Bella Reál is a political activist and the mayor of Gotham City. Initially running against the incumbent Don Mitchell Jr., she planned to reform the city's political structure and deep-rooted corruption. Reál became a target for the Riddler and his followers due to their plans.
Biography[]
Much of Bella Reál's life is currently unknown. At the age of 28, she ran for Mayor of Gotham City against the incumbent Don Mitchell Jr.. Reál's policies included disbanding the Gotham Renewal Corporation and tacking Drops usage around the city. She also planned to get the city's wealthy citizen to take further action, including Bruce Wayne.
On the night before Halloween, Reál took part in a public debate against Mitchell. Among the challenges she put to him were the fact that crime rates and drug usage were up, despite his policies over his time in as Mayor. Opinion polls following the event showed Reál was more popular than her opponent following the debate.
Funeral of Don Mitchell Jr.[]
After Mitchell's murder, Reál was among the many people to attend his funeral at City Hall. Upon entry, she noticed Bruce Wayne and met with him. Having failed to arrange a meeting with him, she accompanied him into the building, during which she confronted him on his lack of philanthropy. Mentioning that his parents had a history with it, she told him she intended him to follow suite when she became Mayor. Noticing Mitchell's son, Reál left him whilst she paid her respects. She was presumably evacuated from the building after the event was attacked by Gil Colson on Riddler's order.
Attempted Assassination[]
Reál would later win the election several days after the funeral. She and her followers gathered at Gotham Square Garden as the results were announced, including Mitchell's family. During their celebrations, the city was flooded by bombs set up by Riddler. As civilians gathered in the venue and panicked, Reál was approached by Lt. Gordon, who informed her of an upcoming attempt on her life. Rather than move to safety, Bella instead decided to stay behind and attempt to calm the crowds.
Moments after going on stage, Reál noticed one of Riddler's followers in the rafters of the venue. She was soon shot in the shoulder by the gunman, with the others following him in attacking. During the attack, Reál was pulled into cover by Gordon, as they fired upon both them and the crowds. The attacks eventually were diverted by the arrival of Batman, who fought the criminals in their vantage points. As the GCPD left to help Batman, Reál received medical help for her injuries.
Eventually, the flood waters broke into the building, collapsing the stage. Reál was among those caught underneath, risking drowning and electrocution from a loose cable. However, Batman responded to the incident and managed to pull a way out of the wreckage. Initially reluctant to accept the vigilante's aid, Reál let him pull her out after Mitchell's son was helped first. She was among the first people to follow him to safety from the floods on the building's roof.
Aftermath[]
The day after the flood, Reál held a press conference to the citizens of Gotham. She was supported by Gordon and the GCPD, during which she promised change to Gotham and clean up corruption infested in the city.
Notes[]
- Reál shares similarities with Marion Grange, a female mayor who ran against a corrupt mayor and reformed the political structure. She also served as an ally to Batman.
- Bella's candidate posters state themselves to have been paid for "By friends of Bella Reál".