 1971), and was created by Jack Kirby
.
In a reversal of the stereotype associated with female characters at the time of her creation, Barda is physically more powerful than her husband and very protective of him.
Jack Kirby based Barda's physical appearance on Lainie Kazan
, who had recently appeared topless in Playboy
. Mark Evanier
, Kirby's assistant during the Fourth World comics, has stated, "Jack based some of his characters (not all) on people in his life or in the news... the characterization between Scott 'Mister Miracle
' Free and Barda was based largely—though with tongue in cheek—on the interplay betwixt Jack and his wife Roz."
about 250 years ago, on Apokolips
. Her mother was named Big Breeda, but Barda was taken away from her at an early age to be trained as a warrior. She was a product of Granny Goodness
' Home for Orphaned Youth. Granny's motto is "Die for Darkseid
" (the planet's evil ruler). Granny groomed Barda to one day lead the Female Fury Battalion
, a ferocious pack of warrior women. However, during a raid, Barda meets Scott Free
, Darkseid's adopted son, and, sensing a peace about him, fell in love.
Barda risked her own safety to work with the rebel cell led by the New God Himon
. Both of them helped Scott escape from Apokolips. Eventually, Barda turned her back on Granny and came to Earth herself. Scott had become an escape artist called Mister Miracle, and is teamed with Oberon
, his diminutive manager. Scott and Barda were married by Scott's father, the Highfather
of New Genesis
.
For a number of years, Barda followed Scott and Oberon on tour. Eventually they retired as superheroes and moved to Bailey, New Hampshire. However, despite their best attempts, a normal life eluded them. Disasters plagued them; Barda, Scott, and Oberon left Bailey and moved to a loft in Greenwich Village, New York City. Barda formed a defense-training program for women called the New Female Furies.
, Barda participated in several missions. In one instance, while training Fire
, her weapon, the Mega-Rod is stolen from her car. With the assistance of her husband and the Huntress
, she gets it back, but not before many innocent people were killed by its wielder who was unable to resist the corrupting influence of the Apokoliptian technology. Barda also lead a JLA mission to rescue her husband after he was lost in space. The mission was a result of Manga Khan
selling Scott to Granny Goodness
. Her teammates included Martian Manhunter
, Rocket Red
, and G'nort
. In an attempt to dissuade their successful pursuit, Manga Khan hired Lobo, paying him in dolphin feed, to kill them. He almost does, before Barda teleported him to a random location, that being ten feet behind Guy Gardner
's skull. The repercussions of that literal meeting of the minds would last for years.
After their time with the JLI, the two left Earth for New Genesis
. However, they soon returned to Earth and took up temporary residence aboard the Justice League Refuge. During this period, the couple separated briefly due to Scott's lack of consideration for her feelings.
Barda has served as a member of the JLA in her own right as well. At Takion
's order, she and fellow New God Orion
were sent as agents of New Genesis to serve on the team. Takion predicted that the Earth faced a grave threat. Their mission is to help mobilize Earth's heroes against the omnipotent Mageddon
. Over time, they become involved with several other JLA missions. Adam Strange
, needing help with an alien invasion, enslaved the JLA as part of a bluff. The League worked for days, turning the planet into a giant teleportation beam. The aliens were sent off to the prison planet of Takron-Galtos
, which Barda had mentioned several times during the ordeal. In another instance, Barda was badly wounded fighting the Queen Bee
, a member of the newly reformed Injustice League
. Once Mageddon was defeated, Barda and Orion resigned from the JLA.
and were active adventurers. Barda never hesitated to lend a hand to her friends when her power and expertise were needed.
Barda accompanied Batman
, Superman
, and Wonder Woman
to Apokolips to rescue Supergirl
from Darkseid
's clutches, and accepted an invitation from Oracle
to become the heavy-hitter on the Birds of Prey.
A similar-looking character named Little Barda
appeared as a member of the Teen Titans in 52
#21; the character leaves the group in the same issue. Her relationship to Big Barda is unknown, though she escaped from Apokolips with Power Boy
.
In a confrontation with the Secret Six
, she engaged Knockout
, another ex-Fury, in hand-to-hand combat. Although the fight was long and continued in the midst of other larger concerns for her team, it ended in a draw.
Big Barda was killed in the first issue of Death of the New Gods
; her funeral occurred in the second issue of the series. Infinity-Man
was later revealed as the killer.
Final Crisis
#7 depicts Barda standing alongside Lightray
and Highfather in front of a reincarnated
New Genesis.
. She is skilled in all forms of warfare and weaponry. She is one of the deadliest hand-to-hand combatants alive. Barda's level of power puts her on a par with the most powerful heroines of the DC Universe, such as Wonder Woman, Donna Troy
, Power Girl
, Mary Marvel
, and Supergirl. Her skill and strength is such that she has fought Wonder Woman to a draw.
She wields a high tech weapon called a "Mega-rod", which produces extremely powerful concussive energy bolts and can also increase gravitational forces. She can also summon and use "Aero-disks", which allow her to fly, and Apokoliptian armor, which augments her already superhuman strength.
by Mark Waid
and Alex Ross
, which is set in an alternate future timeline of DC continuity. Orion
has overthrown Darkseid
and is the reluctant ruler of Apokolips
. Barda (now sporting an eye-patch) and Scott Free
work to teach the "lowlies" to think for themselves, with Orion's approval. The two have a daughter, Avia, who deploys a mega-rod and wears an outfit that combines elements of those of her parents.
's The Dark Knight Strikes Again, as America descends into anarchy and chaos, a former porn star
called Hot Gates
(a reference to Miller's 300 comic) takes up the mantle of "Big Barda" in order to declare herself dictator
of Columbus, Ohio
.
#24 depicts "Big Bard", the male version of Big Barda from a reverse gender universe, who is married to Miss Miracle.
, Barda becomes a Green Lantern Corps
member, although her power ring having fused to her Mother Box
has made her a rather unusual Green Lantern
. Mister Miracle's consciousness also inhabits the ring and he can project himself as a spectral green figure.
Fiction
Fiction is the form of any narrative or informative work that deals, in part or in whole, with information or events that are not factual, but rather, imaginary—that is, invented by the author. Although fiction describes a major branch of literary work, it may also refer to theatrical,...
al comic book superheroine appearing in books published by DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
. She first appeared in Mister Miracle
Mister Miracle
Mister Miracle is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Mister Miracle #1 and was created by Jack Kirby.-Publication history:...
#4 (October 1971), and was created by Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby , born Jacob Kurtzberg, was an American comic book artist, writer and editor regarded by historians and fans as one of the major innovators and most influential creators in the comic book medium....
.
In a reversal of the stereotype associated with female characters at the time of her creation, Barda is physically more powerful than her husband and very protective of him.
Jack Kirby based Barda's physical appearance on Lainie Kazan
Lainie Kazan
Lainie Kazan is an American actress and singer.-Personal life:Kazan was born Lanie Levine in Brooklyn, New York City, the daughter of a Russian Ashkenazi Jewish father who worked as a bookie and a Turkish Sephardic Jewish mother, Carole, whom Kazan has described as "neurotic, fragile and...
, who had recently appeared topless in Playboy
Playboy
Playboy is an American men's magazine that features photographs of nude women as well as journalism and fiction. It was founded in Chicago in 1953 by Hugh Hefner and his associates, and funded in part by a $1,000 loan from Hefner's mother. The magazine has grown into Playboy Enterprises, Inc., with...
. Mark Evanier
Mark Evanier
Mark Stephen Evanier is an American comic book and television writer, particularly known for his humor work. He is also known for his columns and blogs, and for his work as a historian and biographer of the comics industry, in particular his award-winning Jack Kirby biography, Kirby: King of...
, Kirby's assistant during the Fourth World comics, has stated, "Jack based some of his characters (not all) on people in his life or in the news... the characterization between Scott 'Mister Miracle
Mister Miracle
Mister Miracle is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Mister Miracle #1 and was created by Jack Kirby.-Publication history:...
' Free and Barda was based largely—though with tongue in cheek—on the interplay betwixt Jack and his wife Roz."
Fictional character biography
Barda was born of the race of New GodsNew Gods
The New Gods are a fictional race appearing in publications by DC Comics, as well as the title for four series of comic books about those characters. They first appeared in New Gods #1 , and were created and designed by Jack Kirby....
about 250 years ago, on Apokolips
Apokolips
In the DC Comics fictional shared Universe, Apokolips is the planet ruled by Darkseid, established in Jack Kirby's Fourth World series. It is also integral to many DC Comics stories. The planet is considered the opposite of New Genesis....
. Her mother was named Big Breeda, but Barda was taken away from her at an early age to be trained as a warrior. She was a product of Granny Goodness
Granny Goodness
Granny Goodness is a fictional character, a deity and supervillain published by DC Comics. Created by Jack Kirby, Granny Goodness was modeled on comedienne Phyllis Diller and first appeared in Mister Miracle vol...
' Home for Orphaned Youth. Granny's motto is "Die for Darkseid
Darkseid
Darkseid is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby....
" (the planet's evil ruler). Granny groomed Barda to one day lead the Female Fury Battalion
Female Furies
The Female Furies are a group of fictional women warriors appearing in comics published by DC Comics. They first appeared in Mister Miracle #6 , and were created by Jack Kirby.-Team history:...
, a ferocious pack of warrior women. However, during a raid, Barda meets Scott Free
Mister Miracle
Mister Miracle is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Mister Miracle #1 and was created by Jack Kirby.-Publication history:...
, Darkseid's adopted son, and, sensing a peace about him, fell in love.
Barda risked her own safety to work with the rebel cell led by the New God Himon
Himon
Himon is a fictional character. Created by Jack Kirby, the character is one of the New Gods, a fictional race of gods in publications from DC Comics...
. Both of them helped Scott escape from Apokolips. Eventually, Barda turned her back on Granny and came to Earth herself. Scott had become an escape artist called Mister Miracle, and is teamed with Oberon
Oberon (comics)
Oberon is the diminutive manager of Mister Miracle, the world's greatest escape artist. He is named after the legendary king of the faeries . Oberon was created by Jack Kirby.-Fictional character biography:...
, his diminutive manager. Scott and Barda were married by Scott's father, the Highfather
Highfather
Highfather is a fictional comic book character in the . He is chief of the New Gods of New Genesis in the Fourth World and ruled the fictional planet. Highfather first appeared in The New Gods #1 ....
of New Genesis
New Genesis
New Genesis is a fictional planet in the . This planet, along with Apokolips, is speculated to be near the constellation Orion...
.
For a number of years, Barda followed Scott and Oberon on tour. Eventually they retired as superheroes and moved to Bailey, New Hampshire. However, despite their best attempts, a normal life eluded them. Disasters plagued them; Barda, Scott, and Oberon left Bailey and moved to a loft in Greenwich Village, New York City. Barda formed a defense-training program for women called the New Female Furies.
Justice League
Though naïve regarding Earth customs, Barda relished her roles of wife and housekeeper. However, when duty called she never hesitated to assume the posture of a warrior; and when Scott joined the Justice LeagueJustice League
The Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics....
, Barda participated in several missions. In one instance, while training Fire
Fire (comics)
Fire is a fictional character, a comic book superhero from the DC Comics universe. A version of her first appeared in Super Friends #25, , and was created by E. Nelson Bridwell and Ramona Fradon...
, her weapon, the Mega-Rod is stolen from her car. With the assistance of her husband and the Huntress
Huntress (Helena Bertinelli)
Huntress is a fictional character in the DC Universe. Based upon the Earth-Two character Helena Wayne, she is one of several DC characters to bear the Huntress name...
, she gets it back, but not before many innocent people were killed by its wielder who was unable to resist the corrupting influence of the Apokoliptian technology. Barda also lead a JLA mission to rescue her husband after he was lost in space. The mission was a result of Manga Khan
Manga Khan
Manga Khan originally known as Lord Manga, is a fictional DC Comics supervillain and an intergalactic trader. A gaseous being, he relies on a metallic suit to give him form...
selling Scott to Granny Goodness
Granny Goodness
Granny Goodness is a fictional character, a deity and supervillain published by DC Comics. Created by Jack Kirby, Granny Goodness was modeled on comedienne Phyllis Diller and first appeared in Mister Miracle vol...
. Her teammates included Martian Manhunter
Martian Manhunter
The Martian Manhunter is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in publications published by DC Comics. Created by writer Joseph Samachson and artist Joe Certa, the character first appeared in Detective Comics #225...
, Rocket Red
Dimitri Pushkin
Rocket Red is a fictional character and comic book superhero from the DC Comics universe. Created by Steve Englehart and Joe Staton, he first appeared in Justice League No. 3 . His first DC Universe canon appearance was in Green Lantern Corps No...
, and G'nort
G'nort
G'nort Esplanade G'neesmacher is a fictional character, a DC Comics superhero created by Keith Giffen and J. M. DeMatteis during their Justice League period.G'nort was a member of the Green Lantern Corps and later a Darkstar...
. In an attempt to dissuade their successful pursuit, Manga Khan hired Lobo, paying him in dolphin feed, to kill them. He almost does, before Barda teleported him to a random location, that being ten feet behind Guy Gardner
Guy Gardner (comics)
Guy Gardner is a fictional character, a comic book superhero published by DC Comics. He is a core member of the Green Lantern family of characters, and for a time was also a significant member of the Justice League family of characters.He was created by John Broome and Gil Kane in Green Lantern...
's skull. The repercussions of that literal meeting of the minds would last for years.
After their time with the JLI, the two left Earth for New Genesis
New Genesis
New Genesis is a fictional planet in the . This planet, along with Apokolips, is speculated to be near the constellation Orion...
. However, they soon returned to Earth and took up temporary residence aboard the Justice League Refuge. During this period, the couple separated briefly due to Scott's lack of consideration for her feelings.
Barda has served as a member of the JLA in her own right as well. At Takion
Takion
Takion is a fictional character in the DC Comics comic book series which ran for 7 issues in 1996, and of the lead character of that series...
's order, she and fellow New God Orion
Orion (comics)
Orion is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in New Gods #1 , and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby.-Jack Kirby Era:...
were sent as agents of New Genesis to serve on the team. Takion predicted that the Earth faced a grave threat. Their mission is to help mobilize Earth's heroes against the omnipotent Mageddon
Mageddon
Mageddon is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in JLA #37 and was created by Grant Morrison and Howard Porter.-Publication history:...
. Over time, they become involved with several other JLA missions. Adam Strange
Adam Strange
Adam Strange is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Mike Sekowsky, he first appeared in Showcase #17 .In May 2011, Adam Strange placed 97th on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes of All Time....
, needing help with an alien invasion, enslaved the JLA as part of a bluff. The League worked for days, turning the planet into a giant teleportation beam. The aliens were sent off to the prison planet of Takron-Galtos
Takron-Galtos
Takron-Galtos is a fictional planet in the DC Comics universe. It first appeared in Adventure Comics #359 .-History:Takron-Galtos is a planet-sized prison built to house the most dangerous criminals in the galaxy. It exists in the 20th Century, as shown in Justice League of America #247, February...
, which Barda had mentioned several times during the ordeal. In another instance, Barda was badly wounded fighting the Queen Bee
Queen Bee (comics)
Queen Bee is the name of four different DC Comics supervillains.-Queen Bee :The leader of the hiveworld Korll, Zazzala lives only for the interstellar expansion of her species. Zazzala first appeared in Justice League of America #23...
, a member of the newly reformed Injustice League
Injustice League
The Injustice League is the name of two fictional teams of supervillains in the .-Original League :The original Injustice League was the brainchild of the interplanetary conqueror Agamemno. Bored of his dominion, he set out to conquer Earth and their champions, the Justice League...
. Once Mageddon was defeated, Barda and Orion resigned from the JLA.
After the League
Barda and Scott then resided in the suburbs of ConnecticutConnecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
and were active adventurers. Barda never hesitated to lend a hand to her friends when her power and expertise were needed.
Barda accompanied Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
, Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
, and Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a DC Comics superheroine created by William Moulton Marston. She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 . The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986....
to Apokolips to rescue Supergirl
Supergirl
Supergirl is a female counterpart to the DC Comics Superman. As his cousin, she shares his super powers and vulnerability to Kryptonite. She was created by writer Otto Binder and designed by artist Al Plastino in 1959. She first appeared in the Action Comics comic book series and later branched out...
from Darkseid
Darkseid
Darkseid is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby....
's clutches, and accepted an invitation from Oracle
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Gordon is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics and in related media, created by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino...
to become the heavy-hitter on the Birds of Prey.
A similar-looking character named Little Barda
Little Barda
Little Barda is a fictional character, a DC Comics superheroine created by Geoff Johns and Tony Daniel. The character has been a member of the Teen Titans and is based on another character, Big Barda.-First appearance:...
appeared as a member of the Teen Titans in 52
52 (comics)
52 was a weekly American comic book limited series published by DC Comics that debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. The series was written by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid with layouts by Keith Giffen...
#21; the character leaves the group in the same issue. Her relationship to Big Barda is unknown, though she escaped from Apokolips with Power Boy
Power Boy
Power Boy is the name of three fictional superheroes that appear in comic books published by DC Comics.-Zarl Vorne:The first Power Boy's origin paralleled Superboy's...
.
In a confrontation with the Secret Six
Secret Six (comics)
The Secret Six is the name of three different fictional comic book teams in the , plus an alternate universe's fourth team. Each team has had six members, led by a mysterious figure named Mockingbird, whom the characters assume to be one of the other five members.-Original Secret Six:The Secret Six...
, she engaged Knockout
Knockout (comics)
Knockout is a fictional character, a supervillainess in the DC Comics universe. She first appeared in Superboy vol. 2 #1 , and was created by Karl Kesel and Tom Grummett.-Fictional character biography:...
, another ex-Fury, in hand-to-hand combat. Although the fight was long and continued in the midst of other larger concerns for her team, it ended in a draw.
Big Barda was killed in the first issue of Death of the New Gods
Death of the New Gods
Death of the New Gods was an eight-issue comic book limited series published in 2007 and 2008 by DC Comics. It was written and pencilled by Jim Starlin.The series follows the final days of the New Gods as they are stalked by a mysterious killer....
; her funeral occurred in the second issue of the series. Infinity-Man
Infinity-Man
Infinity-Man is a fictional character, an extraterrestrial superhero published by DC Comics. Created by Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Forever People #1, .-Fictional character biography:...
was later revealed as the killer.
Final Crisis
Final Crisis
Final Crisis is a crossover storyline that appeared in comic books published by DC Comics in 2008, primarily the seven-issue miniseries of the same name written by Grant Morrison. Originally DC announced the project as being illustrated solely by J. G. Jones; artists Carlos Pacheco, Marco Rudy and...
#7 depicts Barda standing alongside Lightray
Lightray
Lightray is a DC Comics superhero. Created by Jack Kirby for the "Jack Kirby's Fourth World" meta-series, he first appeared in New Gods #1 .- Fictional character biography :...
and Highfather in front of a reincarnated
Reincarnation
Reincarnation best describes the concept where the soul or spirit, after the death of the body, is believed to return to live in a new human body, or, in some traditions, either as a human being, animal or plant...
New Genesis.
Powers and abilities
Barda has superhuman strength and endurance; being an Apokoliptian, she is also immortalImmortality
Immortality is the ability to live forever. It is unknown whether human physical immortality is an achievable condition. Biological forms have inherent limitations which may or may not be able to be overcome through medical interventions or engineering...
. She is skilled in all forms of warfare and weaponry. She is one of the deadliest hand-to-hand combatants alive. Barda's level of power puts her on a par with the most powerful heroines of the DC Universe, such as Wonder Woman, Donna Troy
Donna Troy
Donna Troy is a comic book superheroine published by DC Comics. She first appeared in The Brave and the Bold vol. 1 #60 , and was created by Bob Haney and Bruno Premiani...
, Power Girl
Power Girl
Power Girl is a DC Comics superheroine, making her first appearance in All Star Comics #58 ....
, Mary Marvel
Mary Marvel
Mary Marvel is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine, originally published by Fawcett Comics and now owned by DC Comics. Created by Otto Binder and Marc Swayze, she first appeared in Captain Marvel Adventures #18 in...
, and Supergirl. Her skill and strength is such that she has fought Wonder Woman to a draw.
She wields a high tech weapon called a "Mega-rod", which produces extremely powerful concussive energy bolts and can also increase gravitational forces. She can also summon and use "Aero-disks", which allow her to fly, and Apokoliptian armor, which augments her already superhuman strength.
Kingdom Come
Barda appears in the limited series Kingdom ComeKingdom Come (comics)
Kingdom Come is a four-issue comic book mini-series published in 1996 by DC Comics. It was written by Alex Ross and Mark Waid and painted in gouache by Ross, who also developed the concept from an original idea...
by Mark Waid
Mark Waid
Mark Waid is an American comic book writer. He is well known for his eight-year run as writer of the DC Comics' title The Flash, as well as his scripting of the limited series Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and his work on Marvel Comics' Captain America...
and Alex Ross
Alex Ross
Nelson Alexander "Alex" Ross is an American comic book painter, illustrator, and plotter. He is praised for his realistic, human depictions of classic comic book characters. Since the 1990s he has done work for Marvel Comics and DC Comics Nelson Alexander "Alex" Ross (born January 22, 1970) is an...
, which is set in an alternate future timeline of DC continuity. Orion
Orion (comics)
Orion is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in New Gods #1 , and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby.-Jack Kirby Era:...
has overthrown Darkseid
Darkseid
Darkseid is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby....
and is the reluctant ruler of Apokolips
Apokolips
In the DC Comics fictional shared Universe, Apokolips is the planet ruled by Darkseid, established in Jack Kirby's Fourth World series. It is also integral to many DC Comics stories. The planet is considered the opposite of New Genesis....
. Barda (now sporting an eye-patch) and Scott Free
Mister Miracle
Mister Miracle is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Mister Miracle #1 and was created by Jack Kirby.-Publication history:...
work to teach the "lowlies" to think for themselves, with Orion's approval. The two have a daughter, Avia, who deploys a mega-rod and wears an outfit that combines elements of those of her parents.
The Dark Knight Strikes Again
In Frank MillerFrank Miller (comics)
Frank Miller is an American comic book artist, writer and film director best known for his dark, film noir-style comic book stories and graphic novels Ronin, Daredevil: Born Again, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City and 300...
's The Dark Knight Strikes Again, as America descends into anarchy and chaos, a former porn star
Pornographic actor
A pornographic actor/actress or a porn star is a person who appears in pornographic film. Most actors appear nude in films...
called Hot Gates
Thermopylae
Thermopylae is a location in Greece where a narrow coastal passage existed in antiquity. It derives its name from its hot sulphur springs. "Hot gates" is also "the place of hot springs and cavernous entrances to Hades"....
(a reference to Miller's 300 comic) takes up the mantle of "Big Barda" in order to declare herself dictator
Dictator
A dictator is a ruler who assumes sole and absolute power but without hereditary ascension such as an absolute monarch. When other states call the head of state of a particular state a dictator, that state is called a dictatorship...
of Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
.
Superman/Batman
Superman/BatmanSuperman/Batman
Superman/Batman was a monthly comic book series published by DC Comics that features the publisher's two most popular characters: Batman and Superman...
#24 depicts "Big Bard", the male version of Big Barda from a reverse gender universe, who is married to Miss Miracle.
JLA: Another Nail
In JLA: Another NailJLA: Another Nail
JLA: Another Nail is a comic book mini-series published in the United States by DC Comics, a continuation of events seen in the original three-part mini-series JLA: The Nail. As with its predecessor, Another Nail occurs outside of the official DC Universe continuity, belonging to the Elseworlds...
, Barda becomes a Green Lantern Corps
Green Lantern Corps
The Green Lantern Corps is the name of a fictional intergalactic military/police force appearing in comics published by DC Comics. They patrol the farthest reaches of the DC Universe at the behest of the Guardians, a race of immortals residing on the planet Oa...
member, although her power ring having fused to her Mother Box
Mother Box
Mother Boxes are fictional devices in Jack Kirby's Fourth World setting in the DC Universe.-History:Created by Apokoliptian scientist Himon using the mysterious Element X, they are generally thought to be sentient, miniaturized, portable supercomputers, although their true nature and origins are...
has made her a rather unusual Green Lantern
Green Lantern
The Green Lantern is the shared primary alias of several fictional characters, superheroes appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The first Green Lantern was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Martin Nodell in All-American Comics #16 .Each Green Lantern possesses a power ring and...
. Mister Miracle's consciousness also inhabits the ring and he can project himself as a spectral green figure.
Television
- Big Barda makes a cameo at the end of the second part of the Superman: The Animated SeriesSuperman: The Animated SeriesSuperman: The Animated Series is an American animated television series starring DC Comics' flagship character, Superman. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on The WB from September 6, 1996 to February 12, 2000. Warner Bros...
episode, "Apokolips...Now!". When Orion appears to declare Earth under the protection of New Genesis, she can be seen in the background as part of the defensive army in her trademark battle armor.
- Big Barda appears in the Justice League UnlimitedJustice League UnlimitedJustice League Unlimited is an American animated television series that was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on Cartoon Network. Featuring a wide array of superheroes from the DC Comics universe, and specifically based on the Justice League superhero team, it is a direct sequel to the...
animated series, voiced by Farrah ForkeFarrah ForkeFarrah Rachael Forke, sometimes credited as Farrah R. Forke , is an American actress known for her role as "Alex Lambert" on the NBC sitcom Wings, and "Mayson Drake" on Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman...
. Her physique is uncharacteristically slender in this appearance. In the episode "The Ties That Bind", Granny GoodnessGranny GoodnessGranny Goodness is a fictional character, a deity and supervillain published by DC Comics. Created by Jack Kirby, Granny Goodness was modeled on comedienne Phyllis Diller and first appeared in Mister Miracle vol...
kidnaps OberonOberon (comics)Oberon is the diminutive manager of Mister Miracle, the world's greatest escape artist. He is named after the legendary king of the faeries . Oberon was created by Jack Kirby.-Fictional character biography:...
and forces Barda and Mister Miracle to rescue KalibakKalibakKalibak is a fictional character, a deity and supervillain published by DC Comics. Created by Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in New Gods #1 .- Fictional character biography :...
from the clutches of Virman VundabarVirman VundabarVirman Vundabar is a fictional extraterrestrial supervillain published by DC Comics. He was created by Jack Kirby and first appeared in Mister Miracle vol. 1 #5 "drawn like Benito Mussolini."-Fictional character biography:...
. With the help of FlashWally WestThe Flash is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. He is the first Kid Flash and the third Flash....
, they rescue Kalibak and trick Granny Goodness into revealing Oberon's whereabouts. After Oberon is safe, the couple leaves Apokolips, but not before Barda punches Granny Goodness in the face. - In the two-part episode titled "The Call" of the animated series Batman BeyondBatman BeyondBatman Beyond is an American animated television series created by Warner Bros. Animation in collaboration with DC Comics as a continuation of the Batman legacy...
, Barda is a member of the Justice League fifty years in the future, along with WarhawkWarhawk (Batman Beyond)Warhawk is a fictional character created for the DC Animated Universe, voiced by Peter Onorati.-Batman Beyond Appearances:...
, SupermanSupermanSuperman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
, a new Green Lantern, AquagirlAquagirlAquagirl is the name of several fictional characters featured as superheroines in the comic books and other media produced by DC Comics.- Lisa Morel :...
, and others. At Superman's request, Batman investigates the members of the Justice League to find a traitor who has been trying to kill off the members one at a time. Barda at first does not trust Terry and treats him with nothing short of contempt, but after he saves her and the rest of the Justice League Unlimited from StarroStarroStarro is a fictional supervillain that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Brave and the Bold #28 , and was created by Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky....
, the one responsible for framing Superman for the attempted murders, he gains her respect and trust. - Big Barda appears in the teaser of the Batman: The Brave and the BoldBatman: The Brave and the BoldBatman: The Brave and the Bold is an American animated television series based in part on the DC Comics series The Brave and the Bold which features two or more super heroes coming together to solve a crime or foil a super villain...
episode "Last Bat on Earth!", voiced by Diane DelanoDiane DelanoDiane A. Delano is an American character actress, sometimes credited as Diana Delano. Her best known roles might be "Bobbi Glass" as well as her twin sister nurse "Jessi Glass "on the 1999 series Popular and the recurring character "Barbara Semanski" on Northern Exposure...
. Mister Miracle mentions her while he and BatmanBatmanBatman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
are chained to a death trap event for charity. After the event, when Mister Miracle brags about his escape, Barda replies, "You know what would be a real miracle? If you would finally clean out the garage," before walking away; to which Batman responds, "Guess that's one trap you can't escape from."
Film
- Big Barda appears in the animated film Superman/Batman: ApocalypseSuperman/Batman: ApocalypseSuperman/Batman: Apocalypse is a 2010 direct-to-video animated film based on the Superman/Batman comic storyline "The Supergirl from Krypton" and is a sequel to Superman/Batman: Public Enemies. The art style is partly based on that of Michael Turner, who penciled the Superman/Batman comic book arc...
, voiced by Julianne Grossman.
External links
- Big Barda at the DC Database Project
- Big Barda at Cosmic Teams
- A Woman of Valor - An appreciation of Barda by novelist Michael ChabonMichael ChabonMichael Chabon born May 24, 1963) is an American author and "one of the most celebrated writers of his generation", according to The Virginia Quarterly Review....