Batgirl is published by DC Comics. It is written by Mairghread Scott with penciling by Paul Pelletier, inks by Norm Rapmund, and colors by Hi-Fi.
“Being a hero really is about ninety percent believing in yourself. No matter what chaos you’re facing. Or how impossible the situation is. You have to know that you can make the right call. That you can save everyone. Even when you know it’s not true.”
What an inspirational, Babs-esque line. I have really loved Mairghread Scott’s Barbara Gordon/Batgirl and I’m sad to see her leave, but I have also really loved Cecil Castellucci’s Female Furies mini-series (I have reviewed a few of the issues, highly recommend) and I enjoyed her Shade, The Changing Girl run quite a lot. So while I’m sad to see Scott go, I have a lot of faith in Castelluci’s ability to write a great story for Babs.
The reason I feel the need to say all of that is because Batgirl #36 felt like a nice good-bye from Scott as she passes the torch to someone else. I wish I could say all comic titles get to see such a nice transition. Sometimes they’re just jarring. This feels different though, like one story closed and another will begin next month. I do hope we see more of the Terrible Trio though, definitely Vulture in the least. While it’s implied that one of them may have perished in the fire, we all know comic rules: no dead body pictured means there’s a loophole. Hell, even if we saw the dead body, they could still come back. There’s always a way to bring someone back.
This issue seemed very focused on redemption and what it means to be a hero. Batgirl, in a sense, failed. Someone died on her watch, even if it was a villain, she was unable to save them. On top of that, she’s found that she’s been pushed out of her own company, despite Alysia’s efforts. Still, Barbara is rather calm about everything. Clearly she’s upset, but Gordons don’t give up, especially her. This issue was about 45% fight scene too, which I’m always a fan of. Pelletier and Rapmund have done a great job, but in particular, they’ve done some epic action scenes.
I’m interested to see if/how the art changes too with Paul Pelletier teaming up with Carmine Di Giandomenico (The Flash, Super Sons). I’m weird about art changes, but the cover for issue #37 looks good, so I’m not too worried about it.
OVERALL SCORE: 8 / 10
I was very satisfied with this transition issue and I can’t wait to see what Cecil Castelluci has in store next for Batgirl.
Make sure you pick up Batgirl #36 from your local comic shop!
Happy reading!
