Barbara Kean

A favorite among many longtime and hardcore Batman fans, writer Alan Brennert released a statement on Facebook this week regarding his lack of compensation for the use of the character Barbara Kean Gordon in the upcoming Fox TV show Gotham, a live-action series based on the Batman characters. Brennert wrote a story in 1981 where the character was created as the fiancée of then-Lt. James Gordon. While it was an out-of-continuity story, the character was later brought into canon as Commissioner Gordon’s wife (most notably in Batman: Year One, and in the films Batman Begins and The Dark Knight). In the television series' pilot episode -- which ComicsAlliance staffers have seen and verified -- Barbara Kean is introduced as James Gordon's bride-to-be, played by Erin Richards. For this reason, Brennert requested equity in the character and compensation for her use in Gotham – a request that has been denied, which has in turn inspired consternation among Brennert's fans, industry observers and other creators.

Last weekend's news that James Gordon will be portrayed by actor Ben McKenzie on the new Fox series Gotham, a look at the pre-Batman days of the DC Universe city has been followed today be even more casting info. Robin Taylor (Another Earth), an actor notable for his svelte physique will take on the role of a young Oswald Cobblepot, of all people. Yup, the Penguin will start off skinny. Burn Notic