With Arrow about to debut a third member of the notorious al Ghul family, you may be wondering just who this mysterious new character is. Actress Lexa Doig has landed the recurring role of Talia al Ghul, beginning in season five’s tenth episode which will air in January next year. With many future appearances promised from the daughter of Ra’s al Ghul and the half-sister of Nyssa al Ghul, we’re looking at where Talia came from and her appearances in comics.
Early Appearances of Thalia al Ghul
Thalia made her debut in “Into the Den of the Death-Dealers!” in Detective Comics #411 (May 1971). Written by Dennis O’Neil, Batman rescues Talia from the apparent leader of the League of Assassins, Dr. Darrk. In response, she shoots Darrk to save Batman’s life.
Her next appearance came the following month in “Daughter of the Demon”. The story follows Dick Grayson as he and Talia are kidnapped. Ra’s al Ghul concedes that he needs Batman to save his daughter. Ra’s displays his prowess when he enters the Batcave and reveals he knows Batman’s secret identity. The two team up to save Talia and Dick, and it is revealed that Talia is not only in love with Batman, but the kidnapping was a setup all along; Ra’s had designed Robin’s capture as a final test to determine whether Batman was a suitable successor as the Demon, and a husband to Talia.
Even though Batman turns down Ra’s offer, he does have feelings for Talia. This sets up a relationship that shows up time and time again in comics. Ra’s and Talia later try to push Batman into an arranged marriage with Talia, but Batman refuses — his morals are just too strong.
Talia later becomes pregnant with Batman’s child in Son of the Demon. When Batman nearly dies protecting Talia from attacks from assassins she is forced to conclude that she is hindering Batman from his true calling, and has to dissolve the marriage and fake a miscarriage. However, she does end up giving birth to the child, but later gives him up to an orphanage.
What Is Thalia al Ghul Capable Of?
Do not underestimate Talia. Just like Bruce Wayne, she is an exceptional athlete who is at the peak of physical condition. Because of her heritage, she is extremely proficient with nearly any weapon you can imagine and is an excellent hand-to-hand fighter. She is also an expert in many forms of martial arts. Extremely intelligent, she holds several advanced degrees in fields such as biology, engineering, and business. Trained by her father and an army of the deadliest assassins the world has ever known, Talia’s martial abilities and tactical know-how are some of the most advanced in the DCU.
You can catch Doig’s first appearance as Talia al Ghul in the tenth episode of season five. It’s titled “Who Are You?” and will air on Jan. 18, 2017.
