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

Barbara Gordon, the red-headed beauty on the front cover of this book, has not held the mantle of Batgirl for more than 23 years. In 1988, she was shot and paralyzed from the waist down by the Joker in the infamous Batman story, "The Killing Joke". Bound to a wheelchair, she was to be Batgirl no more. But when DC rebooted their entire line in Sept. 2011, the original Batgirl returned. And I couldn't be more pleased with the results. This book contains issues #1-6 of "Batgirl", and the story begins as Barbara returns to the Gotham streets for the first time after donning the cape and cowl once again. In the new continuity, Barbara was still shot and wheelchair-bound by the Joker, but she recovered the ability to walk after a few years. She has in no way forgotten the incident however, for while the physical scars may have healed, the mental and emotional scars are still very much healing. This is a Batgirl who is trying to fight crime while at the same time fighting the trauma of what happened to her, a Batgirl who is battling Gotham's baddies by night while battling the trials of moving into her own place by day. The first four issues contain Batgirl's clash with a new villain called the Mirror. Immediately chilling from his first appearance, he is a strong antagonist, and is at times more than a match for a rusty Batgirl. This arc is well-written and action-packed, and is also a perfect beginning to what is shaping up to be a great series. The last two issues in the book are also well-done, and though the villain isn't quite as believable a threat, their motivations make a little more sense than do those of the Mirror. But it's not just the villains that make this narrative work. The story in these pages is so compelling because Barbara, who is a constant narrator, has a strong, consistent voice handled perfectly by Gail Simone, the author of the book. It's great to see a Bat-family hero who sometimes sees things a little less seriously, who isn't afraid to crack a joke. Simone has indeed turned Barbara into witty and charming protagonist, but she is also one who feels wonderfully developed and fully realized. Batgirl is not simply going through the motions as she does battle with her enemies; she is struggling, she is hurting, and she is pushing herself every step of the way. Batgirl is a vulnerable character here, and her resulting victory is made much sweeter because of it. The art is also extremely well-done. The action scenes have a wonderful sense of momentum and speed, and the colors truly pop right off of the page. The artist also understands that Batgirl's appearance can take on various shades depending on what's happening in the panel. When Batgirl swings from roof to roof for the first time since being shot, her golden costume is bright, almost joyful. But when she is ready to get down to business, when she quietly lays down the law, she becomes a dark spectre rivaling Batman. I am so thrilled to see Barbara Gordon as Batgirl again, not only because she is the Batgirl I know and love from years of cartoons (Batman: The Animated Series, Young Justice), but also because this is one of the best comics DC is pumping out. Batgirl obviously belongs under the pen of Gail Simone, and it is supremely rewarding to see Barbara return to the streets desperate to start again, just as we readers are looking forward to getting to know her again. The other Batgirls are great, but nothing beats the original.

It had been a while since I had read any ongoing series of comics and was looking for a jumping on point with one of the characters or teams that I liked. I just happened to stumble upon this on sale on amazon for $9 and decided to give it a try. I was really impressed by the artwork. I'm normally partial to certain artists. My favorites are Jim Lee and Michael turner and most other art pails in comparison in my opinion, but like I said before I liked the art even though it was by someone I'd never heard of. The only reason I mention the art first is because this is a comic and naturally the art is what catches your eye first. It doesn't matter how great the writing is, if the art is subpar it will take away from or your enjoyment of the work as a whole. If the art didn't matter I'd be reading something that didn't have pictures. Now to the writing. I've never read much by Gail Simone. I know who she is from Special Features on some of DC Comics DVDs that have come out in the past few years. I do know that she was a long time writer for Birds of Prey. Because of the her time on that series I believe there isn't a writer out there that knows Barbara Gordon the way she does. I don't mean Barbara as Batgirl either. I'm talking about who Barbara is deep down inside. The person she was in the wheelchair as Oracle. The person she was beforehand as well. Since she knows the character and all Barbara's been through, Gail is the perfect person to get her out of the chair and back into the Bat-suit where she belongs. I can't wait to get my hands on the second collected edition in the series. I highly recommend this to any fan of the Batman family series of books whether you are a long time reader or someone that only knows the characters from the movies. If you are someone that loves comic art and are looking for a good story, you must read this as well. This is a promising start to what looks to be one of the best series out right now.

This first hard backed volume collecting issues #1-6 of the Batgirl title have been a true treat to read. No more having to suffer through watered down legacy knock-off characters that tried to supplant the character of Barbara Gordon with her super hero crime fighting identity as that Dominoed Daredoll better known as Batgirl, this first volume hits the ground running and doesn't stop! We meet up with Barbara Gordon on her first night back as Batgirl, after being three years in the past shot through the spine by the Joker, and one year ago having had a surgery that repaired the damage but required a full year of physical therapy to undo the physical wounds, but leaving a bad case of PTSD in it's place as Batgirl tries to get back out into her city to help it's citizens against the criminals of Gotham. This first volume was a joy to read, and it's so very clear the love and adoration that writer Gail Simone has for this character. The villians are a tad on the gruesome side at times, so I don't recommend giving this volume to any child under tween level, but anyone older as well as adults can enjoy and appreciate this entertaining book.

I must confess something, When the new 52 re-launched, I had no intention of trying to read Batgirl. I was coming in for Batman and Catwoman only. But let me tell you that would've been a grave mistake, because Batgirl is one of the best comics rewritten in the new 52. She is a lot like her counter-part from the 1990's animated series, even going so far as to use words like "doofus" and it is really cute. If you liked the show from the 90's, you need to buy Batgirl's comic because it will be a refreshing taste of nostalgia and it might even get you into reading more comics. Batman is the Dark and Nightwing is the light and Batgirl fits neatly in between those two extremes making it appealing to just about everybody. The story is rich and real, and I actually liked both of her villains a lot. They aren't Batman's villains, but they could be. No other Bat Comic has bad guys anywhere near as interesting as Batman's so this is a huge plus for Batgirl and her Author. For the fans who got upset by Barbara being able to walk again, don't be. As soon as you read it you will see that Barbara "Was always meant to be Batgirl." One of my favorite moments of the book was the interaction she had with Nightwing for one issue. This story was definitely written for us girls and when Nightwing and Batgirl part ways so she can find her confidence on her own again you will be so heartbroken. Just as I Believe Batman and Catwoman were Made for each other, I Believe Barbara and Dick are practically soul mates and I Love Barbara's inner monologues. They are very sophisticated but still filled with emotion. The Story on it's own is already good, but Batgirl is definitely first and foremost about the character. What she does is only one part of it and that is how you keep readers engaged.

Batgirl returns to Gotham! Barbara Gordon went from wheelchair-bound woman of power to able-bodied crime-fighter after a life-changing procedure in Africa and now she's out to save the people of Gotham from the Mirror! Bent on undoing all the wonderful miracles the lucky few of Gotham receive, Mirror kills those that should have died and it's up to the Batgirl to take him down. Once she's done with him, a hypnotic gun-for-hire named Gretel tries to turn Batman against Batgirl! This New 52 hardcover contains issues #1-6 of Batgirl. This new series sees the Oracle retire and Batgirl return. How Barbara gets the use of her legs after the events in the Killing Joke aren't explained too well, but the art and dialogue here is well worth the return. The book is narrated by Barbara at all times and makes every scene a bit more "real" as you can get into her head a little more even when she's punching someone's face in. The villains here are hit and miss with the interesting, yet slightly dull Mirror and the boring Gretel. Nightwing makes a short appearance and reintroduces their little fling they have and Batman is in the later issues and the little things like people calling her Batwoman just makes this book fun to read. Also, you get some really nice extras in the form of cover evolution, character sketches, and designs as well all located in the back of the book along with textless covers in color and black and white. While it's not the greatest New 52 series out there, it's definitely one to pick up.

If there's anyone who could get Barbara Gordon out of the wheelchair in the most respectful way, it's Gail Simone! For starters, I'm new and nervous about getting into Batman related comics, especially finding girl-friendly material. To anyone who feels the same way, this Batgirl series is a great place to start. There's diversity, depth and personality in the female characters. Not to mention the terrific artwork of Ardian Syaf portrays women in a way that doesn't feel exclusive or demeaning. The expansion of Barbara's story post-Oracle, along with the development of her relationship with the batfamily are the strongest points of the comic. The villains Barbara meets reflect the struggle she has to go through, making her adventures all the more personal. She has an arc as both Batgirl and Barbara, making her character very multifaceted and complex. Seeing a heroine deal with survivor's guilt, family drama and growing up was wonderful and refreshing in many ways. Highly recommend! I can't wait to get the next one already.

Now, first off, I have to admit (and I'll likely be flamed for this), but I prefer the Stephanie Brown version of Batgirl, so i didn't go into this with much expectation. That being said, I love Gail Simone's work. I really enjoyed this volume. so much I immediately ordered volume 2. This comic is full of great characterization. It introduces new interesting characters and gives us insight to Bab's recovery. The art is gorgeous as well. Highly recommended, even if it isn't Steph under the cowl. :-)

I, without a doubt, could not have pictured this book any better, it was a perfect adaptation of Batgirl and her adventures. New 52 has had its promising DC character storyline changers and vivid adapatations, but Batgirl's caught my attention. She really does become more of her own independent hero facing new challenges after her recovery, as well as facing old demons from the past. However, what caught my sole true attention was Batgirl's warmth, her true spirit and humorous vibe she gives off even during harsh situations, putting the reader at ease. It's definently a buy!

Nice art, great story! Quite enjoyable as a whole.

Gail Simone is one of the freshest voices in super hero comics. Her career originated in an online blog where criticizing the victimization of women in super hero stories ("Women in refrigerators") brought new perspectives to a cliché genre. When she took over DC's Birds of Prey she wrote the character Oracle for years and gave her a depth rarely experienced in mainstream comics. Barbara Gordon was one of those victims described above having been shot by the Joker and using a wheelchair since. As the secret leader of those Birds of Prey she grew into a role model for people with disabilities never giving up and serving her best by use of her cunning abilities with computers. Simone, a redhead herself, said that it had been her dream to write Barbara Gordon since her days as Batgirl. When DC revamped its whole line of super hero comics in 2011 (The New 52) there were many critical voices regarding this decision, one in general that so all those characters with their long history were bereft of their history, the other especially regarding Barbara Gordon who was installed as Batgirl again, evidently not needing a wheelchair any more. (Coincidentally the most prominent wheel chair user of the Marvel Universe walks these days too, miraculously healed.) Readers using a wheelchair themselves and having chosen Barbara Gordon as an idol felt cheated. They lived in a world where no miracles happened. In defense of Gail Simone you have to keep in mind that it was editorial decision to make Gordon Batgirl again. And though hesitating Simone finally thought that if it would be done anyway she could be the one doing it in a decent way. And she did. The incident that brought Gordon into a wheelchair DID happen and somehow she got back onto her legs. But the scars kept their mark not only in her body but in her mind and soul. And the story is dealing with it. So the character builds on history and the individual history of the character is the center of the story. All in all you get a comic book that is a high quality blend of Silver Age touch and modern approach. Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes and Ulises Arreola add flawless pencils, inks and colors that subordinate to the storytelling and avoid cheap effects. If you think that super hero comics are crap anyway I will not be able to convince you otherwise. But if you like comics, what you get here is a modern and classic approach to a female hero beyond a voyeuristic T&A perspective. If you like comics at all it does not really come better. By the way, compared to other recent publications of both DC and Marvel the price of this beautiful hardcover is modest.

Barbara Gordon está de regreso y se ve espléndida gracias a Simone y Syaf. Juntos han logrado hacer de Batgirl, una maravilla.

Ero inizialmente titubante nel comprare un fumetto basato su Batgirl, tuttavia mi ha sorpreso e sono davvero contenta di non essermi basata su preconcetti! Lo consiglio a tutti gli amanti del genere

This is the first one I am reading a DC new 52 book.. and my start seems good.. I brought this after the announcement of Joss Whedon making a Batgirl film.. A good one to have in the collection... Looking forward to complete the series...