Batgirl #2
Writer: Gail Simone
Artist: Ardian Syaf
Batgirl leads in directly from the last issues tense cliffhanger; The newly established villain known as “The Mirror”, has a gun poised directly at Barbara Gordon’s Achilles Heel, her spine! The events that conspire present the vulnerability and doubt that Batgirl carries with her from her time in a wheelchair. Gail Simone excels at showing Barbara’s humanity when under the cowl of Batgirl. Where Batman almost feels legendary and bulletproof, in this issue you really feel the danger at present; Batgirl even makes a point that she’s not Batman and has to fight more with her Witt, than brawn.
Batgirl is the first Gail Simone series I’ve tackled and I’m quite impressed, though I’m certainly not surprised, I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews for her previous work on DC Comics “Birds of Prey” and “Suicide Squad”. Though this issue consists mainly of action sequences, there’s a perfect ratio mixed in of Barbara’s personal life and her father, commissioner Gordon, which I’m very excited about his plot thread!
The Mirror gets a quick back story, which delivered his motive, a touch similar to the modern-day cinema serial killer, Jigsaw. But i really am enjoying his character and at this point in the series, I see him as more a vigilante rather than a villain.
Ardian Syaf’s art is detailed and dynamic. his action sequences fail to bore; I always enjoy a good brawl, fought in a well drawn rain storm. Syaf’s character design sells the new villain: The Mirror, hands down. I feel he draws the villain with slight more care than with Batgirl, which i find surprising since Batgirl is sporting a pretty intricate new suite.
Overall, I’m very excited about this reincarnation of Batgirl. I’ve read that Gail Simone love Barbara Gordon, as a character and I can’t wait to see where she flys with her. It’s hard not to get excited when you know the creator is truly passionate, I can only hope that Gail Simone stays for the foreseeable future and beyond.
And still the gnawing question as to how Batgirl miraculously gained the use of her legs is again dangled in front of us with no satisfactory answer. The motive behind The Mirror makes the tension between these to quite exciting; as is seems to be closely tied to the recent mobility Barbara has found. Mix this with the pure excitement that comes with next months cover, really makes this series a sure pull.
Story: 9
Art: 9
Also, highly recommended this week:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer S.9 #2
Batman and Robin #2
Uncanny X-Force #16 – Reviewed by: Roger Riddell, Check it out @ http://www.chicagocomicvault.com/2011/10/review-uncanny-x-force-16/
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