Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Batgirl #2

By Garth the Geek
October 12, 2011 - 22:54

After reading issue one I was left… I don’t know… feeling like not much had happened. In terms of action, at least. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I think the problem stems from the fact that most Gail Simone stuff I’ve read in the past has been in medias res. Not intentionally, mind you. I’ve just always had the misfortune of picking up Simone titles when they were already in the midst of action, after all the introductions had been done and whatever story-arc Simone was working on was moving ahead at full steam.

I realized I was being unfair and, a few days later, re-read Batgirl #1 - and I was able to see just how much Simone had packed into that first issue.

I went into issue two expecting only a well-written, character-driven story, and aside from one clunky line at the beginning (“Batgirl may have choked, mister… but I won’t”), I quite enjoyed it. In fact, there are so many things I liked about this issue that it’s hard to know where to start.

First, Simone does an excellent job HUMANIZING her characters. While most superheroes are going through the motions - fighting crime, saving the world, spouting off the occasional witty one-liner - Simone actually takes the time to create real, three-dimensional characters. People with wants and needs and fears. I get the feeling that Batgirl could get hurt by a cutting remark just as easily as she could a punch. And that’s what makes her human.

Also, when Batgirl is fighting Mirror, Simone manages to convey just how much he’s hurting her - and while I never felt Batgirl was in any REAL danger (I mean, it’s BATGIRL’S book - she’s not going to die in the second issue), I did FEEL for her.

(Side note: The best scene in the book was when a very injured Batgirl gets scolded by a Gotham City cab driver.)

I also appreciate that, while Mirror could be a sympathetic villain, Simone doesn’t hit us over the head with it. She introduces his history and, sure, some readers might feel for the guy, but Simone’s treatment is subtle and she lets the reader make up his or her own mind. Personally, I think the guy’s a dick and want to see him get what's coming to him.

In short, I love Simone’s ability to tell stories. I understand she used to be a hair dresser. I have no idea how she was discovered, but have come to the following conclusion: DC should have hired more hair dressers for their reboot.

Rating: 9 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12