Batgirl Vol. 1: The Darkest Reflection (The New 52) (utgåvan 2013)

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

Simone's dialogue and narration is hilarious as ever, and she really has a great way of portraying Barbara Gordon. The two main plots in this book, however, are a bit underwhelming, almost bordering on bland as Batgirl fights first a man whose survivor's guilt has turned him into a caped terrorist, and then a young woman whose near-death trauma and ensuing mind control powers turned her into a supervillain (the subtext, thankfully, is at least not lost on the protagonist). The events of the subplot that is Barbara's private life, however, is much more engaging, as she recuperates from her three-year-paralysis physically, mentally and socially, gets a new apartment and flatmate, and has her mother show up on her door for the first time since she was 12. While just subplots here, this sets up the main plot in the following volume(s), which if my memory serves is much more personal (and thus more memorable and impactful). ( )

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 like me Bats, I like me Babs, I like me girls, and I like Gail Simone. Hard to be dissatisfied. ( )

I was generally pleased with this book. I have some continuity issues with the "before this story began" back story and how it fits into the related Batman timeline, but they don't detract from the story.

Batgirl's character is such an essential part of the larger Batman story in Gotham, it was nice to see it well done and for her to come off as believable and likable as she did. ( )