Batgirl #67
DC Comics
Writer: Anderson Gabrych
Pencils: Ale Garza
Inks: Jesse Delpergang
Colors: Wildstorm FX
Price: $2.50

Rating: 4 stars

During War Games, I was so ready to quit picking up Batgirl. In my mind, she was losing her individuality and becoming just another body in an ever-growing cast of characters. Then she moved to Bludhaven and it all got fresh and new. Cassandra Cain has her own place and has re-established her own style while making some new friends along the way.

The current storyline has Cassandra searching for the identity of her mother. Though it has caused her to have to take a road trip, this tale has all the markings of landmark storytelling. Writer Anderson Gabrych has allowed this mysterious young woman’s emotions to rise to the surface, giving a whole new layer to her personality, and drawing in readers in the process. After rising above an existence where taking life is the norm, Cassandra has decided to draw her own destiny.

After encountering a brick wall of resistance from her killer father, Cassandra knows she must follow through on this journey herself. After much hesitation, she calls on the Birds of Prey for help. She has been estranged from Barbara Gordon since War Games, and this meeting is long overdue. That is what issue 67 is all about- reconciliations and revelations.

I am very happy with the artwork Ale Garza and Jesse Delpergang are doing on this title. At first I wasn’t sure how their style would fit, but it has revitalized the book along with Gabrych’s writing. Cassandra has a more youthful, hip appearance, and the range of emotions she displays is incredible. She has truly grown from a stiff, new character to a young woman, and the art aptly displays it.

If you have been curious about whom Batgirl’s mother is, you need to be picking this up. Also, if you haven’t checked out the title since this creative team came on board, give it a try as well. Batgirl is a lush, wonderful title that brings the reader into an exciting new world. I can’t believe how much I overlooked it in the past, but that mistake has definitely been corrected.

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