Who Is Sarah Essen? Origin, Powers and Key Facts

Sarah Essen is a DC Comics comic book character, the alter ego of Sarah Essen-Gordon, with over 229 comic issue appearances. Originally a young GCPD detective who had an affair with the young Jim Gordon. She eventually became Jim Gordon's second wife and for a time briefly took the role of commissioner of the GCPD. She was murdered by the Joker while saving a baby during the No Man's Land story arc.

Who is Sarah Essen?

Origin During her first posting in Gotham City, Essen had an affair with a young married cop called James Gordon . The two reunited much later and eventually married. Creation Sarah was actually first created by Frank Miller during his The Dark Knight Returns mini-series where she is mentioned several times by an aged James Gordon but never seen (apart from in silhouette near the ending). Her first credited appearance however is in Batman #405 during Batman: Year One , again written by Miller and drawn by David Mazzucchelli . Although she was created with blonde hair, later artists/colorists sometimes colored her as a redhead. Major Story Arcs Year One During Batman: Year One , Detective Sarah Essen is partnered with then Lt. James Gordon who at the time was married to the pregnant Barbara Gordon Sr. When the two reluctantly break off the relationship, corrupt police commissioner Loeb receives photo evidence of the affair and attempts to use it to blackmail Gordon who confesses to his wife before Loeb gets the chance.

Key facts

Sarah Essen is of human origin and first appeared in "War Is Declared". The character is published by DC Comics. With 229 recorded issue appearances, Sarah Essen ranks among the most featured characters in comics.