DC K.O.: Knightfight #3 previewed what several female Batman sidekicks taking over from Bruce Wayne as Gotham's protector would look like. Created by Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora for DC Comics, DC K.O.: Knightfight #3 is the penultimate installment of the four-part miniseries tied to the DC K.O. event, a cosmic tournament where DC heroes duke it out for the fate of the Multiverse.
Following Batman's disqualification from the main tournament, Bruce was placed into a gauntlet by the Heart of Apokolips to push the Dark Knight to the limit by forcing him to fight twisted alternate-future versions of Batman from his Bat-Family legacy lineup. In Knightfight #3, a panel showcasing alternate-future depictions of Bat-Family women taking over from Bruce Wayne was shown, revealing the likes of Barbara Gordon, Stephanie Brown, and Cassandra Cain.
The female Batman characters appear briefly as cameos in visions, tormenting the Caped Crusader by showing how corrupted versions of his former allies are tasked to kill him, no matter what. They are shown among other male counterparts such as Batwing, Signal, and Azrael.
These follow on from previous illustrations that depicted the major incarnations of Robin as the Caped Crusader, including Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, and Damian Wayne. Meanwhile, these female versions of Batman borrow from their various alter egos through their color schemes and subtle design choices.
Every Female Version of Batman Shown in DC K.O. Knightfight # 3
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Gordon is best known for becoming Batgirl and a close ally of Bruce Wayne. She is also Jim Gordon's daughter. DC K.O. Knightfight #3 featured a stylized, alternate-future variant of Barbara as Batgirl, showcasing a vibrant teal and cyan base for the bodysuit and cape while retaining the iconic Batman cowl, complete with white lenses for her eyes.
While it closely resembles Batgirl's classic suit, this alternate-future version features a more tech-forward Bat-suit, potentially with hologram tech and other advanced weaponry that could rival the original Dark Knight. The design is much sleeker and better than Bruce's, because the story visualizes her as a better Batman in an alternate future.
Stephanie Brown
The latest DC Comics issue also depicted an alternate future in which Stephanie Brown took the mantle of Batman.
This alternate-future female variant of Batman, featured in DC K.O.: Knightfight #3, shows Stephanie Brown channeling her inner Spoiler by embracing pink and black accents that create a shadowy, mysterious vibe.
While the traditional Batman cowl is present, Brown adds her own stamp to the suit by showing a full-face mask that proves that she can hide her identity even from close allies. A closer look at Brown's utility belt also reveals some of the Dark Knight's usual gadgets, such as a grappling hook.
In DC lore, Brown is a vigilante known as Spoiler who targeted her corrupt dad by sabotaging his sinister schemes. At some point, she became Batgirl after Cassandra Cain passed the mantle to her.
Cassandra Cain
Cassandra Cain's alternate-future version of Batman showcases her classic, sleek design, mirroring her Batgirl suit. Similar to Stephanie Brown's costume, she also has a full-head mask, with white lenses and more pronounced bat-ears, that covers her entire face and head.
The cowl also features Cain's signature stitching, which she typically uses on her Batgirl suit. She sports a skin-tight leather bodysuit that allows for maximum mobility.
Cassandra Cain is the daughter of David Cain and Lady Shiva, making her one of, if not the most skilled, fighters in the Bat-Family. She became Batgirl after Batman and Oracle took her in and gave their blessing to take on the mantle.
Other Notable Female Batman Versions in DC Lore
Aside from the versions highlighted in Knightfight # 3, DC Comics has previously introduced female counterparts of Batman from other Earths, most notably Batwoman of Earth-11 and The Drowned.
Batwoman of Earth 11 is the gender-swapped version of Batman who served as Gotham's protector and a founding member of her Earth's version of the Justice League, the Justice Guild. Her costume mirrors the classic Batsuit, featuring a black bat symbol, a traditional cape and cowl, and a grey suit.
An interesting take on a female Batman is The Drowned, a twisted villainous alternate version of the Dark Knight from the Dark Multiverse and a member of the Dark Knights (evil Batmen assembled by The Batman Who Laughs). She altered her DNA and infused it with Atlantean samples, allowing her to gain abilities similar to those of other Atlanteans, ultimately leading to her successful takeover of Atlantis by killing Aquawoman.
The Drowned's costume is a mix of Batman and Aquaman, featuring a traditional cowl with aquatic accents and armored plating that resembles Atlantean scales. She also wields a powerful trident for good measure.
