Batgirl

• Title: Batgirl #19
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Bryan Q. Miller
• Artist: Dustin Nguyen

After last month’s magical romp with Klarion the Witch Boy (that sounded way dirtier than I meant it to), Batgirl returns to the streets to track down the speedster thief (Slipstream), try and lose her biggest fan (The Grey Ghost), and get used to the improved digs (thanks to a generious contribution by the Wayne Foundation).

We also get more of Stephanie’s unsuccessful juggling of her school life, home life, and nighttime activities, as well as a couple of great panels (like this one) showcasing the humor of the character.

On the negative, I’m not sure the reveal of Slipstream’s big plan makes more sense than simply emptying the various bank vaults he’s hit. That said, I’m still willing to wait and see how things play out. I also thought the Barbara/Proxy showdown (i.e. here’s your lesson kiddos) was a tad forced for my tastes.

Even with these minor quibbles Batgirl continues to deliver yet another good story. Worth a look.

[DC $2.99]

• Title: Batgirl #18
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Bryan Q. Miller
• Artist: Dustin Nguyen

Here’s something you may have not known: Stephanie Brown tastes like Christmas. Not surprising mind you, just food for thought. This Valentine’s issue pairing of Batgirl and Klarion the Witch Boy out to stop his familiar from a murder spree while it searches for true love isn’t exactly you average Batgirl tale. It’s not every day our heroine finds herself shrunk and trapped in a magic snow globe.

What works here is how Stephanie Brown is immediately put on the defensive by dealing with a magic user – not something that comes up regularly in her patrols on the streets of Gotham. Still, Stephanie adapts and agrees to help the Witch Boy after Klarion returns her to normal size (dashing her dream of fighting lice alongside the Atom in what would surely be an epic team-up).

Of course this includes dimension jumping, trying to prevent herself from being burned at the stake, fighting off a Witch Boy’s cat (which turns out to be a man-sized vicious were-cat), and even kissing Witch Boy in front of her friends. Weird, but also worth a look.

[DC $2.99]

• Title: Batgirl #16
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Bryan Q. Miller
• Artist: Dustin Nguyen

Okay, so Batgirl is on the run from Gotham PD who think she’s murdered a college student. The real killers are the “Order of the Scythe” (horrible name, by the way). Not only have they got Stephanie running from the police but they’ve stolen technology including a speed suit.

Thankfully, the Batgirl most wanted storyline is dealt with in this issue and we won’t have it weighing down the title for months. Aside from their awful name, the secret society or guys dressed up as reapers aren’t bad villains for the title. Okay, they aren’t going to find their way into the best Bat-villain list anytime soon, but they work well enough here.

And after being framed for murder writer Bryan Q. Miller has given Stephanie the added incentive of revenge to track them down. We also get some great trademark great dialogue between Stephanie and Oracle and another appearance by “Detective McCute.” It may not be the title’s best, but there’s plenty here worth reading. Worth a look.

[DC $2.99]

• Title: Batgirl #15
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Bryan Q. Miller
• Artist: Dustin Nguyen

Okay, if Stephanie Brown’s retelling of Bat-history doesn’t tickle your fancy there’s really no hope for you. Sorry. In-line with other Bat-titles, Batgirl gets back to basics with the return of Oracle, Stephanie’s struggles in college (and lies to her mother), and some zany antics.

Batgirl’s latest case involves the death of a student at the hands of a cult of robed figures, a missing flash drive, a new Gray Ghost, and Batgirl framed for murder.

That last part troubles me a bit as it seems were in for the proverbial “prove my innocence’ storyline all too many characters have to go through. Hopefully this two-issue arc will wrap things up as quickly as it began since there’s really no chance DC’s going to let Batgirl go full-vigilante and drawing it out serves no purpose.

Not as good as some recent issues of Batgirl, but the trademarks that make the character and comic work are still here. Worth a look.

[DC $2.99]