A collective of the fictional characters that appear in the American comic books published by DC Comics that feature the superhero, Batman, as the main protagonist. Since Bat-Family's introduction in 1939, the character has accumulated a number of recognizable supporting characters. The first Batman supporting character was Commissioner James Gordon, who first appeared in the same comic book as Batman in Detective Comics #27 (May 1939). James Gordon is also Batman's ally in the Gotham City Police Department. Robin, Batman's vigilante partner, was introduced in the Spring of 1940, Alfred Pennyworth, Batman's butler, was introduced in 1943, and Barbara Gordon was introduced in 1967. The "Batman family", or "Bat-Family", is the informal term for Batman's closest allies; generally masked vigilantes operating in Gotham City. Batman also forms strong bonds or close working relationships with other superheroes, including Justice League members Superman, Green Arrow, Zatanna and Wonder Woman as well as members of the Outsiders superhero team. Others such as Jason Bard, Harold, Onyx, and Toyman work for him. In addition, Batman has perhaps the most well known collection of adversaries in fiction. They are commonly referred to as Batman's rogues gallery and include the Joker, the Penguin, and the Riddler, among others. He also has several love interests, including Catwoman, Talia al Ghul, Silver St. Cloud, Poison Ivy, and Julie Madison. Bat-Family The Bat-Family (sometimes called Gotham Knights) is the informal name for Batman's closest allies. They are generally masked vigilantes who either have been trained by Batman or operate in Gotham City with his tacit approval. Many of these are also his adopted children with the exception of Damian Wayne, the first of the Robins to be biologically related to Batman. The group consists of similarly minded superheroes who operate in the Gotham City area and work towards achieving common goals. Batman is often the team leader or, in some cases, its dispatch. Various members of the group usually interact with one another and assist in each other's cases, even within their respective series. Although some members occasionally resent Batman's intrusion into their lives, all respect him as a legend within the superhero community and rarely dare to challenge his authority. Most of the members also have a strong rapport with the Dark Knight due to their long and close relationships with him over the years, and consider him a close friend and ally, and acknowledge that he most