Batgirl

• Title: Batgirl #24
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Bryan Q. Miller
• Artist: Pere Pérez

Writer Bryan Q. Miller’s run on Batgirl comes to an end. Barbara Gordon may be back in the Batsuit starting next month, but Miller sends out Stephanie Brown out in style with almost everything you’d could ask for. Issue #24 includes a terrific final page that not only neatly wraps up the series, and says goodbye to the character, but also fits so naturally into the tone of a comic that’s been one of DC’s best for two years now.

He even manages to squeeze in a cameo for Damian. I’m just sad he didn’t have 20 extra pages to say goodbye to all of Stephanie’s friends and supporting cast as well.

The issue begins with Batgirl confronting her father, the Cluemaster, who’s been behind the Reapers since the beginning and has transformed the Black Mercy into a weaponized hallucinogen. We see the aftereffects of the drug on Stephanie’s system later (in some terrific full-page panels by Pere Pérez), but not before Miller delivers a heartwarming scene between Steph and her mother who has discovered, and come to terms with, Stephanie’s latest alter-ego.

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Batgirl #24Read More »

• Title: Batgirl #23
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Bryan Q. Miller
• Artist: Pere Pérez

After returning from her short European adventure Batgirl jumps right back into action as the Reapers come out in force. How do you take on a small army of sociopaths in armored suits? If you’re Stephanie Brown you call in a few friends.

I love this comic. Seriously, the one thing I’ve been wanting for Stephanie Brown is to have her own team (like the Teen Titans). And writer Bryan Q. Miller gives me everything I asked for and more. It may be for only and handful of pages, but damn it’s good. It’s a shame the DC reboot is going to kill this team after only a single adventure.

As awesome as this final battle is (with a damn fine cliffhanger as Batgirl discovers the shocking identity of the man behind the Reapers’ attacks), there are also a couple of nice contemplative moments as Steph deals with the death of the Grey Ghost and her of conversations with her favorite GCPD Detective.

Pick this issue up. My only complaint is there’s only a single issue left, but I have a feeling Mr. Miller is going to have Stephanie Brown go out in style. I would expect nothing less. Must-read.

[DC, $2.99]

• Title: Batgirl #22
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Bryan Q. Miller
• Artist: Pere Pérez

After being tapped by Batman (the original) for an overseas mission Stephanie Brown soon finds herself in the UK only called on to save England from from a gang of ruffians pulling the sword from the stone and releasing anti-time across the world. Tally Ho!

Once again writer Bryan Q. Miller makes a pretty darn good story without having anything resembling an A-list (or even C-list) villain to work with. And although I’ve never been that big of a fan of Squire I do like the pairing with Stephanie which provides some trademark Batgirl humor (and plenty of butt kickin’). And by the end you’ll know the real reason why Greenwich Mean is so important.

There are also a few sly pop nods throughout the book to keep your eye out for (including the a nice homage to the Beatles). Dammit Steph, I’m going to miss you when you’re gone. I’m happy for Barbara Gordon fans, but I’ve got to say DC is really missing the mark pulling the current Batgirl (who has much the same feel of the original) to reinstate a character who’s outgrown the position.

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Batgirl #22Read More »

• Title: Batgirl #21
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Bryan Q. Miller
• Artist: Dustin Nguyen

Batgirl faces off with another Reaper as “The Lesson” continues. However, what’s more important is what’s happening with her supporting cast. Proxy is leaving Gotham for Nada Parbat directly on the heels of Oracle pulling back her involvement in “Team Batgirl.”

One of the strengths of Bryan Q. Miller’s run is the interpersonal relationships of Stephanie Brown with these characters. It seems the comic is moving into high-gear in putting Batgirl on her own island, but I’ve got to say I’m going to miss the interplay these other supporting figures provided. Maybe Miller could borrow the underutilized Lady Blackhawk from Gail Simone’s Birds of Prey to help liven things back up? At least next month’s team up with Squire should provide some fun.

The latest issue also shows us how far the new Grey Ghost is going to go in order to protect Batgirl, even if that means betraying her to her enemies. I’m sad that with everyone else leaving this is the character who seems to be sticking around, but we’ll have to wait awhile to see how this storyline plays itself out. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

• Title: Batgirl #20
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Bryan Q. Miller
• Artist: Dustin Nguyen

This issue marks the end of “Team Batgirl” as we’ve known it. Oracle pulls back, trusting that Stephanie Brown and Proxy can stand on their own and take down Slipstream and solve the mystery of the Reapers.

I understand the idea of Barabara stepping away to let Steph stand on her own two feet, but I have to say I’m disappointed that the relationship between the two Batgirls, which has been central to the comic’s success, seems to be going away.

On the positive side, we do get a good wrap up to “The Lesson: Tunnel Vision” and Stephanie learns she can stand on her own without relying on Oracle. Good for her, but is it wrong of me to still want her to?

Even if the central relationship to the comic seems to be going away, it’s tongue-in-cheek humor is still very much in display here (including an impatient Steph struggling to get through class). Batgirl also creates some new super-duper Batarangs and takes her new ride, “The Compact,” out on its first mission. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]