Batgirl: Year One

It was OK. This volume contains the nine issues that tell Barbara Gordon's Batgirl origin story. The premise was good, but if felt a little too Grrr Grrl Power! to me. I also found it a little difficult to tell what Barbara's age actually was. One minute she is working as a researcher, and the next she in her bedroom which resembled a young teenager's. Her interaction with Batman and Robin seemed a little weird, too. Batman imo was a bit of a jerk. I'm not sure why he had to be all underhanded and secretive about testing Batgirl, even while he was hoping she would quit. I just feel like he could have been more positive. (I know, its Batman. Sigh.)

There were other issues I found too. I guess it felt a little all over the place. But still, I love Batgirl, so her origin story is sort of required reading.

Such a fun read!!! I loved the writing and the dialogue here. Plus, it was great to see an updated version of Batgirl's origins. I enjoyed the non-linear format of the story, and I was able to easily relate to her. I thought all the Oracle references dropped throughout the novel were very entertaining.

The only thing that was a bit lacking for me was the art. It felt a little stationary to me, but I really appreciated the simplicity (sometimes overly detailed comics give me a headache).

Bottom line: I had mixed feelings about the art, but A++ to the writing. Overall, great read for Batgirl fans =)

This is a great book that shows off Barbara's intelligence and unstoppable ambition. It's good to see Barbara learn about her costume and how to improve it, like getting rid of breakable heels, and getting the information she needs using her ability to access records from the police and her job as a librarian.
Some interesting parallels going on between Batgirl and Killer Moth as wanna-be side kick and wanna-be villain who kinda ends up as a sidekick.

~Ashley