Oracle is the alter-ego of Barbara Gordon, formerly known as Batman's sidekick Batgirl until the Joker shot her during the Killing Joke story. Paraplegic and confined to a wheelchair, she begins using technology and computers to help other super-heroes by operating a worldwide communications network. This provides up-to-the-minute espionage and intel, as well as coordination and organization. In addition to her involvement with the Batman Family, she is also a member of the Birds of Prey, Justice League, Suicide Squad and Batman Incorporated. The Oracle identity was created by John Ostrander, first appearing as a name in Suicide Squad #23 (1989); but the first full appearance of Oracle was in Suicide Squad #38 (1990).