Robin Officially Kills Batgirl in DC’s Most Brutal World (Yes, It’s Real)

WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers For DC Vs. Vampires: World War V #2!The highly anticipated sequel to the best-selling Elseworlds series DC vs. Vampires has barely begun, but Damian Wayne’s Robin has already upended the balance of power by taking responsibility for Batgirl’s death. With Barbara Gordon gone, a power vacuum hangs over one of DC’s darkest storylines, sparking the question: who will step up to claim her mantle? We think we have the answer—and it’s nothing short of epic.

Last month, DC vs. Vampires: World War V #1 by Matthew Rosenberg and Otto Schmidt ended with a shocking cliffhanger, leaving fans questioning whether Vampire Queen Barbara Gordon had truly met her demise after being seemingly blown up by one of Damian’s guerrilla vampire fighters. As a burning Batgirl plummeted from a towering skyscraper to the streets of Gotham, viewers were caught between horror and excitement.

Yet, with DC characters often surviving the impossible, many were left wondering if Barbara had really perished. Issue #2 finally delivers a definitive answer: Vampire Queen Barbara Gordon is no more, and vampire Damian Wayne is responsible.

QUEEN SLAYER: Damian Wayne Gets New Title After Killing Batgirl in DC vs. Vampires: World War V

“I Am Here to Deliver a Message to the Boy. The Orphan. The Queen Slayer.” – Wonder Woman in World War V #2

In World War V #2, fans receive multiple confirmations that Batgirl is truly dead. One such confirmation comes from the vampiric Aquaman, who, during a meeting with human resistance leader Lois Lane, reveals recent power struggles within the vampire community following the queen’s death. It’s clear that, as of now, no vampire has successfully stepped up to fill Barbara’s place. This sentiment is echoed later by vampiric Wonder Woman, who hunts down Talia al Ghul and Alfred Pennyworth in a bid to avenge her fallen queen. After seemingly killing Damian’s mother, Wonder Woman turns her sights on Alfred.

During her confrontation with the former Wayne butler, Diana states, “I am here to deliver a message to the boy. The orphan. The Queen Slayer.” This not only gives Damian a badass new title but also confirms that the vampires blame Robin for Batgirl’s death, even though it was technically one of his underlings who pulled the trigger. Despite the fast pace of the series, Rosenberg has yet to show Damian facing the full consequences of his actions. However, with future solicitations hinting at what’s to come, it’s only a matter of time before the fifth Robin is forced to confront his choices.

With Batgirl Dead, Who Will Become DC Universe’s Next Vampire Ruler?

Wonder Woman Is in Line to Become DC’s Next Vampire Queen

With Batgirl now dead and the vampires thrown into chaos by the sudden power vacuum, it’s only a matter of time before a new ruler rises to claim the throne. Among the possible contenders, the most likely candidate is Wonder Woman. As Batgirl’s second-in-command and one of the most powerful vampires still standing, Diana seems the obvious choice, especially given her significant role in the series. Additionally, Wonder Woman’s prominent appearance on upcoming issue covers suggests she may soon become the next Vampire Queen.

DC vs. Vampires: World War V #2 is available now from DC Comics!

DC VS. VAMPIRES: WORLD WAR V #2 (2024)
	Writer: Matthew Rosenberg Artist: Otto Schmidt Colorist: Pierluigi Casolino Letterer: Tom Napolitano Cover Artist: Otto Schmidt

Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman is the superhero identity of Diana, Princess of the Amazons. Created on the island of Themyscira, Wonder Woman is a super-powered demi-goddess with extreme physical strength who utilizes magical gifts (like her famous Lasso of Truth) to defeat her foes. As mighty as her fellow heroes Superman and the Justice League, Wonder Woman is unmatched in her compassion and virtue.