Comics / Comics News

Gail Simone Reinstated as Writer for Batgirl

By J. Skyler
December 21, 2012 - 16:48

Earlier today, Gail Simone announced that she is once again the writer for Batgirl via Twitter.

A mere two weeks ago, Simone painfully announced that she had been let go of her duties penning the best-selling female lead book Batgirl. Not only that, but the future storyline detailing Barbara Gordon's recovery and the possible inclusion of a transgender character had all be scrapped, even though they were already completed and ready for publishing. Readers, as well as industry professionals across the board, spoke out against the decision, simultaneously offering Simone overwhelming emotional support.

Commentators spent a great deal of time arguing the negative implications of Simone's dismissal. DC Comics' already contentious relationship with female readers, as well as professional writers and artists, was instantly exacerbated by the announcement, which followed Karen Berger's decision to leave her position as Executive Editor and Vice President of Vertigo Comics, a DC Comics imprint label. This, coupled with the fact that Gail Simone's run on Batgirl has been critically and financially successful, audiences were left to assume that the Old Boy's Club at DC Comics has serious issues with women.

Gender bias aside, Gail Simone's well known affinity for Barbara Gordon's character (and her respect for those who share that affinity) has been viewed as the catalyst that has made Batgirl the success that it is in The New 52. We are all well aware that as a corporation, DC Comics is entitled to whatever they want with their intellectual properties and to hire and relieve creative teams at their leisure. However, to dismiss a writer like Simone, who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to be as respectful and realistic as possible in depicting the character's transition from the disability icon Oracle to the once again able-bodied Batgirl, bordered on immoral.

Fortunately, it appears now that DC Comics is choking on its pride as Simone has stated "Here's a thing. Gail Simone is the new Batgirl writer." And just so there is no confusion, she adds "Also? NOT A HOAX." Chances are, we'll never know the details of what transpired, but it still goes to show, speaking out does get results.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12