Batgirl #1-73 Talkback

[JL Man]

Batgirl #23 was my first venture into the non-animated spinoff comics in a while. It was pretty cool. I can't stand the wait for Shiva! Didn't she train Bruce after Bane broke his back? Anyway, post your opinions on the comics here. :bosko:

[Dub]

I like the new Batgirl for some reason. Theres just something oddly appealing about a character who doesnt talk. She's got thier...weird charm about her :)

[Samhaine]

The book did start to lag during the teen issues. However, for the past couple months it started to get good again, as it went back to a focus on Batman and Oracle as well as Batgirl. Frankly, I don't think she could carry a book all by herself. And Scott's art has really improved over the last 2 years.

[BLACKHEART]

Not a bad issue. I like the art of this book. I'm just not crazy on what the girl's faces look like. The Spoiler abuse continues. Just when you think Spoiler will be appearing more it looks like she'll be stuck back in Robin. Not to spoil too much of the story. Spoiler is one of the characters I like a lot when she is used correctly. The story of this book is improving greatly. They are actually building Cassie's character now.

[BLACKHEART]

Batgirl #29 is part of the "Bruce Wayne: Fugitive" storyline. For the last few months in the various Batman-related books, members of the Batsquad have uncovered tiny clues regarding the murder of Vesper Fairchild. Tonight, they piece them together by recreating the crime, with Nightwing playing the role of the killer and Batgirl, the victim.

[BLACKHEART]

Let me start the action. This was another well written issue of Batgirl. Once again Batgirl maintains itself in the Murder storyline and not just filler junk.

The story is about Batgirl and Nightwing working together to find out who killed Vesper. Nightwing and Oracle keep saying Batman could have done it. Batgirl proves them wrong.

Now the group is ready to find the real killer and the story leads nicely into the next issue of Gotham Knights.

With Batman vs. Azrael.

[Trent Lane]

Agreed, this was a great issue. This series is awesome, and it's tie-in to the fugitive storyline was just as good. The cover... I've got no words for it, it's that good...

[BLACKHEART]

The cover was incredible. The image of Nightwing holding a gun to Batgirl had to pull in readers. The cover was very powerful and it set the stage for the entire issue as the two recreated the murder. I am glad I decided to pick Batgirl up as one of my monthly's many moon's ago.

[Trent Lane]

I know what you mean. This is what got me into mainstream titles and storylines. I don't pick up much, just this title, Robin, and Harley Quinn (which has gotten a little weird all of the sudden)... the cover had to draw people in, even if they aren't a regular reader... can't wait for the younger GA appearance over the next few issues...

[BLACKHEART]

I don't like the new writer for Robin. The Harley Quinn book can stay where the storyline has it and that's hell. I have expressed my opinion on the current direction of the book in it's own talkback threads. Batgirl is nice change of pace. Very refreshing. As long as they don't lose the crew they have.

[Sugar Daddy]

I just read this today. Great issue. I really liked how the whole plot applied to BW:F. Interesting issue, and it seems like Azrael is the leading candidate to be the real murderer, as Slipknot pointed out with the next issue of GK.

[Trent Lane]

I agree on your hunches. Azrael is a top canidate, though "theY" haven't been mentioned much in the story. But of those that know Bruce and Batman, "they" are one of the top people out to get him...

[kid_flash]

I really really really liked this issue. It's nice to finally get a part of FUGITIVE that actually has clues and is actually a PART of FUGITIVE. My ONE complaint about this is PREVIEWS. The cover was so powerful I would've bought it from that alone, but PREVIEWS had to go and spoil it saying that they were just re-creating the crime. Poo-heads.

[The Guard]

Don't want spoilers, don't read PREVIEWS. It's quite simple.

[kid_flash]

Yeah, some of us lack that self-control. I gotta go through PREVIEWS to figure out if I want any of the specials or not, and I'll read most of the descriptions of the ongoings for anything that catches my interest.

[BLACKHEART]

I never read previews. Anymore I just pick up the comic book and read.

[BLACKHEART]

If you are a regular Batgirl reader you might want to pick this one up. If you didn't know about this book then here is a little preview. I'll let someone start with their thoughts on the book.

Gotham's most dangerous defender stars in her first SECRET FILES Special! An encounter with an unexpected criminal leads Cassandra to revisit her origins (written by original BATGIRL cowriter Scott Peterson, with art by Phil Noto & Robert Campanella). Plus, Cassandra learns how she would have fared in combat against Barbara Gordon — during the current Oracle's time as Batgirl (written by Peterson with art by Giuseppe Camuncoli & Cameron Stewart). And the DEO investigates the aftermath of Batgirl's battle with Lady Shiva (written by Dan Curtis Johnson & J.H. Williams III with art by Greg Scott & Mick Gray). Rounding out the issue are profiles of some of Batgirl's newest enemies and allies, with a special portrait of young Barbara Gordon as Batgirl, courtesy of the upcoming BATGIRL: YEAR ONE art team of Marcos Martin & Alvaro Lopez!

[Gotham Knights '68]

Previews is like a movie trailer...it lets you know the basis - gives you a few teasers, but it's still not as good until you read it!

However, I don't ever read Previews - except for the DC Direct stuff due to the fact that I am a big collector of statues and like to know in advance what's coming out so I can pre-order them!!!!

GREAT issue - Batgirl is definitely one of my favorite characters. The cover was very powerfull - best frame of the book was when Alfred touched Batgirl's shoulder and said "well done" - Alfred Rocks! Story and art, as always, was terrific!

[Gotham Knights '68]

Haven't read this yet - but I'm gonna tonight on my way home from work! My thoughts then....

[BLACKHEART]

I recommend it. I didn't have the comic book guy add this to my file because I wasn't sure if I would like it. I took a look at the art and was impressed. The story looked good.

The last Secret Files I bought was during Last Laugh and it was horrible. So I was hesitant to pick this one up. I have no problems with the normal art crew on the Batgirl title, but I do however like this crew better.

[Gotham Knights '68]

Yeah...I've been enjoying Phil Noto's covers on B-O-P. The lead story was really your basic "Secret Files #1" story where Oracle is going through her information on the history of Cassandra while following her in current time - The story and art were both very well done and I really liked the story - I highly recommend if you've missed out on the first 25 or so issues of Batgirl and would like a good 101 lesson!

Chase story was a cool follow-up to the Shiva Butt-whoppin'

Batgirl vs Batgirl was EXCELLENT - short, but exactly to the point of how Cassandra vs Babs would be!!!

I can't wait for BATGIRL - YEAR ONE ;)

[BLACKHEART]

Writer Chuck Dixon (BIRDS OF PREY, Crux) steps in for a 3-issue arc! A Roman military cult, whose origins stretch all the way back to the legions of ancient Rome, is assassinating prominent Gothamites. Why? That’s what Batgirl aims to find out. But when her investigation leads her head-on into Connor Hawke, will there be a martial arts dream team-up or a titanic tussle?

http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/July_10/covers/batg_30.jpg

[BLACKHEART]

The second issue of a 3-part story penned by Chuck Dixon and guest-starring Robin and Spoiler! We follow Batgirl and Green Arrow Connor Hawke as they try to stop Agrippina and her Roman Legion cult from killing another of the group’s own members: Jack Drake, father of Robin!

http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/Aug_14/covers/batg_31.jpg

[BLACKHEART]

I might as well start this rolling. I don't like to give a lot of things away before others have posted, but I'll tell you this. Another well written issue of Batgirl. This story seems to have promise. I'm not a big Arrow fan but he didn't bother me much. The best part was the end when my girl showed up. :) hahaha can't wait to see the one liners with her and Batgirl next issue.

[LiquidXIR]

Art was excellent as always, this book would just not be right without Scott. While I hope we get to see what Agrip can actually DO next issue.

Something just lacks from this arc to me though, not enough story maybe? I'm not really sure just kinda seems like *poof* villian, "club", killing club members Enter:BG and guest star GA for fun.

Oh well next issue does look interesting though. More whacky Spoiler antics ;)

[BLACKHEART]

I think this storyline of stopping assasins fits Batgirl perfectly. I can't wait for Spoiler to get involved

[BLACKHEART]

Written by Chuck Dixon; art by Damion Scott and Wade von Grawbadger; cover by Scott and Robert Campanella
It's an all-star DCU issue, as Batgirl joins forces with Robin, the Spoiler and GREEN ARROW's Connor Hawke to find Eddie Fyers. But even if they can locate Connor's longtime partner, can they save him, and the world, from the diabolical Agrippina and her Roman Legion cult?

BATMAN | FC, 32pg. $2.50

http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/Sept_11/covers/batg_32.jpg

[BLACKHEART]

Is she or isn't she dead? I'll guess you'll have to buy the issue to see what I'm talking about

I liked this issue. I just wish they'd get someone new to draw the girl's faces.

Comic quote of the month

Green Arrow "She's really different"

Spoiler "She's weird"

Robin "Spoiler!"

Spoiler "In a nice way"

Next panel

Green Arrow "I mean she's different from you and Batman and Nightwing"

Robin "She has a lot of issues..."

Spoiler "Yeah like ebay has a lot of auctions."

[Kathy Kane]

I like that quote but the one that got me was the one on the Cover "We came, We saw, We kicked your butt" Straight off of Ghostbusters, but good none the less. :)

I thought the ending was good, with Tim finding the staff.
And I like it when Batgirl teams up with other people in the DCU not just the Bat-Family.

[BLACKHEART]

Who would you like to see her team up with in an upcoming issue?

This was a nice two parter and I don't really like the Green Arrow at all. I'm happy with it.

[LiquidXIR]

Perhaps Cass might have a recuring villian? Even though she really only had a souped up cattle prod...

[Gotham Knights '68]

Pleasantly surprised. Then again, not really 'cause this book is awesome ;) I really liked the coloring in this issue. Great dialogue between Connor, Spoiler and Robin :D Loved the end with Batman meeting with Cassandra going over the events of her latest case. Very good stuff!!!! And ya can add another to Cassandras Rouge Gallery ;)

[BLACKHEART]

Unless DC does the unexpected and lets her die in the fire

[Trent Lane]

Great issue, great wrap-up to this story. As to who I'd like to see Cass team up with, I'd say Huntress maybe. Seeing as how Cass is wearing the costume Huntress pretty much came up with... it'd be intresting...

[Kathy Kane]

Originally posted by SLIPKNOT
Who would you like to see her team up with in an upcoming issue?

This was a nice two parter and I don't really like the Green Arrow at all. I'm happy with it.


Ya know I think I'd like to see her interact with a few teams, like the Young Justice or the New JL team, I wonder how she'd get along with Nightwing or Hawkgirl.
Also it would be cool to see her hang out with Jonnny Thunder and Star, kids her own age but also in the big leagues.
Maybe the West coast Titians, with Changeling and Flame bird, a change of pace.

[BLACKHEART]

Cassie is too dark, too good of a character for Young Justice. They would water her down. I kind of like her to stay on her own like Batman. She couldn't be what Batman is to the JLA, so I think she should stay out.

I like the idea of the Huntress teaming with Batgirl. That could be good.

[Gotham Knights '68]

A Huntress Team-up would be very cool. Excellent comment regarding the costume Trent!!! Could really make for an interesting story ;)

[Gotham Knights '68]

Originally posted by SLIPKNOT
Unless DC does the unexpected and lets her die in the fire

Even if she did die, Dc'd have some "Out" to bring her back to life, sound familiar??? :rolleyes:

[BLACKHEART]

Yeah beware the out clause

[BLACKHEART]

Written by Kelley Puckett; art and cover by Damion Scott and Robert Campanella

Batman enlists Batgirl to help him apprehend a dangerous new metahuman. But the metahuman is merely the first step in a wider investigation to find a mysterious figure named Alpha. Unfortunately for Cassandra, the only person with info on Alpha is the one man she never wanted to face again: her father, the deadly assassin David Cain!

BATMAN | Color,32 pg. $2.50

http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/Oct_09/covers/Batg_33.jpg

[SpotLane]

I hate that cover! But the issue is rather good. I'm so glad that Kelly Puckett and Robert Campanella are back!

[Kathy Kane]

WOW!
I thought it was amazing how she meets her father! She smashes in a window to say "hi!" :D
I liked it. And the Art is excellent.

[LiquidXIR]

Sad really that this issue was better and had more depth/artwork than all of Dixons run. Fabulous issue. Long live Puckett and Campanella, inks really do make a difference.

[Gotham Knights '68]

A truly great 22 page comic. I am loving Cassandra more and more each and every issue. She is truly an amazing addition to the Batman Universe.

First time seeing her in civilian clothing really - at least in a skirt. Batman cameos were awesome - its so great seeing Batman back to normal again. He truly cares about Cassandra as does Babs, love the special friendship / Bond those two share.

Great Powerfull scenes/panels that carry the story and really gets you into it without writing down a word - which has been done so well throughout the first 33 isssues of this great book!!!

Her meeting with "Dad" was just really really cool. We really see Cassandra as a human being in this one!!!

[wrenchien]

it takes real guts to fight crime in a full-spandex bodysuit where your facemask is sewn shut so you got to breathe through the spandex (WHAM- THUD!)

owie

[BLACKHEART]

Written by Kelley Puckett; art and cover by Damion Scott and Robert Campanella

Batgirl is a lot of things: a martial arts master, a world class athlete — but not a detective. Not yet. But she aims to learn the craft at the side of the master...Batman. In this issue, Batgirl tags along with Batman on the investigation of a brutal murder of a father and small child.

BATMAN | Color, 32 pg. $2.50

http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/Nov_13/covers/batg_34.jpg

[zero zero nine]

Damion Scott's artwork bothers me. I want Cass to be hotter. :p

Good story over all, and I knew that the ending would be the "wrong, depressing answer is the right one."

EDIT:

Also, that Darknight detective thing in the front... just bothered me. I kept on saying Darnight. Spell correctly!

[BLACKHEART]

Written by Kelley Puckett; art and cover by Damion Scott and Robert Campanella
Batgirl helps Batman hunt for the mysterious killer code-named Alpha. What she finds is a guy with amnesia — wanted by several gun-running goons of Gotham — who has planted a nuclear weapon in Gotham City.

BATMAN | 32pg. | Color | $2.50
Available on December 11th, 2002

http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/dec_02/images/pic_medbg35cvr.jpg

:tom:

[BLACKHEART]

You know I'm really starting to hate pulling the WWE inserts from my comics.

This issue reminded me of a Twlight Zone episode a few weeks ago. The one where the guy was an agent but didn't know what he was doing or where he was going. Who didn't see the guy being Alpha? Not bad.

[BLACKHEART]

BATGIRL #36

http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/jan_03/images/pic_medbg36cvr.jpg

Written by Kelley Puckett; art and cover by Damion Scott and Robert Campanella
Batgirl has found the international terrorist-for-hire code-named Alpha... and he has amnesia! Her quandary: Can she help him remember enough to find and defuse a nuclear bomb before he recalls why he set it in the first place?

BATMAN | 32pg. | Color | $2.50
Available on January 15th, 2003

[BLACKHEART]

Written by Kelley Puckett; art and cover by Damion Scott and Robert Campanella
When a master thief kidnaps a remarkable child with talents worth millions of dollars, itÕs up to Batgirl to solve the crime and save the child! Plus: A huge secret from CassandraÕs past is revealed!

BATMAN | 32pg. | Color | $2.50
Available on February 19th, 2003

http://www.dccomics.com/directcurrents/comics/feb_03/images/pic_medbtg37cvr.jpg

[BLACKHEART]

I’m starting to think Batgirl’s costume is getting a little silly. I think it’s due to the fact to the ridiculous facial expressions they give her under the mask. Granted Cassie might not fill out the costume like Huntress did but her costume has always been one of my favorites. It has a rough dark look that you would expect from someone who does this kind of work. It’s shouldn’t be bright and polished. I blame the artist for ruining this costume. Just look at the pages where she thinks or has revelations under the mask. It’s kind of corny.

Not much to talk about in terms of the story. It seems like they are going for more action and less talk in this book.

We did learn that Cain could leave the jail anytime he wants. He should teach his trick to the rest of the inmates. I’m sure he’d make a lot of money.

[BLACKHEART]

I want to bring up something in this thread to anyone, if anyone read this book and wasn't really happy with it as a hole. Do you think that Jim Lee has impcated the bat titles and DC in such a way that if Jim Lee isn't on it, then no one pays attention to it and they put out crap? Just look at what Gotham Knights is becoming. Is there such thing as an editor any more?

[Ms. Kitty]

I guess so, but I still got Cawoman :cool: What was that "huge secret" from C's past? I'm gonna get this ish anyway since it's the last one for the current crew. :)

[Gotham Knights '68]

The Artwork - for those who don't like it - will not be around for long - the book is getting a new creative team soon.

Batgirl continues to tell a compelling, emotional story with minimal words and good visual storytelling. This story was a bit dark and disturbing. I was surprised when Batgirl turned the father in at the end...I really felt bad for him - I would be devastated without my little girl. I wanted to really smack the mother. The roof-top exchange between Batman and Batgirl was awesome. The whole Cain story grows, Cassandra's flash backs and memories found - all makes for some great story telling.

As for whether or not Jim Lee's artwork is making people not like others art is just insane. These characters were around long before Jim Lee started penciling them and they will be around long after he leaves. He is an amazing artist and its a real treat to be able to enjoy his vision of the Bat-Universe. But it doesn't take away from the other great talents. Detective's artwork has been great and Ryan Sook will be soon taking over the reigns there!!! - Gotham Knights' Robinson is great - I love Leonardi's Nightwing and Woods' Robin is good. Artists come and go, but the characters will always remain!

[BLACKHEART]

Actually the art and color of Detective suffered a lot for a period of time when they only used two colors.

[Gotham Knights '68]

Originally posted by BLACKHEART
Actually the art and color of Detective suffered a lot for a period of time when they only used two colors.


Ahh!!! True, the 2-color thing did take a bit of getting used to, that was the era right after NML ended. It was different, but the stories were so good I really never minded the color schemes and Martinbrough's art was ok. I was actually really referring to the current story arc - which is quite good I might add :D

[westg8]

Does anyone have any more info on the new creative team for Batgirl and when they'll be starting? I, for one, love the artwork and would hate to see the current team leave. Whenever there are fill-ins, the art seriously lacks in the style that initially drew me into the series. Any news on this would be great.


steven

[Beyond Batman]

So Cassandra joins Tim in Bludhaven, conveniently saving Robin's life from Shrike. The Dynamic Duo has changed dynamics and it looks like Robin could learn some new moves from Batgirl. What do you guys think of Robin and Batgirl moving to Bludhaven?

http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/2158_400x600.jpg (javascript:void(0))

[Kathy Kane]

I flipped through it, but didn't buy it. I may get into this arc. I'm glad that there will be two of them in Bludaven and not Robin alone.

[Beyond Batman]

Not a lot of Batgirl fans in here I take it. :shrug:

[Peter Paltridge]

No offense, but that drawing is hilarious compared to the Batgirl I'm familiar with (the animated one). What a terrible costume! She looks like she's about to blast Dr. Wily with her Mega Buster...maybe she is...

[Beyond Batman]

No offense, but that drawing is hilarious compared to the Batgirl I'm familiar with (the animated one). What a terrible costume! She looks like she's about to blast Dr. Wily with her Mega Buster...maybe she is...
Not a lot of Dr. Wily fans either I guess :sad:

[Batmanfan]

I thought the art was awesome and I like how the batman universe is going.