Big Barda: Bio, Origin & History

Real Name: Barda Free

First Appearance: Mister Miracle #4 (October, 1971)

Powers: Superhuman strength, durability, speed, and reflexes. She is immortal and proficient in hand-to-hand combat. 

Affiliation: Female Furies, Justice League, Birds of Prey, New Gods

Did You Know? She is the wife of Mister Miracle?

A Little History

Big Barda is the creation of legendary comic books creator Jack Kirby. She first appeared in Mister Miracle #4 back in October of 1971. 

Born a quarter millennia ago, Big Barda is a New God who was born on Apokolips. Her mother, Big Breeda, give birth to Barda only to have her taken away. Once taken, she was trained by Granny Goodness at her Home for Orphaned Youth. Sensing immense potential in her new recruit, Granny Goodness took it upon herself to see that Barda is given the best training imaginable. This meant that she was made to hate all those around her and conditioned to show no compassion for anyone or thing. Her training, coupled with her natural ability, caused her to become the leader of a group of female warriors known as the Female Furies. 

For a time, things looked good for Darkseid, Apokolips, Granny Goodness, and Barda. However, during a raid, she meets Scott Free, Darkseid’s adopted child, and is smitten by the aura that surrounds him. As a result, she learns that what she actually desires is a life of freedom away from the confines of Apokolips. Her realization causes her to fall in love with him and aid his escape from Apokolips. 

Barda, along with Scott, flee Apokolips and she instantly becomes a lifelong enemy of Granny Goodness, Darkseid, and the Female Furies. Once free, the two make their way to Earth, get married, and find a place to live. Under Scott’s training, she learns to love those around her, thus turning herself into a much more complete soldier. 

Barda and Scott possess one of the more unique relationships in DC. Unlike most relationships in DC, it is Barda and not Scott who is physically superior. This was purposely done as Jack Kirby wanted to create a superhero who breaks down the gender roles that had plagued comics for decades.