Countdown to Batman Day -- Three Indispensable Allies.

Batman has plenty of enemies, but help is never far away. Through the years Batman operated in Gotham City, he has built a network that helps him night in and night out. From the list of allies, there are three friends whom Batman can trust completely. These three characters make things easier for the Caped Crusader as he navigates through the crime-ridden place he calls home.

3. Leslie Thompkins

Dr. Leslie Thompins was a caring and compassionate doctor working in the Park Row section of Gotham City. Inspired by the long-ago murder of the Waynes and the orphaned boy she comforted on that day, she runs a free clinic that provides treatment for the homeless. Leslie eventually learned of Bruce's double life and counsels him against giving in to the darker side of his nature.

As Park Row fell into decline, earning the name Crime Alley, Thompkins remained in place, to continue her charity works. People learned not to prey on Thompkins, for she had the favored protection of the urban legend known as the Batman.

Quick trivia: She began a short-lived romance with Bruce.

2. Jim Gordon

You can always count on James Gordon to do the right thing and not the popular thing. This has earned him Batman's respect, but also attracted the scorn of Gotham politicians who prefer the old ways of quiet bribery. Gordon's enemies always know where to find him, making his courage perhaps even more remarkable than Batman's.

During his initial months in Gotham, the lieutenant battled corruption and gave into an affair with his fellow detective, Sarah Essen. When Batman arrived in Gotham, he was hunted by the police, including Gordon. Slowly, the two recognized that the other could be trusted. Batman and Gordon developed a strong bond, and on occasion the Caped Crusader would confer with Gordon at his home.

Quick trivia: In No Man's Land, Batman was about to unmask in front of Gordon but he decided to look away to preserve Batman's secret identity.

1. Alfred Pennyworth

Alfred has been there since the beginning. After Bruce lost his parents in a tragic mugging, the loyal butler became his surrogate father. As a young boy and now as Batman, the Dark Knight has always regarded Alfred as the only person other than Commissioner Gordon whose opinion he trusts without reservation.

Alfred was fully prepared to resign and finally pursue an acting career upon Bruce's return when he traveled the world after his parents' death. However, when Bruce returned, it was accompanied by a trail of blood. The butler felt he could not leave Bruce as he was beginning a new life. He used his own experience to help refine Bruce's knowledge of makeup and disguise, giving him tips on how to make certain the general public differentiated Bruce Wayne from Batman. Since then, Alfred has remained loyal to Bruce Wayne and watched over him during the ordeals he experienced as Batman.

Quick trivia: Alfred, together with Lucious Fox, served in World War II with the French freedom fighter Mademoiselle Marie.