[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers: Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad
Art: Robbi Rodriguez
Colors: Rico Renzi
Letters: Becca Carey

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

After last issue’s events of the Aparo Park Shooter, the Batgirls are compelled to step away…?  It’s a surprising choice, but what’s really going on?

Positives

It’s great to see the Batgirls trying to solve a mystery.  and a pretty difficult one at that.  Plus, we get to see how the Bat-family relies on one another.  It’s small details that elevate books, and it’s Batman’s approval of the Batgirls that reveals the underlying truth of the relationships in the Bat-family.  It’s a short quick scene, but it has the element of reality and connects the reader with one’s own feeling of inadequacies or lack of confidence.  It brings out the human quality in the characters that last long beyond the “villain of the month.”  Robbi Rodriguez has some striking images, especially Barbara Gordon in the first few pages.

The plot in Batgirls #18 is quite strong, as well.  It’s not just the mystery aspect, but the interesting way the plot serpentines around.  The concept sets the Batgirls against the Gotham PD and as a reader you just aren’t sure what the right approach is.  What’s particularly wonderful is the end of the issue when the citizens of The Hill rally around the Batgirls.  There’s certainly a lot of potential in exploring a population and its resident costumed guardians.  It’s not clear how far this will be developed in upcoming issues, but Batgirls #18 is an infusion of emotions that ignites the concept.  A major player in this aspect of the story is Grace O’Halloran who’s quietly gone through quite an emotional and personal journey throughout the life of this series.  Has she found her true purpose finally?

Negatives 

There’s no obvious negative to this issue, but knowing that the last issue of this series is coming soon, it does cast a tinge of sadness over the events.  Sure, these characters aren’t going to die or be decommissioned, but it’s unlikely that whatever comes next will treat them in the same way that focuses on their friendship and camaraderie.   

Verdict

Batgirls #18 is an interesting issue with a fun plot that provides an interesting idea for the relationship between the citizens of the Hill and the Batgirls.  There’s really strong images as well and the issue leans into its strengths of relationship and characterization even down to the small details.

The post Review: Batgirls #18 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers: Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad
Art: Neil Googe with Geraldo Borges (Finishes p. 16-22 )
Colors: Rico Renzi
Letters: Becca Carey

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

The Batgirls are invited to a tea party, and as you might imagine these things never turn out well in Gotham.  A big “change” comes over Steph courtesy the Mad Hatter’s use of Kirk Langstrom‘s infamous formula.

Positives

After about half-way through Batgirls #16, it becomes apparent that this comic feels different from the average issue on the stands today.  This is a good thing, and it’s not necessarily the same thing that has made this such a great series.  (Although, that’s there , too.  We’ll get to that shortly!)  Back in the Bronze Age, storytelling was different.  Single issues contained much more content.  A LOT could happen in one 32-page comic.  There was often an emphasis on the adventure and comic booky-ness.  What I mean by that is the sort of strange sci-fi/ fantasy elements that are unique to comics.  Batgirls #16 does this extremely well.  Cass and Steph get right to it in this issue as they have to respond to this invitation by the Mad Hatter.  The plot sizzles along as the duo have to figure out what Tetch’s trap is?  You knew it was a trap right?  

The story is paced quickly, but it doesn’t feel like it’s a disappointingly quick read.  Once the trap is sprung, Cassandra has to figure out how to not only save Stephanie, but also find Tetch and take him in.  And this where the aforementioned “thing” that has made this series so great comes in.  Batgirls has focused a lot on character to great effect.  Character and the relationships between the characters is what drives this series.  This issue doesn’t rely on it to move the story forward, but rather uses it to affect the outcome.  Conrad and Cloonan have just spent the last story arc demonstrating the depth of Cass and Steph’s friendship.  In Batgirls #16, they uses this efficiently, without having to overwork it, because we already know from what’s come before.  Normally, one might expect a sub-plot to payoff, but here we have characterization/ relationship exploration pay off.  So, while we get the adventure and excitement on top, we get this quick shot of emotion underneath that’s the true payoff.  It’s executed brilliantly and the perfect use of a “set up.”

Positives Cont’d

There are some other details that work well and that are just plain fun.  Firstly, Babs running the mission always conjures up  thoughts of the excellent Birds of Prey comics of the past.  While this series isn’t BoP, it’s a sibling , a welcome sibling at that!  The very mention of “Kirk Langstrom” in the story also brings up another set of associations.  Langstrom’s legacy takes us back to the Bronze Age is part of the wild sci-fi/ fantasy element that are representative of the comic book medium.  These nostalgic aspects dovetail with the storytelling style perfectly.

Negatives

Maybe, maybe the theme of Steph in danger so soon is too soon?  I can see that, but the issue is executed so well it just doesn’t feel that way.

Verdict

Batgirls #16 strikes the perfect balance between action, plot, character, nostalgia and emotion.  We shouldn’t be surprised that it’s yet another great issue in this series.  Inductive reasoning should tell us that!  We didn’t even get to mention the fun use of all the expected Alice in Wonderland motifs one would expect in a Mad Hatter story!

The post Review: Batgirls #16 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers: Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad
Art: Jonathan Case
Colors: Jonathan Case
Letters: Jonathan Case

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

Cassandra follows a series of clues in order to find Stephanie Brown, the other Batgirl.  But, where is she?  And, is it too late?

Positives

Whenever there’s a “silent” issue, a comic book with no dialogue people generally think of two comics, Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 by Jim Steranko and G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #21 by Larry Hama.  Steranko only works without dialogue for the first few pages, whereas Hama makes the whole issue silent.  Hama’s issue’s is an acknowledged homage to Steranko’s.

While Batgirls #14 is in fact a “silent” issue because it doesn’t have any dialogue, it does rely on sound effects, and the written word in the form of a letter, a police file and some handwritten notes here and there.  There is another antecedent in the “silent” issue tradition, the Spirit section from March 23, 1947, “Hoagy the Yogi” by the legendary Will Eisner. 

The first panel from Batgirls #14 screams Eisner.  From the point of view, the two small figures walking out of the Police Department building, the rain falling down and the pooled water on the ground, it’s hard not to see Eisner once you see it.  “Hoagy the Yogi” utilizes postcards to move the action along, much the way Stephanie’s letter to Cassandra does in this issue.

In a tradition of “silent” stories, Case does a fantastic job at acknowledging the predecessors while executing at a high level as well.  It seems like he had to be in on the concept with Conrad and Cloonan.  Case continues to deliver on the colors as well, perfectly working within the parameters set by the other colorists who have worked on this title.  Stylistically, it fits right in and maintains the look of the series, even if the creators are not the same.  Plus, on a purely aesthetic level, the colors remind me of a black light Batman poster by Neal Adams I’ve had since I was three or four years old.

Positives Cont’d

This is an issue that should be read two or three times.  There’s a lot that Case is communicating through the art and it is only appropriate to respect his time in creating it by giving it the attention it deserves.  Slow down and absorb it.  And, when you get to Steph’s letter, let it sink in.  Steph and Cass are friends, and there’s a real sense of loss here.  It feels like Steph is gone, and Cassandra is already too late.

The beauty is that this issue reveals so much about Steph and Cass and their friendship.  Maybe it’s too touchy-feely for some.  Maybe, you aren’t a reader that connects with that sort of thing.  However, the deep bond that they’ve developed puts a smile on my face and makes use of universal emotions, even if they are buried deep.

Negatives

Mmmm… not this time…!  One doesn’t even miss Babs this issue!

Verdict

Batgirls #14 gives readers the “silent” treatment in a a unique chapter of the current story arc that began in Batgirls 2022 Annual.  The story is an emotional journey, but Jonathan Case does a stellar job in his storytelling and coloring.  It’s a special issue that will be even more significant when this story wraps up.  It can also be enjoyed as a one-off, and it’s hard to imagine it not drawing new readers in who are checking out the title for the first time!

The post Review: Batgirls #14 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers: Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad
Art: Jonathan Case
Colors: Jonathan Case
Letters: Jonathan Case

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

In Batgirls #13, Barbara and Bruce enlist the help of Zatanna to help switch Steph and Cass back to their own bodies.  (What, you didn’t read the Batgirls 2022 Annual?).  Meanwhile, Cass and Steph get on with their “family reunions… .”

Positives

It’s always nice to get an appearance of the Mistress of Magic, Zatanna Zatara.  Her quip about fishnets is cute and does its job, making the illogical and sexualizing habiliment make sense.  It’s the classic costume, part nostalgia and part recognizability.  Dinah doesn’t really look right without them either.  As problematic as they could be…well, they still work in these classic costume designs.  So, thank you for that.

It’s nice to see Barbara and Bruce acknowledge how magic doesn’t really fit into the world of the Bat-characters.  Stage magic, sure, but the REAL magic in the DC Universe definitely fits in another corner, despite a character like Zatanna that connects them directly.  It’s also nice to see that there’s a genuine friendship at play here.

Despite differences these characters may have been through in the past, there is a sold foundation in play that allows them to call on one another for assistance.  Additionally, Bruce entertaining with coffee is… positively human.  This is a Batman that will feel too friendly for some.  Now, it’s not Bat-coffee in the Bat-Keurig, but he’s a relatable (not borderline personality – I’m looking at you Frank Miller!) character that has REAL relationships and history with people.  Batman (IMO) is best when he is humanized.  The overly dark and (possibly) deranged versions distance him too much.  I think we get a balance with this Batman, he’s a person, not a force of nature, while still understanding his mission.

Positives Cont’d

Part two of this story arc, “Vice Versa” continues to show some of the similarities between Cass and Steph while also highlighting their differences.  Steph’s moments with Lady Shiva are truly intriguing.  Is it possible that there’s a heart behind the savage assassin?  Of course there is!  However, it’s rarely if ever explored.

This is a very nuanced look at Shiva and her feeling towards her daughter.  We’ll have to see how Cass feels, but Steph appeared to not only get through to Shiva a bit, but also empathize as well.  This is very interesting, and I hope the creative team keeps building those layers.  I don’t anticipate Shiva becoming the breakout anti-hero of 2023, but it’s a worthwhile exploration of the complexity between this mother/daughter pairing.  How does Cass reconcile the fact that Shiva is her mom, but also a cruel and manipulating killer?

Jonathan Case’s art style fits Batgirls well.  He delivers an absolutely amazing “startled” look on Babs’ face, upon Zatanna’s entrance.  He captures the tone as well, it’s serious, but fun.  It’s about the characters and not the anguish.  He also nails the established color template as he also handles the colors and lettering in addition to the art chores.

The colors on Batgirls are a defining element of the series, and it really shows in Batgirls #13 with a guest colorist.  The purples, pinks and blues give the series a specific look.  A year into the run, it’s clear that there’s something special’s going on here with the colors.  It’s notable that Case gets the look established by Sarah Stern at the beginning of the series.  So, while Stern isn’t working on this issue, her presence is certainly felt.

Negatives

The body switch with Steph and Cass could’ve lasted longer.  There’s a lot of potential for exploration of the concept with these two characters who exhibit similarities and striking differences.  No one was expecting it to be permanent, but this is one time that it could’ve lasted longer.  There’s always the possibility there will be some lingering effects or at least more revelations.

Verdict

Character driven comics will never go out of style.  They may not always get the headlines or the hype, but they are substantially better on the whole.  There’s just more to enjoy, and Batgirls #13 gives the reader a lot to chew on and think about.

Some comics are better when you think about them and let them sink in, others deteriorate as soon as you start thinking on a deeper level.  Batgirls, is of course, the former, a series that is ultimately about people and relationships and gets better as everything sinks in.

The post Review: Batgirls #13 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers: Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad
Art: Robbi Rodriguez
Colors: Rico Renzi
Letters: Dave Sharpe

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

Steph and Cass are ready for a break, trying to take it easy after catching “The Hill Ripper.”  But, things don’t always go as planned for the Batgirls!  Once they get involved in a case being kept secret by the Gotham PD, things go sideways for them!

Positives

What do you do with an Annual in 2022?  Back in the Silver Age, you’d get a giant-sized issue reprinting older tales like Superman Annual #1.  Beginning with the Bronze Age, you might get an event crossover or a special tale.  While the Batgirls 2022 Annual is a special issue, it’s really just a double-length start to the next arc.  Like the entire series, Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad keep the story focused on the characters, especially Cass and Steph.  Hopefully, you’re reading for the characters and the character development and not simply tied to the flash bang of an adventure.  The characters ground the story and the world-building.  Cloonan and Conrad hit on that as well, as we see something new in the Cass-Steph-Babs dynamic.  Ultimately, it leads to something that will pay off by the end of this arc.

Specifically, Steph and Cass look at their friendship and its importance and how they can continue to build it.  It isn’t as contrived as it sounds.  Steph and Cass are looking at their lives as Batgirls and how to have a more complete experience.  They must have a stronger connection if they expect to be able to live any ‘normal’ life.  Ultimately, they have to share more about themselves, but…they aren’t quite ready.  The story wonderfully weaves this theme into the action.  It’s not fair to spoil the two surprise appearances that will clearly be a large part of this new story arc, but these are connected to Steph and Cass in a way that incorporates the relationship they are building beyond the fact that they are both Batgirls.

Positives Cont’d

Barbara and Bruce (Batman) have an interaction in this issue that builds on the theme of relationships.  It’s not a long sequence, but it does touch on some interesting aspects of their friendship/ working relationship.  It suggests some bigger questions about how people, in general, relate to one another.  Perhaps, one will see him/herself in one of these characters.  Furthermore, the interactions between Babs and Alyssa in the Batgirls 2022 Annual give some insight into how they relate, and how Babs interacts with others in general.  There are a lot of deep character beats throughout that really shine due to the expanded length of this issue.  Additionally, they are part of the fabric of the issue as the relationship’s explored as a theme with all the characters.  It’s extremely effective!

Robbi Rodriguez and Rico Renzi handle the art on this book, and the color palette is consistent with the look of the title since the beginning of the series.  The purples and blues create a place that is unique to the Batgirls and makes it stand out from the rest of Gotham City.  Rodriguez tells a lot of this story with body language, facial expressions, and a sense of subtlety.  It’s done very well and quite cinematic in approach.  It’s worth slowing down when reading to catch it all.

Negatives

Well, it wouldn’t be a Batgirls review if I didn’t mention how hard it is to find negatives!!!

Verdict

The Batgirls 2022 Annual is for the sensitive reader.  When I say that I mean it is for a reader who is able to connect with the characters and relationships.  This isn’t a loud blockbuster, but it’s not without an interesting and exciting plot.  However, the attention to character and relationships is what elevates this, although the twists in the setup and plot are really cool as well!  More comics should be like Batgirls.  Even if you weren’t a fan of Steph and Cass when the series started, it’s hard to imagine how you can’t be now after just over a year of the series.

The post Review: Batgirls 2022 Annual appeared first on DC Comics News.

{Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers: Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad
Art: Neil Googe
Colors: Rico Renzi
Letters: Becca Carey

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

The Batgirls get a lead on the killer in The Hill while also getting some revenge on KGBeast for their good buddy, Dick Grayson.  

Positives

I’ve often stated that comics should be fun, and Batgirls #9 definitely fits that bill!  It’s not written as a humor title, it’s not parody/ satire.  It’s just plain fun entertainment.  There’s a tongue-in-cheek element as Editor Jessica Chen comments on writers Michael W. Conrad and Becky Cloonan at one point.  Additionally, the whole narrative point of view has been interesting from the beginning.  It definitely feels like there’s a personality to this narrator.  At times it seems like it’s Steph, and that’s supported by the color scheme of the letters and caption boxes in which the narration appears.  At other times, it seems like it’s someone else.  This is one of the elements that help make this title special.

Batgirls is developing a unique POV despite being in a familiar place as part of the DCU, and Gotham City, but it’s something all its own at the same time.  There’s a special voice in the comic, there’s nothing else quite like it.  In the past, one always got a feeling about a series and I would equate Batgirls with comics that gave similar feelings.

From my experience this would include books from the Big Two, like Marvel’s recent The Immortal Hulk, and DC’s stalwarts from the ’80s New Teen Titans and Legion of Super-Heroes, plus Peter David’s Matrix Supergirl of the ’90’s (and in turn Fallen Angel), but also indie/creator owned books like Nexus and The Rocketeer.  It may not have the metaphysical qualities of Alan Moore’s Saga of the Swamp Thing, but like that seminal work Batgirls is elevated above the average super-hero comic.  Batgirls #9 brings together the relevant elements in a laser focus making it hard to ignore.

Positives Cont’d

There are specific details that stand out that contribute to this overall feeling.  Jessica Chen steps in again with an editor’s note to give the R.I.P. to “Ric’ Grayson.”  Humorous in its own right, but it’s even more interesting that this issues part is delivering up KGBeast to Gotham PD.  The Batgirls comments about the capture and amnesia certainly echo my feelings on this period of Dick Grayson’s life.  It’s a soft revenge I suppose, but extremely fun, as well.  

These positives barely scratch the surface of what’s good in this issue.  It’s overflowing with storytelling goodness.  Oh, and the surprising appearance at the end of the issue appears to promise and exciting turn for the Batgirls.

Negatives

Negatives?  Negatives?  There’s nothing I didn’t LOVE about Batgirls #9.

Verdict

There is a broken record that plays throughout my reviews of this title, and that’s the emphasis on character.  Ultimately, it’s what makes or breaks a title.  Batgirls #9 is a perfect example of how characters drives a story and keeps a reader engaged.  It’s these characters’ lives we here for, right?  That’s what counts.  That’s what keeps readers coming back.  

The post Review: Batgirls #9 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers: Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad
Art: Robbi Rodriguez
Colors: Rico Renzi
Letters: Becca Carey

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

The Batgirls have to rescue Seer from the Saints in the Penguin’s Iceberg Lounge!  But, don’t forget, this is also a love story…

Positives

By this point, it should be obvious that it’s not the plot that makes a book.  Sure, it’s got to be somewhat interesting, but how many times can Batman stop the Joker or Superman foil Luthor’s plans.  It’s been over 80 years, right?  What keeps readers coming back?  It’s the details, right?  It’s the subtleties, the small things that differentiate plots.  Batgirls #8 shows why it’s these details that matter.  It’s these details that warm your heart and make you smile.

In broad strokes, the humor in this title is a lot of fun.  It’s not silly, it’s just the right amount without turning it into a straight comedy or parody.  It’s cinematic in this way, with some lighter moments to balance the action.  We all seem to want to laugh in an action flick as well as be thrilled.  So, when Lulu falls down the elevator shaft, the Batgirls’ reaction provides the reader with this type of moment: “Do you think we should help her?”, “When I get my hands on you Batgirls…!” “On second thought, Lulu sounds fine. Let’s go find Oracle.”  Yep, perfect. Speaking of Lulu, I hope she’s not a one-off, a sword-swallowing sword master is interesting.  Hope she returns, it’s just hard to wrap my mind around an evil Canadian.  

Much of Batgirls #8 revolves around Dick and Babs as a couple. These are the details that really separate this title.  I’ve said it before, this comic is a perfect sister book to Nightwing, where we get another perspective on Dick and Babs’ relationship. There are fun moments as Cass and Steph tell Barbara all she and Nightwing are doing is flirting while undercover instead of doing any real detective work. Then we find out that when the Batgirls are all back home Babs is wearing Dick’s underwear as they are lounging around debriefing. More fun moments

It’s these details that elevate the book. These are character moments that are clever and, in terms of the underwear, it just feels real and imbues a real-world moment into the lives of these characters.

Positives Cont’d

It’s not all fun and games, as Barbara is shown to have a legitimately complex view of Seer.  Despite the mayhem she’s caused, the Batgirls have to save her from The Saints.  Maybe that’s a bit of a no-brainer, Seer is just a kid, but when Babs admits to having some respect for her computer prowess, it makes things even more interesting.  Sounds like Babs would like to reform her… another bat in the cave… or a bird in the tower?

In Batgirl and the Birds of Prey, written by Julie Benson and Shawna Benson, there was a hacker that joined the team after initially being an adversary of sorts, a fake Oracle. It’s an intriguing concept. Can Seer be rehabilitated? Babs has a record of mentoring heroes, indeed Batgirls casts Barbara in this role much as she was in the Pre-New 52 Batgirl which told the story of  Stephanie Brown’s first turn as the character.  

Robbi Rodriguez has some nice moments in this issue including a silhouetted Babs entering a dark room for an “ooh” moment. Rodriguez also finds the right body language for each character. Dick and Babs share a closeness that supports their feelings.  However, there’s a wonderful homage to Black Canary on the t-shirt Steph is wearing at the end of the issue.  Rodriguez has recreated the cover image of Black Canary from  Flash Comics #92 (February 1948.)  Though she first appeared in Flash Comics #86 in a Johnny Thunder story, she gained her own feature in #92.  

Batgirls #8 ends with a touching moment between Dick and Babs as he lures her out onto the fire escape for some tender words and a good night kiss.  It certainly feels like these two are headed to the altar between this series and their appearances together in Nightwing. What a great way to end the issue!  

Negatives

It’s hard to imagine what one could find in this book as a negative… a real negative…

Verdict

I’m just sort of stunned.  This is a wonderfully complex title with fun and touching relationships.  The series gets the details right, the details that make the characters engaging and relatable to the real world.  You’re pulling for these guys!  Not just Dick and Babs, but Steph and Cass, as well as they, are sort of carving out their own superhero family as a subset of the larger Bat family.  The overall vibe is one of positivity, and it’s lovely.

The post Review: Batgirls #8 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers: Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad
Art: Jorge Corona
Colors: Sarah Stern
Letters: Becca Carey

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

The Batgirls expose the connection between Tutor and Spellbinder and Stephanie finds out the hard way that somedays you just can’t get rid of a bomb…!

Positives

Batgirls #6 has it all, but firstly it has Barbara Gordon kicking Spellbinder’s butt!  Last issue, Dante got the drop on Barbara and I was a little disappointed.  She’s better than that.  Cloonan and Conrad make up for it in Batgirls #6 as Babs takes him down single-handedly with an appropriate monologue thrown in for good measure…don’t underestimate Barbara!  And, it’s great to see her use her physical abilities as well as her intelligence/ tech skills in the same issue.  She wraps up things nicely as she hacks in as Oracle to alert Gotham that Spellbinder and Tutor have been shut down.

This title touches on a lot of different elements, action, adventure, heartwarming moments, and humor and they all add up to FUN!  After Cass and Stephanie stop Tutor, Steph ends up with a bomb in Bondo (their car)  to dispose of….and it was impossible not to think of the scene in the Adam West Batman ’66 movie when Batman is trying to dispose of a bomb on a pier.  Steph never utters Adam West’s line, but she does drive off a pier to get rid of the bomb.   It’s nice when comics can be fun and channel this reference and not resort to outright silliness.

Jorge Corona’s dynamic approach to storytelling keeps the issue moving, but he knows when to stop and hit the reader with an iconic shot.  There’s a particular panel as Steph and Csss are both aloft between buildings and lighting flashes in the sky behind them.  Corona’s sharp lines and edges work perfectly to transmit some of the energy of lighting into their figures.  It’s a striking panel, one that made me stop and take it all in.

One thing the Birds of Prey comic and TV series both did well was to take a few quiet moments at the end of the story for the characters to reflect and connect.  Batgirls #6 does this and it adds so much to the characters and relationships.  It was nice to see that they thought about Bondo’s sacrifice, as well.  

Negatives

You get it by now, right?  This is the type of comic I like.  Even the surprise ending was well done!

Verdict

Batgirls #6 is another great issue.  It wonderfully balances some humor with action/ adventure and plot with character.  The bottom line is FUN.  I can’t stress that enough.  And, if you’re paying attention it will make you feel good as well.

The post Review: Batgirls #6 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers: Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad
Art: Jorge Corona
Colors: Sarah Stern
Letters: Becca Carey

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

It’s “Operation: Teacher’s Pet” as the Batgirls take the fight directly to The Tutor!  Plus, what is Charles Dante’s role in all of this?

Positives

There’s always a balance in great comics.  Sure, we want to action and adventure, but there has to be that attention to character as well.  In the ’80s, The New Teen Titans and Legion of Super-Heroes were two of DC’s biggest comics each spawning a second title in the newly minted Baxter Format.  Batgirls #4 is a great example of this type of comic book storytelling.  

The issue opens with a back and forth between Cass and Steph.  It’s playful and humorous, but more importantly, this scene demonstrates how the two are similar and different.  While it’s not a competition, readers are probably identifying more with one or the other.  It’s a great thing when readers have different characters with which to identify but can also see others they know in the book.  This was one of the attributes of those ’80s titles.  Like those titles, Batgirls also seems ideally suited to younger readers because of this.  There’s a reason why books like this are big sellers- they connect with different types of people and provide a total package for the reader.  There are multiple plot threads that go along with action and character focus that add an additional type of complexity to the book.

Positives Cont’d

Jorge Corona has a couple of really exciting moments.  The first one is a full-page shot of Cass and Steph descending from above.  It’s an interesting POV shot and the composition is dramatic.  It obviously conveys the story, but it’s an iconic poster-worthy shot of these two Batgirls.  In a subsequent panel, we get a very bat-like (like the animal) depiction of the two as they proceed elevated down the street.  One might imagine a vampire transforming into a bat looking like this, and the Tutor later calls them vampires.  It’s a clever visual decision that ties these two scenes together, despite knowing Cass and Steph aren’t really vampires.

In another panel towards the end of Batgirls #4, there is a background design that recalls the imagery for the promotional material for the Cary Grant/ Audrey Hepburn movie, Charade.  While there doesn’t seem to be anything directly referenced, it does give one the sense of being unsettled and that things aren’t always what they appear to be which does pay off at the end of the issue.

Negatives

Enjoying this series as much as I am, it’s difficult to point out a negative.  Well, maybe that villain reveal at the end was a little bit of a non-surprise…

Verdict

Batgirls #4 is a perfect example of the type of comic book series this is.   It successfully recalls some of DC’s best series of the past with a broad appeal with the right amounts of humor.  It feels like a complete title that delivers the action/ adventure as well as human moments that will keep readers around as they get to know and love these characters.

The post Review: Batgirls #4 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers: Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad
Art: Jorge Corona
Colors: Sarah Stern and Ivan Plascencia
Letters: Becca Carey

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

The Batgirls investigate the art and the artist- Tutor.  Steph gets in a little over her head and they regroup as Barbara meets a friend from the past with an art connection.

Positives

I don’t want it to sound like Babs, Steph and Cass could just sit around their apartment talking, but the interactions between these characters is the big draw for this title.  In particular, Batgirls #3 does a couple things really well: distinctive voices for the characters and a genuine sense that these three are friends that care about one another.  Additionally, there’s a lot of story here that not only comes across as value, but also fulfilment- this isn’t a book that is just a race to the end with a modicum of content, there’s a lot of stuff in the issue.  It’s a great retro-approach to when comics were something you actually did READ.

Cloonan and Conrad are successfully differentiating Cass and Steph in their dialogue.  Steph is a more impulsive and exuberant while Cass is reserved and measured.  However, when she has something to say, she says it in a big way.  Not all writers are able to make characters recognizable from their dialogue, but you could hear their dialogue and be able to distinguish who is saying what.  It’s an excellent way of depicting characterization.  Most importantly, it feel real.  

Related to this is the way the characters respond to each other that shows they care.  Cass is worried about Steph’s feelings of inadequacy and she steps up to reassure her friend- these two are  on the same team, it’s not a competition between them.  Barbara is constantly reinforcing their feelings as they perform in the field.  She is building them up to help them both grow their confidence, it’s the polar opposite of the disgusting treatment of Robin by Batman in Frank Miller and Jim Lee’s All-Star Batman and Robin.  It doesn’t stop there.  When Barbara meets an old friend, boyfriend (?) Steph and Cass sense Barbara’s uneasiness and they pounce in a good-natured way.  This is a scene that is very real.  This is how friends act.  They want the lowdown, but they also want to give Barbara a little friendly ribbing- especially since her current relationship with Dick Grayson is an integral part of this series.

Positives Cont’d

That leads to the way this series goes beyond the pages.  In Batgirls #3, we get another reminder that this comic is inextricably linked with Nightwing-  a title that has won almost every DC category in the inaugural DC Comics News Awards.   While it’s not necessary to read one title to understand the other, they are books that share Barbara Gordon as one of the main characters and they both approach the material in the same way – character first.  There’s a similar energy in the titles that in turn creates a connection BETWEEN the two books.  Plus, these books are not about making you question the morality or motivations of these characters, they both lean in hard to remind you why you LOVE these characters, and if you don’t already love them it won’t take but 2 or 3 issues to see the light.

Additionally, in Batgirls #3, we finally see how this series is a riff on the glory days of the Birds of Prey.  Barbara was confined to a wheelchair then and Black Canary and Huntress were her operatives.  They were experienced whereas Steph and Cass are still learning.  Barbara’s approach has to be different with them than with Black Canary and Huntress.  In this issue, we see Barbara wanting to stay at the computer and run the mission from there instead of going into action despite Steph’s encouragement to the contrary.  

There’s also a great change of tone at the end of this issue that leads to a cliffhanger that injects a different kind of intensity.  It’s got just the right amount of plot development so that it doesn’t sacrifice character or speed things up too fast to really enjoy what’s going on.

Jorge Corona captures the differences between Cass, Steph, and Barbara, perfectly echoing what’s in the script.  Steph’s exuberance comes through in her motions and Cass’s posture keeps that reserved nature.  And, when given the chance to show Barbara’s uneasiness and maybe embarrassment over running into her old (boy?)friend, Corona gets that right as well.

Negatives 

If there’s a negative in Batgirls #3, there is a sense that maybe too much is going on.  There are numerous plot threads in play and while character comes first, it would be a shame if one of these threads got short-changed.

Verdict

Batgirls #3 is another fine issue that is of a certain type of comic we don’t get nearly enough of.  Between quality and quantity of content focused on character, it’s one of those comics that you really enjoy reading and makes you feel good as you share the lives of Barbara Gordan, Stephanie Brown, and Cassandra Cain.

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