Batgirl #13 and #14 - DC

Unfortunately #15 didn't come out yet, or I'd have included that here also. The Batman cross-over did . . for the Return of Batman, but . . I want to try to do those books together, so I'm not going to include it here. But since that book ties into the overall theme of the Bat-books that month, these stories are both one shots. In issue #13 Bryan Q Miller and Pere Perez bring us a story of Batgirl and Clayface. Obviously, from the cover. This is a typical Clayface story, so I think the important part of this issue is Bryan's character development of Stephanie. We get a glimpse of her life as a college student, but I think the most important insight we get is into that of the relationship between her, as Batgirl, and Det. Gage, of the GCPD. They've come into contact more than once, so there's a report that's starting to develop between them. In the end, they actually kind of help each other take Clayface down. Plus we get a little interaction between Steph and Proxy, Wendy Harris. She fills in for Babs when she's out doing 'Birds' stuff. And since she and Steph are similar in age, they also seem to have a report. Not to mention her mom, with whom she's trying to rebuild their relationship. All in all, it was kind of an upbeat fun issue. Bryan also writes issue #14, with Lee Garbett doing the art. In that issue there's an experiment that goes awry at the University and while Steph and Kara are watching an old vampire movie . . it's main character is turned into a hard light projection. Actually, there's 24 of them because the energy burst lasts for about a second, and in the old films, the frame rate is 24 per second. So, obviously, Batgirl and Supergirl have to scour the campus and find the 24 black & white vampire menaces. Again, I think the important part of this issue is the character development between Steph and Kara. They're both kind of going at life from opposite directions, and it becomes obvious this issue that they both want what the other has. As well as Kara gets along with Stephanie, I'm surprised that they haven't gotten together with Cassie, Wonder Girl. They seem like their characters would play off of each other well. Anyways, it was another fun story, and a quick read before we get into the whole Return of Batman thing. After that . . who knows how Batgirl's role in Gotham will be changed. Both beautiful covers are by Stanley Lau. I really like this series, and Stephanie's character. I'm really glad she's found her own home.

Batgirl #12 - DC

I have to say, I've really been impressed with Bryan Q Miller's first story-arc on this book. Something had to be done about the Calculator, and with this story-line Barbara, Stephanie and Wendy have done just that. Last issue ended with the Calculator having captured Babs. He connected their brains together hoping to siphon off her knowledge before killing her. However, with experience, Babs turns the situation around and instead they end up in the Calculator's head fighting. During this we find out a lot about his early life. It looks like Babs has the situation pretty well in hand, but then Steph and Wendy show up and pull her butt out of the fire. She knew they'd show up, even though she told them not to. They're just not the type to listen. Also this little adventure has served to cement Wendy into the ranks of their little group. Apparently now she'll be monitoring the web, when Oracle is busy. And has taken up the avatar of 'Proxy'. Overall I thought it was a good issue. With a lot of exciting stuff going on. However, the story-line, Batgirl Rising isn't quite over yet as next issue she faces Clay-face. Like I said, I really think Brian is doing a great job here. And I've really been enjoying Lee Garbett's and Pere Perez' pencils. They've really brought a neat feel to this book. Not to mention Stanley Lau's beautiful covers. Personally, I loved Cassandra's character as Batgirl. So I'm really surprised that I've come to like this one so much. In some ways I think Stephanie is even better.

Batgirl #11 - DC

I'm really diggin' this book. This little 'hero's quest', or whatever, that Bryan Q Miller has Stephanie on is fantastic. I think he's doing a great job of developing her character, and the stories are good. Right now the Calculator is coming after Oracle, and . . he's figured out that she's actually Barbara Gordon. Luckily he hasn't had time to share that with anyone else, so . . he's the only one that knows. But he's let a techno-virus loose on Gotham and about half the city is trying to find and kill Stephanie. Including Catwoman and the Huntress. But since they aren't in their right minds . . she can't use to much force while trying to defend herself. And during all of this, an unlikely ally comes to her aid . . Wendy . . the Calculator's daughter. Barbara has been trying to approach her, and get through to her for the last few months, but . . she doesn't want to push her, and . . she wants the choice to live her life to be her own. But somehow she ends up in the Bat-cave, and when she finds out what Stephanie is going through . . er, I'm sorry . . Batgirl! Wendy doesn't know who she is yet. When she finds out what she's going through, she can't help herself but to jump right into the fray. Stephanie is a little concerned about her well-being, but . . I don't think she could talk Wendy out of it even if she tried. Together they find out that the Calculator's signal is coming from a decommissioned military base in Slaughter Swamp. Which is also where he has Oracle . . Barbara. Speaking of which . . he's got her under the trance of the same techno-virus, and he's decided to sync up their brains and go into her head for a little rummaging around. Luckily Babs has had some practice at keeping her defenses strong, and she ends up turning the table on him when she shows him that if they're synced . . then that means that she can follow the path back into his brain also. This should be an interesting meeting of the minds. The issue ends with Batgirl skydiving into the Calculator's compound. Like I said, I really think that Bryan is doing a great job where. I also love Lee Garbett's art. He's great on these action type books. And Stanley Lau's covers still amaze me with every issue. I really like this book, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who is at all interested in this character. It's a great read.

Batgirl #10 - DC

This is just my humble opinion, but . . I really think that this series gets better and better with every issues. First of all . . these Stanley Lau covers have been nothing short of tremendous. I really, really like his stuff. Next, I think that Bryan Q Miller is doing a great job of integrating all the various aspects of these stories, and characters. We got the whole thing with Babs and Stephanie going on, but then he's gradually bringing Wendy into the Bat-circle . . more and more with every issue. This issue, apparently, Babs has left a trail of bread-crumbs leading Wendy right into the heart of their operations . . the Bat-cave. Wendy seems to be following her own path, but . . I would think that Oracle would've expected that. Especially with Wendy's proficiency with computers. But rather than convincing her to join them, or trying to hard to get her out of her shell, she lets Wendy make the choice, and the move to find out what's really going on, seemingly on her own. I think it's the perfect way to approach this. Anyways, meanwhile the Calculator is obsessed with trying to bring Marvin back to life. Somehow he got his hands on one of the Justifier Helmets. Now all he has to do is lock into one of the Apocalyptic energy pulses that are still floating around out there, to get the thing to work. Which he does, and . . everyone within a certain radius of his signal transmitter, and close to a piece of technology, comes under his control. Babs is smart enough to turn off all of the technology at the Bat-cave ahead of time . . as well as going radio silent. But they don't have enough time to warn the rest of Gotham. And it isn't long before they're both attacked by . . well, everyone in Gotham. Basically. There's a couple of problems here. The Calculator knows what Babs looks like. He doesn't know who she really is, but . . he has seen her. So she's the main target. They encase her in some kind of . . well, something. I'm guessing nanites, but . . I don't know for sure. And the issue ends with Batgirl getting ready to face off against a mind-controlled Man-Bat, Catwoman and Huntress. Stephanie has gotten a lot better, but . . even I don't think she has a chance of handling all of this. And this is just part 2 of 4. There's still a lot more of this story coming. Anyways, the other part of this book that looks great is the art. Lee Garbett has been on board since the beginning, but now Pere Perez is giving him a hand. And the results are really nice looking. Overall, I liked everything about this issue. I'd still like to find out what Cassandra is up to, but . . I think Stephanie has done a terrific job of filling her shoes. But who knows what the future holds.

Batgirl #9 - DC

To me . . this book just gets better and better with every issue. Stephanie is turning out to be a great character. And I really love the rapport between her and Babs. Even Wendy is starting to grow on me. Her character seems to develop just a little bit more with every issue. On the cover, the story is called FLOOD! I assumed it was going to be kind of like the Earthquake storyline that ran through the Bat-books a couple of years ago. But this one, I think, is actually going to be about the Calculator. He's back. And he's still after Oracle for what she stole from him . . Wendy. He starts out by attacking Elysium Tech. It's a firm in Gotham that's got a lot of procured technology from Apokolips. That's what the Calculator tried to use the first time to 'fix' Wendy, so that she wouldn't be paralyzed. So it appears that now he's trying to gather up some more. He attacks the place twice before Babs finally puts it together. On the final page we see the Calculator in his hideout, performing the usual verbal cursory of Oracle. But it's also interesting to note that he's got his other sibling there . . the dead body of Marvin. I think that this guy may have gone more than a little over the edge. I have to say, so far I've been quite impressed with Bryan Q Miller's stories. I think he's doing a great job here. And I really like the way he's handling these characters. My only question is . . Birds of Prey . . one of my favorite books is finally coming back. I see Black Canary, Huntress, Lady Blackhawk, and even Hawk & Dove on the cover. But what about Batgirl . . and Wendy? They're not going to be a part of this group? And if not . . is Babs still going to be mentoring them? There's so many unanswered questions. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens. By the way, I also enjoyed Lee Garbett's art. He's also improving with every issue. And of course, there's the beautiful cover by Stanley Lau. What more could I ask for?

Batgirl #8 - DC

I really enjoyed this cross-over. Batgirl and Robin, in my book, have always been the classic team-up. So Batgirl and Red Robin, to me, is just a variation of the theme. But what I think really sells this story, and this partnership, is the relationship between Tim and Stephanie. I think it's kind of in the same mold as Dick and Barbara's relationship. They're perfect for each other. And there's been a touch and go romance there . . at times. But . . they both know that it's probably something that'll end in doom or failure. So, even though they find it difficult at times, they keep each other at arms length. Even though they know that it would be great . . while it lasted. Anyways, Stephanie finally earns some of Tim's respect this issue. It's been a while since they've spent any time together . . especially crime-fighting. But with Tim, and Bruce's family being threatened by Ra's, they both have people to lose here. The target this issue seems to be Dr. Thompkins. I say 'seems to be' because I've never known Ra's to do a frontal attack. After what Tim did to the League of Assassins, Ra's has vowed to destroy everything Tim, and Bruce have built. An 'eye for an eye', if you will. Which is really the only reason that time has come back to Gotham. He's still on his quest to prove that Bruce is alive, but losing those he holds dear to him has to take priority. And at the end, Stephanie comes face to face with the real threat, Ra's assassins. And more specifically, Prudence. I thought this was a great issue. Bryan Q Miller has been doing a great job with the stories so far. And I really like the way he's handling Stephanie's character. I dare say . . I may like this Batgirl better than the previous one . . Cassandra. Although, I am wondering where she's at. Anyways, Talent Caldwell lends his art to this issue. I thought it looked great. I can't wait for part 2 in Red Robin #10.

Batgirl #7 - DC

I have to say . . I'm really enjoying this book. I've always liked Stephanie's character. Yes, she's a bit impulsive. Yes, she's a bit reckless. And yes, for a while there she was a bit whiny. But she seems to be past the whiny stage, and for the most part the recklessness and impulsiveness generally work for her. Plus . . I absolutely love the report and dialogue between her and Damian. 'Robin and I are moving to intercept. 'Guess he didn't get the memo about the team-up . . . . 'guess I didn't get the memo that this is what happens when you work with a ten year-old.' Anyways, Batgirl and Robin are attempting to make it to Devil's Square where Roulette has set up a gauntlet of sorts for Batman to make his way through. After she helped him crash down there, of course. The ending is never really in question, just the means to getting there. This story-arc has basically been about Stephanie proving herself to Dick . . and Damian. Dick wasn't very happy when he found out what she was doing, and even less so when he figured out that Barbara was helping her. But now . . he's more comfortable with the way she handles herself. He may not be completely happy about it . . yet, but . . I think he is a little relieved that Barbara has become her mentor. 'She reminds me of you. You know. From before . . everything . . .' So I think that they've come to an understanding. Batman & Robin will work out of the Wayne-tech building, and Babs and Stephanie will continue to work out of the cave. I'm glad that we got this little 'proving-ground' out of the way. Now we can move on to Batgirl's own stories. My only concern is . . with the return of the Birds of Prey on the horizon . . how will that effect Babs time with Steph? Or will Steph become a Bird also? I guess we'll have to wait and see on that one. But if you read Red Robin, you know that next issue Tim & Steph are back together again. I can't wait to see what happens. Bryan Q Miller and Lee Garbett are doing fantastic job. Keep up the good work, guys!

Batgirl #6 - DC

Last issue Stephanie got shot while she was trying to help her friend, Fernando Garcia . . son of real-estate mogul Stefano Garcia. There were some fires at some of his holding in Devil's Square, and Steph could tell that Fernando maybe had some idea of what was going on. So . . she was following him. When she sees him at a diner, she decides to go in and try to get some information. Unfortunately, that was at the same time that someone decided to abduct him. In the melee that ensued, Stephanie was grazed by a bullet. After escaping from the ambulance ride, Stephanie wants to figure out who took and friend and why. That's when she crosses paths with Batman & Robin. Long story short, Batman disciplines them both, and takes them both off the case. While they're cooling their heels, Stephanie comes up with a plan. She doesn't want Damian to try to stop her, so she invites him along. She decides to go and interrogate Fernando's girlfriend, Jordanna Spence. The problem is, Jordanna knows Stephanie, so she's afraid that she may unwittingly give away her identity. Anyways, they find out that Stefano is a serious gambler. And as with any gambler, sometimes he wins, and sometimes he losses. To cover a recent loss, he abducts his own son in order to bring Batman into Devil's Square. Once there . . Roulette has a gauntlet set up for him. In order to get out of this, Batman's going to have to get past Freddie 'Riot' Frankenstein, Roxanne 'Rocket' Sutton, and Dr Phosphorus. They've already caused his new Bat-Mobile to crash, and now they're coming after him personally. Jordanna shows Batgirl and Robin what's happening on the internet, just as Oracle discovers the same information. I think Bryan Q Miller is doing a pretty decent job with this series. I really like the way that he's got Stephanie and Barbara's characters working together. It's kind of a love/hate relationship. And he seems to be building on their teamwork with every issue. I also like Lee Garbett's style of art in this series. It's got kind of a raw kind of feel to it. Which I think fits perfectly. I know we're only on issue #6, but I really hope that this series lasts longer than the last. I really enjoy the Batgirl character. No matter who's under the cowl. I do hope though that we find out soon what's up with Cassandra. I miss her.

Batgirl #5 - DC

We've been so involved with Stephanie and Bab's relationship these last few issues that we've forgotten to ask . . how does Batman/Dick feel about all of this? Well . . we got our answer this issue. Cassie is in the middle of an apartment fire, literally, trying to take out the arsonist, Diesel. He's very single-minded, and doesn't talk much, so everything she's learning she's doing so by engaging. Basically, he's a human flame-thrower. He's got these nozzles coming out of his hands, but it isn't until later that she realizes, his accelerant is his own blood. Apparently the term 'Diesel' is a literal term . . it's what's running through his veins. Anyways, Steph uses some batarangs to try to freeze him up. It slows him down, but it also just pisses him off. She figures if she slows him down again she can disconnect the tubes and stuff connected to his body. That's when Dick and Damian come crashing in. She tries to talk to them and share what she's learned, but . . they're all action, and jump right in. 'Stand behind me!' So basically they're starting from scratch just like she did. Then she sees them make a mistake. Damian is on top of Diesel and he's about to ignite all the accelerant that's on the floor, burning them both up. Steph jumps to action and again tries to freeze him up. The problem is, Damian is to close. He gets caught in the cross-fire and is also frozen. It's funny, but . . it's not. You know what I mean? It's funny to Steph and Babs, but Dick is pissed. He wants the whole operation shut down. 'I don't care what Alfred said, you need to get everything out of the cave!' Steph decides to lay low at school for a while, but . . she just can't keep her nose out of trouble. She overhears Francisco talking . . he's the son of the guy that owns the apartment building that burnt. Steph figures if she cozies up to him, maybe she can find out what's going on. However, later when she's on patrol, she sees him sitting in a diner. After changing into her civvies she 'pops in' on him. But he isn't to happy to see her. He says he's in the middle of something. Some guys come busting into the diner, and Steph tries to defend Francisco, but . . on the final panel it looks like she gets shot in the cross-fire. So far I'm pretty impressed with Bran Q Miller's stories. I especially like the relationship between Babs and Steph. It's a work in progress, but . . both of them are trying. I also enjoyed the appearance of Dick and Damian this issue. It was about time. Lee Garbett's art gets better and better with every issue. I liked his work on Red Robin, but . . I think he's doing an even better job here. Like I said, I think it's a pretty decent book. I just hope they can keep up the momentum.

Batgirl #4 - DC

I have to say . . I'm really impressed with Bryan Q Miller's writing. This book is mostly about Stephanie, but . . she also share's time with Babs, who's trying to help Wendy. So . . it's kind of a team-book. Sort of. I have a feeling that Wendy's role is going to keep growing as she and Babs wrestle with her condition and the path her life will take from here. Also, I'd be surprised if we don't see Helena or Diana in this book sometime soon. Anyways, this is the first issue with Stephanie's new costume, that Babs designed. She's set it up to let her monitor her while she's out doing what she likes to do best . . look for justice. For the most part, her first night out is a roaring success. We see a little bit of what the new costume can do . . some of the gadgets and tricks. But I think what's really going to make this book is Stephanie and Barbara's character, and personalities. These 2 play off of each other really well. You'd almost think it was kind of a 'big-sister' thing, but I think they're going to keep it mostly professional . . mentor and student. Babs is even helping her with her studying for college. However, I think Babs and Wendy's relationship is going to be much closer. Babs sees something of herself in Wendy, and it's driving her crazy that she won't open up and let her help. But this issue she at least gets her to talk, and I think Babs helps her more just by listening than anything else. I definitely think their relationship will grow from here. Anyways, Bryan, I think, has done a terrific job of expressing all of this throughout this issue. You can really feel the emotions between these characters. He's off to a great start. Lee Garbett is helped out this issue by Tim Levins on the art. Overall I really liked the look and feel of this book. I have a feeling this is going to become one of my favorites.

Batgirl #3 - DC

So far, I'm thrilled with the way Bryan Q Miller is handling this book. I think he's doing a great job with the stories, and I really like the way he's handling Stephanie and Barbara's characters. It appears that Barbara is taking Steph under her wing. A mentor, of sorts. Not that she's really giving Steph much of a choice. She doesn't want to see another member of the Bat-family end up dead . . or worse. Stephanie was trying to do this on her own, but admittedly has never really followed through with anything. So even though she's a bit reluctant, I think she also realizes the value and experience that Barbara offers her. Plus, it's always easier to do something when you know you have someone there to back you up. I think that alone is giving Steph the little bit of extra strength and edge she needs to do this . . and do it right. This issue she takes on the Scarecrow. She looks like she's going to get the crap beat out of her, but . . in the end she comes through. Thanks, I think, in part to her own inner dialogue, plus that of Barbara's. I also think this is working out well for her. Barbara seems a lot more confident, and she really sinks into this teaching and mentoring role well. It fits her, and I think also makes her stronger. She even goes back to approach Wendy Harris this issue . . the Calculator's daughter. They've run into each other a couple of times, but Barbara has never really shown her support or offered help. But now she does. I think that'll prove to be an interesting part of this book also. In the end . . when Steph has pretty much destroyed the uniform that Cassie gave her, Barbara offers her her own Batgirl costume. She also offers her the pledge that Bruce and Dick shared. 'I pledge to you, Stephanie Brown . . my guidance. Support. For as long as you want it. When you go out at night, you won't be alone.' To which Stephanie replies, 'I've got your back to. Neither of us are alone in this.' The issue ends with her jumping into action at a simple 'smash & grab'. I also like the look that Lee Garbett has brought to this book. He and Trevor Scott make a fantastic team on the art. I'm just wondering . . when are we going to find out where Cassie went from here? Overall, though . . a fantastic beginning to this series.

Batgirl #2 - DC

What a great issue. This was part 2 of Batgirl Rising: Point of New Origin. I think Bryan Q Miller is going to have to work on those titles. They're a little long winded. Anyways, at the end of last issue Babs came to Steph's house to talk to her. What I don't think Babs realizes though is that she's talking to a teen-aged girl who has the opportunity to become Bat-girl . . an icon. Does she really thing she even remotely has a chance of talking her out of this? Anyways, they go back and forth . . for most of the issue, but in the end I think Babs is going to come around to trying to help Stephanie. If nothing else she can live through her . . vicariously. Plus . . through cameras and gadgets and lots and lots of tech. At one point Babs almost knocks Stephanie off her feet when she activates the audio/video links between her costume and her computers. At the end of the issue, on the DC Nation page, we see Bat-girl in a new costume. I wonder if this is why she created it. Anyways, Babs and Steph are trying to track down a new drug on the streets, Thrill. They don't know it yet but it's all gonna' go back to the Scarecrow. This is where Steph in going to learn . . if you want to wear the shoes, and play the game, you're gonna' have to step onto the court. This may be a bigger fish than she had originally dreamed of facing. First of all, I love that Phil Noto cover. Also, I thought the artwork of Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott was awesome. I loved their work on the Outsiders, but it looks like they're going to be doing this book instead. That's ok. As long as we get an equally impressive artist on the Outsiders. I love that book. But anyways . . I really liked this issue. I always liked Cassandra, and I'll miss her. But I think Stephanie is just as good a character. She's different, and doesn't have the same issues, but . . I think she's got just as much potential. And I'm glad that Babs is going to be playing a prominent role here . . she deserves it. This book is going to quickly move to the top of my pile . . and rightly so.

Batgirl #1 - DC

Ok! By now everybody has read the 'spoilers'. That coined phrase is an ironic coincidence. Everybody should know by now that the new Batgirl is indeed . . . Stephanie Brown. No real big surprise there. But . . after reading this issue . . I have to say, I don't think this is going to be a solo book. Barbara seems to be playing a big part in this story. After the break-up of her Birds of Prey, she really seems to be full of a lot of anger. Anger that she seems to be only able to release by taking unwarranted risks . . like riding the subway, alone . . at night. She's approached by 3 guys, and as she's leaving the car . . alone . . she's thinking, "I don't know what I need. But whatever it is . . that felt good. Which is what worries me . ." She really seems to enjoy a good smack-down. Anyways, I also think that Wendy Harris, the Calculator's daughter who is now also crippled, is going to be part of the equation here as well. As will Cassandra, I'm sure. In a flash-back scene we see that Cass just gave up being Batgirl a few weeks ago. One night when her and the Spoiler were out on the docks mopping up some gang or another . . when it's all over, and she's perusing their 'work-out', she takes off her costume and tells Stephanie, "It's funny, he's dead, yet they reuse to believe . . that symbol . . his crest, his fight . . I fought for him. But no more. Now, the fight is yours . . ." Which is how Steph ended up with her costume, and the idea of becoming Batgirl. I'm sure Leslie has a thing or two to say to Steph also, but most of her time this issue is spent trying to crack Barbara's hardened exterior. Steph even has the logic worked out for her promise to Tim . . "I promised Tim that I would give it up. Well, technically I promised to stop being Spoiler . ." But she's realistic also. She knows that she doesn't want to end up dead, and she knows that most things she does don't end well. So she wants to quit, but . . she keeps getting drawn back in by the calls for help. As strong as her survival instinct is, she also can't turn her back. However, I think that her and Barbara are going to come to some kind of understanding, or relationship. At the end of the issue . . after an exhausting day of school and crime-fighting . . Steph wakes to find Babs waiting in her kitchen to talk to her. For the first issue of this book . . I thought Bryan Q Miller did an exemplary job. I thought the 'reveal' was a little quick. However . . without it, it would've been hard to explain, or work out the logistics of everything that came after. Quite simply, we don't have all the answers yet. There's a whole lot of stuff going on with these characters . . we're just seeing the tip of the iceberg. Which backs up my point . . I don't think this is going to be a solo book. So, I was a little concerned when we learned that Steph was in the costume on the 6th page, but . . . the set-up for this issue . . this series . . by the end of the book it all made sense. I also enjoyed Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott's artwork. I don't think Lee has a complete grasp of this character yet, but . . he's a quick study. I don't think it'll be long before he makes this book his own. I'm thrilled with the momentum of this book. It's taking off . . right out of the gate.

Batgirl #6 - DC

This is always a fun issue to read. Well . . fun . . considering the child/parent issues that they're dealing with. Anyways, at the end of last issue Cassie finally catches up to Cain. But since he's here to kill Oracle . . will she be on time? Of course she will. He does get a shot off at the building, but all it really does is alert Babs and Misfit as to what going on outside . . across the street, on top of the building, in the rain. I think the thing I liked best about this particular issue was the way Cassie was thinking about things. Personally, I think that Bruce knew what she was up to all along. But, it wasn't going to fix the issues she's dealing with if he was to stop her, or jump in and help her fix it. This was something she had to deal with, and she was going to have to deal with it sooner or later. So, since the ball was already rolling, I think Bruce decided to just let it play out and see if his faith in her was justified. Anyways, Cassie goes into it deciding that he wasn't going to let Cain get into her head. That's always how he beats her . . getting into her head and making her doubt herself . . her worth. But this time she prepares herself mentally, and during the course of their conversation . . actually, his berating of her . . she turns the whole conversation back on him. Everything that he's claiming that she's done . . he's actually doing it himself. In the end she ends up tossing him over the side of the building. The real test comes though when he's hanging from the edge. She can either step on his fingers, knocking him off, or she can extend a hand and save him. She contemplates it for a few moments, but eventually . . . leaps to extend the hand. She misses. However, Batman and Robin are waiting on the ledge below. "After all Cain's done to you, the fact that you moved at all is impressive. You didn't kill him and you could have. After everything, you tried to help. You're free of the worst things he taught you."And then Batman drops the bombshell on her. " . . . it's your choice. And so is this . . . something I should've done a long time ago . . if you'll let me, when we get back to Gotham . . . I'd like to start adoption proceedings. You're one of us, Cassandra. You always have been, and I'm sorry I didn't let you know it sooner. Now I just want to make sure . . . you'll always have a real family . . as long as I'm around." However, I don't think he knows the irony of the last part of that statement. Plus the fact that now, Bruce Wayne playboy billionaire, is going to have 3 wards . . . or, children. That's pretty ironic in and of itself. I'm not sure how all of this is going to play out. It may change a bit with the RIP and Last Rites story-line, but . . I guess we'll just have to wait and see. This was also part of Dick's and Cassie's conversation at the end of the last Outsiders issue. It was kind of Dick's way of letting her know that he also accepted her as family. Overall, very moving. I think Adam Beechen and J Calafiore did a fantastic job with this series. Cassie is a great character and they've taken her to a new point in her life. It's up to her where she goes from here . . . metaphorically.

Batgirl #5 - DC

Personally, I love this book. Of course I love this character, so . . I'm probably a little biased. However, I really do think that Adam Beechen is doing a great job with this story. I think he's got Dick and Bruce playing just the right role, as far as their daughter's keeper. The part I'm having a bit of a problem with though is that Cassandra's whole mission here is to kill Cain. Really, that's what she's been after ever since she joined the Bat-family, but now she's just decided to do something about it. But I get that. I mean, he has done some horrible things to her and subjected her to a lot of trauma and psycho-babble. No, her hatred for him I get. The thing that I think is delusional is that she thinks that once she competes her mission that everything in the cave will go back to normal and she can be part of a big happy family again without this dark cloud hanging over her. And although I can see where her optimism lies . . to be truthful, I think it's completely unfounded. There's absolutely, no way, that Bruce, Dick and Tim will accept Cassandra back into the fold if she completes what she's vowed to do. She's convinced herself that it'll bring them all closer together, when, in fact, it will really just serve to drive them all apart. I'm not sure why she can't see that. But . . the series isn't over yet. At the end of this book, Cassandra comes face to face as she confronts Cain on a building across the street from the Clocktower Systems. She found out that his mission is to kill Oracle. So she's come to Platinum Flats to protect her mentor, and to finally put a stop to this cat and mouse game between her and her father. The question is, is she going to be able to do all of that . . without killing him? I know she wants to, but she's gotta know that it goes against everything that her new family stands for. And don't forget Marque. Cassandra has found out that she's actually her biological sister . . as well as a sister in arms . . but she can't let her get in her way. So she's cuts her achilles tendon and leaves her lying in the alley just before she goes up to confront Cain. But you just know she's not out of it. Somehow, she'll be involved in whatever happens next issue. Again, my hat goes off to J Calafiore for some terrific art. I know he's not everybody's cup of tea, but I think he draws some great action sequences. I also think that his style fits in perfectly with these Bat-books. Anyways, I can't wait to see how this all wraps up next issue. Cassandra is really one of my favorite characters.

Batgirl #4 - DC

Well, we're getting near the end of this series and we finally find out who it is that Cain and Slade are after . . . Oracle and her Birds of Prey. We just don't know why yet. This is a pretty intense group of dysfunctional girls we have here. Marque is after Cain . . her 'father', and the man who's taught her all of this hate and anger. Ravager is after her own father, Slade. We pretty much know her reasons. Hell, she'll tell anyone who asks . . and has many times. And then there's Cassandra . . Batgirl. She has a pretty stable and secure familial structure now . . you know, with the whole Bat-family and everything. But, she still feels it necessary to make her 'father', Cain, pay for what he's done to her. Plus, she's also trying to help, or stop, him from doing the same thing to other girls, which, as it appears, he's up to now. She doesn't necessarily like Slade any more than she does Cain, but she just sees him as a means to an end . . Cain. Now that she's found out who the guys targets are . . next issue she's off to Platinum Flats. I think Adam Beechen is doing a pretty decent job with this story. He's doing a good job of portraying Cassandra's feelings and inner conflicts. The other 2 girls are pretty one-dimensional, I think, but . . everybody's got to have some back-up. Right? I also enjoy J Calafiore's art. I know. He's not everybody's cup of tea. But, personally, I think he draws some great action sequences. Personally, I just hope that this series can segue into another run of her own. Maybe?

Batgirl #3 - DC

I'm thrilled to death to see Casandra back in her own series. I thought her first outing was cut short, but I think it was more because of the creative aspect of the book than necessarily the character. However, she has remained an active part of the Batman family since then, so maybe the series was just going to be contradictory to the exploits she's had in the interim. Whatever the reason, I liked it and wish that it hadn't have ended. This series is brought to us by Adam Beechen and J Calafiore. I'm a big fan of the art. I think he draws some great action sequences . . his framing and flow is impeccable. I've also become a fan of Adam's stories in the last few years. In this series he's got Cassandra going after Cain and Slade . . Deathstroke. One or the other would be a monumental task for anyone, but both . . only Cassandra has the skill-set, or unpredictability to have a chance at accomplishing this goal. However, she has picked up some allies along the way . . . tentative, but still allies. It started out with Batgirl, who keeps tabs on Cain and his endeavors, finding out that he was creating an army of girls much in the same manner as he did her. From there she learned that Slade was also involved. As she's going around trying to find the various 'cells' of his operation, she comes across Marque who seems to be on the same task. Her history is very similar to Batgirl's, but she never had the calming influence of the Batman family. Now Ravager, who's found out that someone else was after her father, has also become involved. "Listen Batgirl, I know you think he's yours to take down, since he messed you up . . but he's not. Slade's mine! This isn't about any beef you and me have. Slade's my dad, so he's my get. I've been using every spare second away from the Titans to track him . . and that track's led right to you." From there they reluctantly decide to work together and go after his organization. However, it looks like 'Daddy' is only a few steps behind. It looks like they may be coming face to face with their prey next issue. I do have a question though. How does this fit in with the time-line for Last Will and Testament? In that book Geo-Force fatally wounded Slade . . so, I assume this takes place before that? I'm just wondering. Anyways, I thought this was a good book and I'm really enjoying the series. Could we make it a permanent one?

Batgirl #2 - DC

It's nice to see that J Calafiore has stayed inside of the Batman community for a little while longer. He recently finished the Gotham Underground series, and now it looks like he'll be on the 6 issues of this series. I like his art. Not necessarily for the way he draws his characters . . someone recently commented that they thought the characters in Batgirl #1 looked a little 'blocky' . . but his action sequences are phenomenal. I really like his perspective and the way his frames flow. There's a couple of artists out there that, for some reason, most of their faces look pretty similar . . including superstar John Romita Jr. But luckily most of them, including John and J Calafiore, have other aspects of their art that make them really fun to read. Yes Adam Beechen has made Batgirl a little intense for this series, but she's always been right there at that edge since she was created. She just seems to be taking it a little more personally, with this series, the affects Cain has had on her and her newly found 'sisters'. Right now, all she has is 'death' in her eyes . . at least when it comes to Cain, and now Slade. It appears that Cain and Slade first met when they were both contracted to kill the same person in Congola in 1975. It seems that they were so evenly match that they gained a mutual respect for each other and have been weighing their careers against the other ever since. Cassandra finds a handful of 'sisters' that were also being experimented on, but only one alive . . Marque. But it takes a while for each to gain the trust of the other. When Cain was drugging Cassandra, the formula was unstable. It appears that all of this effort is he, or Slade, trying to refine that. In the end, they walk in to one of Deathstroke's traps. I'm glad to see Cassandra in her own series again. It would be easy to have some of the other Bat-family show up to lend her a hand, but she doesn't lend to that type of character. She's more of a solo act. Even when she's in a group . . like the Outsiders . . she still seems to be on her own agenda. I loved the first series, and it looks like this one's shaping up to be pretty good also.

Batgirl #1 - DC

Except for the 3 page history lesson on Cassandra . . I thought this was a great book. First of all I couldn't be more thrilled with the creative assignments. Adam Beechen is doing the stories and Jim Calafiore is doing the art. Both of which are huge talents. After his run on Gotham Underground, Jim should be all psyched for a further stretch in the Bat-universe. Look at that cover. Is that fantastic, or what? The actual cover looks even better. The way they did the different blacks, and then made Cassandra's suit shiny . . it looks like she's jumping right off the page at you. It's really sharp looking. Anyways, Cassandra is back in Gotham, and working under the tutelage of the Batman. At least . . that's what she's allowing him to believe. She actually has a mission of her own . . to find and kill Slade and Cain. She's telling herself that the real reason she rejoined 'the family' is to have access to Bruce's vast resources. But she's gotta' know that Bruce is smart enough to figure out what she's up to. He didn't get to where he is by accident. Nightwing is against her return, and Robin is trying to find every reason he can to stick up for her. At the end of the issue, when following some leads on Cain, she comes face to face with another killer who looks like . . . her sister? We'll find out more about that next issue. Anyways, I'm thrilled that she finally has her own series again. With everything that she's gone through, over the last couple of years, I can understand why it would've been difficult for her to have a solo book. But now . . she's back. And right now . . she's better than she ever was. Let's get this ride a'rollin'.