Warning! Spoilers for Batman #113 and "Fear State" ahead!
Most DC Comics fans tend to think Batman is the most important hero in Gotham City and probably wouldn't even think of Oracle as a candidate. However, since Joker paralyzed her in Batman: The Killing Joke, Barbara Gordon has proven her worth as a new kind of hero. Although she has regained the use of her legs via an implant, Barbara has decided to return to her role as Oracle. Oracle does half of the work for several vigilantes at a time, all from the Gotham Clock Tower. She is a member of the Bat-Family, a founder of the Birds of Prey, and even helps the Justice League from time to time. Oracle has a photographic memory and genius-level intellect, but she most importantly proves that not all heroes wear capes.
During the events of James Tynion IV and Jorge Jimenez's Batman: Joker War, Oracle spread vital information to Gotham, ensuring safety throughout the whole city. Now, Batman: Fear State (also by Tynion IV, Jimenez, plus Riccardo Federici) has brought back Scarecrow, and he's not playing around. The city is in fear and believes Batman to be dead. Not only is Jonathan Crane back, but his plan also unfolded a brand new threat to Gotham known as "Anti-Oracle," who subtly proves why Oracle is the most important of Gotham's heroes.
Batman #113 has just shown how detrimental an "Anti-Oracle" can be, as this mysterious character spreads false information to the entire city. In the previous issue, the "Anti-Oracle" hijacked Barbara's signal and is broadcasting, claiming to be the true Oracle. Now, this issue begins with a spreading signal stating Batman is dead, that bodies are piling up in the streets, and that the citizens should make weapons to defend themselves. Some characters, like Renee Montoya and Batman, recognize that this voice is definitely not Barbara. However, these lies will potentially spread panic among the city and make the situation worse, highlighting the important service that Barbara provides for Gotham and its heroes. Barbara doesn't go down without a fight. Oracle has proven herself several times in the past, perhaps more so than her Batgirl persona.
In the past Oracle has rarely received any credit from the public when she saves lives. This is hard for her, especially since Barbara's childhood dream was to be a superhero. It's safe to say Oracle saves the lives of countless superheroes more times than anyone. For example, in Batman #609 by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee, Batman falls off a building and lands in Crime Alley. Oracle sends the distress call to nearby heroes, saying: "The Blackbird is down." Huntress arrives within minutes, saving Batman's life. Joker shooting her spine wasn't enough to slow Oracle down, and she decides to continue fighting crime in both an innovative and helpful way.
At the climax of the recent Joker War, Barbara decides that her role as Oracle is more helpful to the heroes than her role as Batgirl. After all, Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain are already prepared to do anything a Batgirl can. Barbara displays a message throughout the city, revealing Joker's entire scheme. Oracle ultimately helps Batman take Joker out in the end, which proves just how useful she is. But more significantly, Oracle speaks to the citizens of Gotham and tells them what to do. This means that she is now a trusted figure in the eyes of the city.
Oracle does not only have the trust of everyone in Gotham; she is also a valued confidant for big-name DC superheroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern. Thanks to Barbara's expertise in technology and secure networks, Oracle can also safely communicate confidential data to the Bat-Family. She refers to Batman as "Bruce" regularly since she knows the identities of practically every hero in Gotham City, maybe even every hero in the DC Universe. Although this knowledge means an "Anti-Oracle" could obtain sensitive information, it likely won't be long until the real Oracle regains control of her hacked network.
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