Batman Family

the DC Comics series

Batman Family is an American comic book anthology series published by DC Comics which ran from 1975 to 1978, primarily featuring stories starring supporting characters to the superhero Batman. An eight issue miniseries called Batman: Family was published from December 2002 to February 2003. The term "Batman Family" is most commonly used as the informal name for Batman's closest allies, generally masked vigilantes operating in Gotham City or simply "Gotham".

The Batman Family comic book series ran for 20 issues from September–October 1975 to October–November 1978 and featured solo and team up stories starring Batgirl and Robin. The lead story in the first issue teaming Batgirl and Robin was originally intended for publication in an issue of 1st Issue Special. The series additionally featured reprints of Golden Age and Silver Age stories. Many issues of Batman Family featured Batman supporting characters such as Alfred Pennyworth, Vicki Vale, the Elongated Man, the Huntress, and Ace the Bat Hound. Writer Bob Rozakis introduced the Duela Dent character in issue #6 (July–August 1976) and revived the original Batwoman in issue #10 (March–April 1977). The series began featuring only new material as of issue #11 (May–June 1977) and the Man Bat began appearing as a regular feature. Batman Family converted to the Dollar Comics format with issue #17 (April–May 1978). DC published several other Family titles concurrent with Batman Family. These included The Superman Family (1974–82), Super Team Family (1975–1978) and Tarzan Family (1975–76). As a rule, DC's Family titles contained mostly reprints, and featured a higher page count (and higher price) than DC's normal books. Its final issue, #20 (Oct.–Nov. 1978), was published without any advertisements.

In 1978, after the DC Implosion, it was decided that DC Comics' long running flagship title Detective Comics was to be terminated with #480. The decision was overturned, following strenuous arguments on behalf of saving the title within the DC office. Despite being the better selling title, Batman Family was instead merged with Detective, converting that series into a $1.00 68 page giant as of Detective Comics #481 (Dec. 1978 Jan. 1979). This arrangement lasted 15 issues. With issue #496 (Nov. 1980) Detective Comics reverted to its traditional size and price — thus effectively cancelling Batman Family for good.

Batman: Family was an eight issue miniseries published from December 2002 to February 2003 and written by John Francis Moore. Issues #1 6 were illustrated by Stefano Gaudiano and Rick Hoberg. Steve Lieber replaced Hoberg on issues #7 and 8.