WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for BATGIRL #6!Batgirl Cassandra Cain and her mother, Lady Shiva, share an extremely complex relationship, one filled with betrayal and pain. While Cassandra acknowledges Shiva as her mother, she has earned a codename that proves, above all else, she will always be Batman’s daughter first and foremost.

Tate Brombal, Takeshi Miyazawa, Mike Spicer, and Tom Napolitano’s Batgirl #6 continues the ongoing saga between Cassandra Cain and her mother as they fight for their lives after a deadly organization sets its sights on them. However, Cassandra is far from happy to be working alongside Shiva, as their strained relationship is more evident than ever.

Cass openly declares that her mother will always be a source of pain for her. After an emotional heart-to-heart, Shiva comes to a realization, despite being Cass’s mother, her daughter’s true allegiance and loyalty will always belong to Batman. She acknowledges this in a defining moment, calling Cass the “Daughter of the Bat.”

“Daughter of the Bat”: Cassandra Cain Claims New Title, Solidifying Her Place in the Bat-Family

Main Cover by David Talaski for Batgirl #6 (2025)

For the past two issues, tension between Batgirl and Lady Shiva has steadily risen, as their team-up is one of necessity rather than choice. In issue #6, Shiva’s frustration peaks as she calls out what she sees as the hypocrisy in her daughter’s actions, questioning how Cass can go out of her way to save her yet still resist every attempt Shiva makes to get closer. Cassandra acknowledges Shiva as her mother and its she wants to trust and even choose her, but every time she has, it has only led to pain. Bluntly, she states that she is tired of pain and, once she helps her mother escape, never wants to see her again.

Lady Shiva responds with, “As you wish. What do you propose, then, Daughter of the Bat?” The weight of this moment feels intentional, as if Shiva is not only acknowledging Cass’s words but also conceding that her daughter will always be more of Batman’s daughter than her own. This marks a significant moment for Batgirl’s character. Previously, Cass’s internal monologue revealed that she made the conscious decision to become the daughter of Batman. Now, with Shiva explicitly calling her “Daughter of the Bat,” it solidifies that even those outside the Bat-Family, including Shiva herself, recognize Cass’s parental identity as being a child of Batman.

Cassandra Cain Is Officially on the Same Level as Damian Wayne

Cover B InHyuk Lee Variant for Batgirl #6 (2025)

"Daughter of the Bat" is an undeniably badass nickname that also significantly elevates Cassandra's standing within the Bat-Family. While Bruce has mentored and trained numerous younger women, such as Barbara Gordon and Stephanie Brown, Cassandra is unique in having truly earned and claimed this title, to the extent that other characters readily acknowledge it. Moreover, this title positions Cassandra on par with Damian Wayne, mirroring his own designation as "Son of the Bat." Ultimately, DC has powerfully deepened the bond between Batgirl and Batman through this epic designation.

BATGIRL #6 is available now from DC Comics!