Batgirl, Volume 1: The Darkest Reflection

For the 2017 Read Harder Challenge–“Read a superhero comic with a female lead.” Done.

My husband is a huge Batman fan. I tell you this because, if you've been following me for any length of time, you probably know that I'm only just toeing my way into the Marvel and DC universes. Look, those bad boys are daunting. They're huge and, since I was never so much into the “capes and tights” set, I wasn't willing to take the plunge. Now, I'm a little less afraid. I'm testing the waters. Anyway, the point is that most of what I know about Batman and Batgirl, I've absorbed through osmosis from my husband. I know the basics, and possibly a bit beyond that.

Which is why I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to get completely lost in Gail Simone's vision of Batgirl. I didn't need to know very much about Barbara Gordon, or her past. Whether you're coming into this volume with a lot of background knowledge about this character or not, you'll be just fine. Simone brings Barbara to life. She makes her human, with the same flaws and doubts we all have. Happily, she also makes her completely bad-ass. I'm all for Batman, but who doesn't love a fiery redhead who doles out justice?

The illustrations here are crisp, and so vivid that they just draw you in. I was so impressed at the raw emotion that comes through in these panels. I felt for Barbara. I understood her pain, her doubt, and the underlying motivation propelling her forward despite everything else. Paired with the juicy and action packed story line, it was a ride that I completely enjoyed.

Am I little biased because she's a female character? Quite possibly. That doesn't change the fact that Gail Simone's writing has breathed new life into a character that I was already interested in. I really love this Barbara Gordon, and I can't wait to read more.

I'm FINALLY getting around to reviewing these books. I'm so behind on all this!

I'm taking into consideration that Barbara Gordon's return to the suit after everything that happened is a giant thing that must be addressed, but had I not already had a love for Barbara Gordon as Batgirl I might not have kept reading after this one.

There is very little character development on the villain side. We're told a quick blurb about how they got from normal to nutso, but that's it! The one issue of Gretel seemed out of place. Barbara spends much of the issues mulling over her being out of shape and the psychological pitfalls to having been shot and left for dead.

Now, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that because of course this is a big deal, I just wish that there was a little more time spent on the villains.

GET IT, (BAT)GIRL!!!

I like Batgirl because her inner monologue sounds a lot like my Twitter feed except way more heroic. I like Gail Simone for writing cool lady adventures & writing plotlines that let Batgirl use brains AND brawn AND ballet!! yeahhhhhhh!!

Barbara Gordon is my favorite. And in the New 52 she is back as Batgirl. Honestly I wasn't sure what to expect from this. I was excited to see her back in the Batgirl costume and regain the ability to walk, but I was ambivalent about the whole deal. I mean, there was nothing wrong with having her as Oracle, but here it is, and I'm not completely upset by it. Gail Simone has not disappointed me. The characterization of Barbara Gordon is great. Babs is still the strong, independent superhero I respect, and I can't wait to see how the story progresses and what else is in store for Babs.

This is a really good re-launch for Batgirl, and I can't wait for the next trade of this series.

I love Gail's writing, and she's telling a good story, about survivor's guilt and pulling yourself up from tragedy. I found it difficult to connect with the story, however; maybe this was because of the controversy surrounding Babs' return, or the new 52 in general, but I couldn't really get into it.