Book: Batgirl volume #1: The Darkest Reflection (issues #1-6) by Gail Simone with illustrations by Ardian Syaf, inks by Vicente Cifuentes and colors by Ulises Arreola
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
I read the single issues and not the trade edition shown.
While reading this volume, I didn't think the first two issues were that strong especially since Gail Simone has been writing for the character Barbara Gordon for years now. It didn't quite feel like she knew exactly who this Barbara was supposed to be and she doesn't have much of a personality.
I thought the first two issues focused too much on Barbara dealing with the shooting that had left her in a wheelchair for three years and the first six issues as a whole didn't really show Babs at her best. It's only been a year since she's had this miraculous surgery that had her walking again and even though she was not at her best training wise, she was out there trying to take on criminals. She was easily knocked around and wasn't really sure of herself. I'm surprised Batman didn't make a point about her being out there when she's not quite ready.
It makes me wonder why Barbara's shooting was kept in the reboot? If this was supposed to be new, why keep it in there especially since this version of Barbara doesn't seem to have any of the strength of character that the old Barbara used to. The new 52 Babs is sort of weak (in both mind and body) and despite her constantly saying to herself as well as being referred to by others as being smart, she was rather stupid at times. Her intelligence seems to be lacking a bit.
This was not as well written and as interesting as Simone's pre-New 52 Birds of Prey series where Babs was such an amazing and wonderful character. This series has a struggling to find work Barbara moving out of her father's house into an apartment which she shares with Alysia whom she met on Greg's List. Why does it seem like everyone is struggling in the new 52? It's rare to find a character that isn't.
The first four issues had Batgirl dealing with a villain called the Mirror, who tries to right perceived wrongs in regards to those he thinks have cheated death. I couldn't help thinking the plot reminded me of those Finale Destination movies. After some detective work, Batgirl was able to figure out who the villain was behind the mask and set about trying to stop him before he can kill more people. The third issue included a rather nice Nightwing appearance. However Barbara some how turned a fun moment into something weird and awkward because she has this need to prove something to herself and everyone else. At the end of the fourth issue, a special surprise was in store for Barbara, the sudden appearance of her mother.
In the last two issues, Batgirl was trying to stop a new villain, Gretel who has the ability to control men. These issues also included Batman. While Bruce Wayne was trying to renovate a certain area of Gotham, it was not going over well with some of the citizens. It seems someone sent Gretel to take out Wayne but not without her having to deal with Batgirl first.
This was good but it truly could have been better, I do wish it wasn't so dreary. Well, at leas the illustrations were good.
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