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James Worthington Gordon was a detective in the Gotham Police Department. After his wife's death, he became disillusioned and fallen into line with the rest of the GCPD. After allying with the Batman to capture a prolific serial killer, Gordon began working with the Dark Knight to clean the city.
History[]
Early Career[]
One of the few clean officers on the force, James Gordon had become jaded after years of rampant crime and corruption. After his wife died in an apparent automobile accident, he became inactive in fighting the system, suspecting she'd been murdered. Gordon had a daughter called Barbara, whom he'd grown over protective of. It's implied he'd had previously investigated the murders of Thomas and Martha Wayne, though was forced to abandon it due to pressure from men working for Mayor Oswald Cobblepot.
Meeting the Batman[]
When Batman began operating in Gotham City, Gordon was partnered with the recently transferred Harvey Bullock, a former TV star hoping to investigate the murders. Showing Bullock around the city, he tried to stop him from getting involved in an incident with Axe, a local criminal under Cobblepot's pay. When Bullock disobeyed to intervein, Gordon made him release him and apologized for their actions. As they left the scene, Gordon attempted to avoid questioning from his partner and vaguely warned him that Cobblepot's men would likely interfere with their investigation.
Gordon and Bullock were among the officers handing the security detail on Gotham's 300th celebration party organized by Cobblepot. Surprised by Bruce Wayne's attendance, he tried to stop Harvey from interacting with him. Gordon was among the officers who responded to calls that Batman had attempted to kidnap one of Cobblepot's staff. When the vigilante broke free of the officers' grip, he attacked Gordon, breaking his nose. The confusion allowed Batman to attempt and escape with evidence.
Gordon later watched a report on Batman with the precinct's officers, many of whom ridiculed him for being attacked. Some time later, he encouraged Bullock to fill out paperwork and investigate the vigilante. Calling an end to his shift, Gordon returned home to learn Barbara had gone to the library to cover for her friend. Whilst preparing dinner, Bullock arrived with files of the Wayne murders to get his help. As Bullock went over details, Gordon received a call from Axe, who told him to put back cold case files he'd check out. Realizing Bullock had brought them out in his name, Gordon lost his temper and revealed why he'd been inactive. Though he wanted to put the files back, Harvey convinced him to interrogate Axe to find out where Barbara had been taken.
Tracking him down, they interrogated him to learn that Barbara was being kept in the Arkham Manor to be killed by the Birthday Boy. Arriving shortly after Batman did, Gordon decided to investigate without backup and was separated from Bullock. Encountering Batman, Gordon accused him of working for Cobblepot and attacked him, though the vigilante disarmed and restrained him. Hearing Barbara's calls for help, they gave up the fight to track her down. Gordon helped Barbara escape whilst Batman and Bullock fought Birthday Boy. After the confrontation, Gordon took both Barbara and a traumatized Bullock away from the scene, calling in Birthday Boy's capture. Gordon also brought Axe into custody, openly vowing to the precinct to no longer stand by and let criminals rule the city.
The Riddler's Reign of Terror[]
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War with "Harvey Dent"[]
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Notes[]
Unlike many other versions of his character, Gordon was originally unwilling to stand up to the GCPD's corrupt officers and criminals due to concern about his daughter's safety. He is only inspired to fight it after Batman helps rescue her from Cobblepot's forces. From the second volume of Earth One, Gordon begins to resemble his New-Earth/Earth-Prime counterpart closely.