Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Batgirl #21
DC Comics
Simone, Pasarin & Glapion
This is perhaps the best issue in the Gail Simone run on Batgirl. This issue resolves the opening arc where the new ventriloquist makes her appearance. Batgirl really seems to have a lot of depth in this issue in the character department as Simone seems to finally find the balance now that she has left the wheelchair and crazy brother topics in the rearview mirror. I enjoyed this issue thoroughly.
The aspect of this issue that really works is how Simone sets the tone with the opening pages. Batgirl has a conversation with Nightwing. Basically, Batgirl admits she isn't cut out for Bat-work based on her failed battle against her brother leaving him apparently dead. The reasons are sound and the conversation is natural and heartfelt.
This leads immediately into Batgirl putting the costume on. Why? Because she knows she is the only one that can track down the ventriloquist and her hostage fast enough to potentially save the hostage's life. It works so well and it really plays out wonderfully on in the script.
Batgirl eventually battles the ventriloquist and while her powers and abilities don't get a lot of definition I actually like that because it feels more real. Not every little detail ever gets explained in real life so why should it in every single comic book?
The resolution of the story only enhances the enjoyment of the issue. It really fits the character and the general attitude that Batgirl portrays. This was definitely a good way to end this type of arc. The comic book shows a lot of character progression, which is very impressive for a single comic book to pull off.
The artwork is good. The story is more horror than super hero so it makes sense that the art is so dreary. I was a little taken aback at the amount of the gore in this issue. There are only a few panels that fit this category but they stuck with me a lot more than the other pages that are beautiful and emotional at times. Overall it's a good artistic book but it really does ratchet up the shock factor.
Batgirl has been an up and down ride so far. I liked this arc and I really enjoyed the ending. Hopefully this comic book is heading into great territory. It's nice to see Batgirl gets herself some confidence once in a while. This is worth picking up.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
