Sarah Kuhn

Sarah Kuhn and Nicole Goux’s Shadow of the Batgirl reimagines the story of Cassandra Cain’s origin as Batgirl. The story begins with Cassandra – raised to be a mute assassin by her father – hearing a target say the word “daughter” while pleading for his life. It triggers something in her that drives her to flee her life as a weapon, seeking shelter in a library. She meets Jackie, an older woman who runs a Japanese restaurant, and Barbara Gordon, who teaches at the library. Cassandra discovers a found family through them, figuring out who she wants to be and finding ways to connect with those around her.

Like other retellings from DC’s YA original graphic novel line, Shadow of the Batgirl honors what preceded it while offering a story free to explore core characters and introduce them to new readers. Kuhn, an accomplished storyteller, brings more to Cassandra Cain’s narrative to honor the character’s Asian-American heritage. Artist Goux and colorist Cris Peter bring Kuhn’s story to vibrant life with dynamic character and location designs. In particular, they take full advantage of the library setting’s scale for splash pages depicting action. Finally, Janice Chiang and Saida Temofonte’s letters neatly punctuate the dialogue and captions.… (mer)

* I got this book for review from the publisher*

This was such a fun take on cinderella story. Prob my favorite since I read geekerella. I also really loved how this book tackled the complicated topic about being asian american. It really was harsh look at the experience. I also really loved the romance that developed. I also really enjoyed the hollywood connection and it reminded me a bit of this is what happy look like. I also really loved the "fairyrale element that were built in to this story such a fun read, def a new favorite.… (mer)