Stephanie Brown's Last Hurrah as Batgirl

When my monthly comic delivery arrives tomorrow the first book I'll read - as always - will be Batgirl, issue #24. However, it'll be a particularly bittersweet read I'm sure as this will, of course, be the last of Stephanie Brown's adventures as Batgirl before DCs 'refresh' next month which will see Barbara Gordon returning to the role.

Very appropriately two of the creators who launched Steph's run as Batgirl have paid their own tributes to the young woman affectionately described by Clancy Johnson/The Grey Ghost as the "Violet Avenger".

Bryan Q. Miller talked at length with Comic Book Resources during which he reflected on his time as the writer of Batgirl while discussing the end of Stephanie's time as the female Caped Crusader.

Artist Lee Garbett tweeted what he described as a "quick sketch in honor of Stephanie Brown's last day as Batgirl today ...":

I'm sure I don't need to tell anyone reading this post just how much I've enjoyed Batgirl over the past couple of years: to Messrs Miller and Garbett; to Phil Noto, who's covers to the first few issues of the title immediately drew me to the book; to all the fantastically talented creators that have worked on the book over the past couple of years I simply want to say a heartfelt "thank you".

Batgirl #7 Reviewed

With delivery of my order of last weeks (17/02) new books delayed until later this week I've had plenty of time this weekend to read through some of the bargains I picked up at the Exeter Comic Expo recently, including Daughters of the Dragon, Kitty Pryde - Shadow & Flame, Mice Templar ... all good stuff that I'll touch on in time.

In the meantime my ongoing review of the current Batgirl series continues today with issue number seven.

Batgirl #7
Reviewing this title each month is becoming increasingly difficult - I'm finding there are only so many ways to say 'good story', 'great dialogue', 'fun characters', 'superb art', 'striking covers' ... that said, I'm enjoying the challenge nonetheless as Batgirl continues to be my most looked-forward-to book each month.

This issue, the third and final part of the Batgirl Rising: Core Requirements story-arc, picks-up just where the last issue left-off: Batman is in trouble.

Batgirl and Robin are rushing to his aid before his hunters - Roxy Rocket, Riot and Doctor Phosphorus, each fuelled by a mix of infamy and Roulette's wealth - can kill him.

As Stephanie and Damian race across the roof-tops of Gotham City the bickering - such an enjoyable feature of recent issues - continues: 'What the hell is wrong with you?' asks Stephanie as Damian charges ahead refusing, as he sees it, to be hampered by his companion - 'And you swing like a girl' he counters before disappearing, quite literally, in a puff of smoke to pick up his motorbike.

At the Batcave Barbara Gordon is monitoring the web-feed of Roulette's performance as she tries to locate the source of the broadcast. Aware that Dick is injured and that he needs BOTH Stephanie and Damian if he is going to survive she directs Steph to her private garage, where she's been saving something for a 'special occasion' - and Batman's plight certainly qualifies as just such a special occasion.

As we see Damian, now on his bike, weaving in and out of the Gotham traffic we catch sight of Stephanie advancing rapidly in her own vehicle that's not quite a car, not quite a motorbike ... as we find out later on in the story!

Meanwhile, back in Devil's Square, Batman - weak but not yet beaten - is barely one-step ahead of Phosphorus with Roxy Rocket not far behind. Stephanie and Damian, join forces and work together as Dick, now close to being overwhelmed, sees that help from his young companions is just moments away. Wrestling himself free from his assailant Dick jumps to safety as Damian leaps from his bike ... moments before it impacts on Phosphorus.

With Phosphorus temporarily out of the picture Roxy Rocket sees her opportunity and swoops low for an attack - as she does Stephanie positions herself beneath Roxy's rocket, hits her vehicle's 'eject' button and fires herself skyward towards Roxy, where the two women fight for control of the aircraft.

With Riot - several Riots in fact - now beating on Dick, Damian positions Phosphorus for a very painful meeting with Roxy. Two down, one to go. As Stephanie leads Dick to safety the young boy - 'little Lord Fauntleroy' - confidently confronts around a dozen Riots ... and it soon becomes obvious that he's out of depth: Batgirl to the rescue!

Much later, having put an end to Roulette's plans, Dick, Damian and Stephanie join Barbara back at the Batcave. As the two youngsters eat, and recommence their bickering that had been largely abandoned while they worked as a team, Barbara and Dick take time-out to talk about where they've come from, where they are, and where they are going - and, perhaps more importantly, why they are going there.

When discussing 'creativity' I'm always quick to acknowledge there's no such thing as good or bad, rather something that is to my personal tastes or otherwise. The Batgirl title very much falls into the former category.

Throughout the series so far the stories themselves have been largely uncomplicated and beautifully told through strong narration and some great dialogue - and this issue continues that tradition.

As regular readers will know I'm enjoying the lighthearted bickering between Stephanie and Damian but it wouldn't take much for this fun relationship to cross the line into silly: it's credit to Brian Q. Miller's writing that I'm confident that particular pitfall will be avoided.

I've long-since been a fan of Lee Garbett's art and feel his work gets better with each passing issue - as I've said before, this clean, sharp, confident style of artwork is VERY much to my personal taste and therefore credit also goes to Trevor Scott and Guy Major for their inks and colours.

As the concluding issue of a story-arc featuring no less than four villains, it would have been easy for this issue to have turned into nothing more than a 22-page 'chase-and-fight': needless to say it didn't, as moments of high drama were interspersed with moments of quiet reflection, none more so than the scene, late in the issue, with Barbara and Dick in the Batcave.

I was genuinely touched as the two discussed their past - and their futures - and I have a feeling that in time we'll look back to these five panels as something of a turning-point for the two characters.

While I'm not saying the Batgirl title is perfect I can't, in all honesty, identify any flaws and I'm not sure what else I'm looking for to consider it perfect - it makes me smile, at times it makes me feel a little sad, it makes me think. It makes me want to read and then re-read the issue and makes me look forward to the next.

Batgirl #7
Written by Bryan Q. Miller with art by Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott and cover by Phil Noto
Published by DC Comics, 32 pages, $2.99

My reviews of Batgirl are also published at The Batman Universe Editorials blog - part of The Batman Universe network: a great source of news, reviews and discussion for all Bat-fans.

Out Today - Batgirl #7

My highlight of this weeks new releases is ... no surprise - Batgirl #7.

The situation is dire as Batgirl and Robin must venture into Devil's Square in an attempt to save Batman before Roulette's "most dangerous game" turns deadly. Guest-starring Dr. Phosphorus, Roxy Rocket and Riot, and more!

[Source]

Over at The Source DC have published a number of fantastic preview pages including another fantastic Phil Noto cover.







The preview also gives us a chance to appreciate Lee Garbett's artwork pre and post colours - Guy Major - and lettering - John J. Hill: speaking as someone with no artistic talents whatsoever I'm always very interested - and full of admiration - when I see the process in it's various stages.

Batgirl #7
Written by Bryan Q. Miller with art by Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott and a cover by Phil Noto
Published by DC Comics, 32 pages, $2.99, on sale 10 February 2010

Batman Solicits for April 2010

DC's The Source have published the Batman solicits for April 2010 and a couple of titles particularly caught my eye.

Batgirl #9

The conclusion to 'Batgirl Rising' begins here with part one of the four-part 'Flood' storyline! A string of bizarre, technology-based “suicides” gets the attention of both Batgirl and Oracle, but for very different reasons. And the two heroes will soon realize that they’re the real targets of a nefarious madman Hell-bent on revenge ...

Written by Bryan Q. Miller, art by Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott, cover by Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau
DC Comics, On sale 14 April, 32 pages, full colour, $2.99

No surprises that I've highlighted this book: Batgirl is quite possibly my favourite monthly read for a little while now. Phil Noto's covers have been an integral part in my enjoyment of the series so far and it's great to see Stanley Lau continuing the tradition with this stunning picture.

Batgirl #9 goes on sale 14 April.

Also included was the advance solicit for an original Batman graphic novel that sounds interesting - Arkham Asylum: Madness.

Arkham Asylum: Madness

An original Batman graphic novel set in Arkham Asylum from Sam Kieth, creator of The Maxx! It is the most feared house in all of Gotham City. It contains the worst that the city has to offer. It is the place The Dark Knight’s most dangerous and psychotic foes call home. Writer/artist Sam Kieth, creator of The Maxx and artist of the acclaimed miniseries Lobo: Highway to Hell, invites you to spend 24 hours in Arkham Asylum – the most unsettling house in the DC Universe.

Written by Sam Kieth, art and cover by Sam Kieth
DC Comics, On sale 23 June, 112 pages, hardcover, full colour, $19.99



[The Source]

Exeter Comic Expo 2010 / Bristol International Comic and Small Press Expo 2010

One of the highlights of my 'comic year' over recent years has been the annual Comic Expo held in Bristol during the month of May. This week I've received news from Mike Allwood, Producer of the Bristol International Comic Expo, relating to this years event along with news of the Exeter Comic Expo taking place next month.

Exeter first ...The Exeter Comic Expo takes place at the Southgate Mercure Hotel in Exeter, Devon, on Saturday 13 February 2010.

Special Guest at the event is David Lloyd (V for Vendetta, Slaìne, Hellblazer), Mike Ploog (Man Thing, Monster of Frankenstein, Planet of the Apes) is Guest of Honour along with David Hine (X-Men, Brave and the Bold, Arkham Asylum, Spawn), Lee Garbett (2000AD, Midnighter, Dreamwar, Batgirl), Jock (2000AD, The Losers), Rob Williams (2000AD, Star Wars: Rebellion, Wolverine), Shaky Kane (Deadline, 2000AD) and E.J. Tett (The Kingdom of Malinas, Casting Shadows)

Some of the UK’s finest dealers will be attending the event which will also feature Manga and Small Press Spotlight.

Doors open at 11am, entry is just £2 for adults and, while stocks last, visitors will receive a FREE Ace Comics goodie bag.

More details are available at the Fantasy Events UK website.


Moving on to Bristol, the Bristol International Comic & Small Press Expo takes place at the Ramada Plaza and Mercure Hotels in Bristol, Avon, on Saturday 22 May and Sunday 23 May 2010.

Guest of Honour at the event is Chris Claremont (Uncanny X-Men, Fantastic Four) along with an international line-up of first UK appearances for Phil Noto (Batgirl), Ramon Bachs (Red Robin), Jesus Saiz (The Brave and the Bold) and Daniel Acuna (X-Men Legacy).

If bought before 31 January 2010 ticket prices have been frozen at last years prices - just £7 for a day or £12 for the weekend for adults. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

As with the Exeter event, some of the UK’s finest dealers will be attending and contributing to some great Expo exclusives including another great - FREE - goodie bag for ticket holders!

I thought that last year the change of venue (from the exhibition hall at Temple Meads Railway Station to the city centre hotels) worked well and, looking at the guests and dealers already confirmed, this years event is shaping-up to be even better.

Again, more details are available at the Fantasy Events UK website.


Two great events taking place in South West England - see you there!

Batman Doc Savage Special

Last week I picked up the Batman/Doc Savage Special one-shot without really knowing too much about it aside from 1) I'm currently enjoying the other Bat books I'm reading and 2) it's written by Brian Azzarello and has art by Phil Noto: two creators I admire.

The story features a young and somewhat arrogant Bruce Wayne in the early months of his 'reign' as Batman. Curiously Gotham itself appears both a modern and yet traditional city. The issue also features a young Jim Gordon who, at this time, sees Batman as a menace, most definitely not an ally. Cars appear to be from the 1940s or 50s, Doc Savage, featured as something of a Hollywood matinee idol, pilots his own gyrocopter, we see and reference the city airship station and at the same time, we see a stretch limousine and mobile phones.

And did I mention Batman carries two Colt .45 caliber semi-automatic weapons?

This one-shot issue is something of a preview for the forthcoming new ongoing Batman series First Wave due in Spring 2010. Also featured in the book are a number of 'character profile' pages including art from Rags Morales and narration from Azzarello.

I'll give this book a full review in due course but if you see it on the shelf and fancy a Batman story that's a little different then pick it up - the writing is superb and the art fantastic.

Batman Doc Savage Special: Bronze Night
Written by Brian Azzarello with art by Phil Noto
Sketchbook material and variant cover by Rags Morales
Cover by JG Jones
Published by DC Comics, 56 pages, $4.99

More details along with preview pages at http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=13384


While on the subject of Batman, I've blogged before about my enjoyment of The Batman Universe podcast and online content. I'm extremely pleased to announce that The Batman Universe will be carrying my Batgirl reviews over at their Editorials blog. As I said before, the regular contributors to The Batman Universe really know their stuff and their enthusiasm for Batman comes across in their written and spoken words, and I'm very happy to be contributing.

More details at the website and the editorials blog.