[[wikipedia:Image:Batman Family.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Cover art to Batman Incorporated #6. Art by Chris Burnham.|]] Throughout the stories published in DC Comics and in adaptations in other media since 1939, the Batman 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 as Batman (Detective Comics #27), and is Batman's ally in the Gotham City Police Department. Robin, Batman's sidekick, was introduced in the Spring of 1940 and Alfred Pennyworth, Batman's butler, was introduced in 1943. Batman also forms strong bonds or close working relationships with other superheroes, including Justice League members Superman, Black Canary, and Green Arrow, as well as members of