Batgirl #39 is published by DC Comics. It is written by Cecil Castellucci with art by Carmine Di Giandomenico and colors by Jordie Bellaire.
I want to start by saying I really love this creative team’s representation of Barbara, of Gotham, of Burnside, of all the side characters and villains we see. I really do think this is a solid team. What I’m not sold on is this haywire AI “Oracle” concept. I touched on it in my last review as well. Adding this concept of a robot – a specifically female robot with boobs, at that – who was actually Oracle and not Barbara being a badass, pursuing justice and fighting against crime despite being in a wheelchair? I’m not feeling it. I feel like that takes away from what Oracle is and what she meant. Although, watching Babs search for Oracle and be so distraught that all her files are gone, those are the scenes I like.
The thought that “Oracle” has been stolen is an interesting concept. It’s like Babs has to find a part of herself that she lost when she resumed her mantle as Batgirl. That’s super neat. I’m so down to explore that. But making her search for this other part of herself a physical being is kind of weird. I guess it gives the reader a face, a physical presence to watch her pursue, but do we really need that? I personally don’t think it’s necessary and feels forced due to this Year of the Villain thing.
This issue is also an amalgamation of plot lines taking form, which isn’t exactly a bad thing, but there were a couple times where I needed to go back and re-read some panels because I got confused about what was happening. A lot of set-up happened which (I hope) will come to some pretty cool fruition once it plays out, however, we need to get through this whole Oracle thing first. I do hope the Terrible Trio continues to be reoccurring bad guys for Batgirl to fight, I just love them.
In the midst of her search for Oracle (who she doesn’t realize is awake and plotting against her) Barbara must return to Burnside for work and Jason Bard gives her a lift. There’s some cute scenes, there’s some action (beautifully depicted by Carmine Di Giandomenico and Jordie Bellaire), but ultimately we’re still just kind of left wondering what just happened.
OVERALL SCORE: 7 / 10
I have my complaints, but Batgirl #39 is still a worthwhile read. So make sure you pick it up from your local comic shop!
Happy reading!
