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 #23 Reviewed

The penultimate instalment of Stephanie Brown's tenure as Batgirl, appropriately entitled "Here Endeth The Lesson", opens outside Gotham Central Police Department as we witness a group of police officers enjoying the evening air, coffee and reminding one another what a unique city Gotham is.

The calm is broken as first one and then a whole group of tech-suited figures demand access to the building. Inside, and this time it's the officers who are armed as they open fire on another, similarly suited, intruder.

As an officer Finch calls for backup the red-suited intruder - apparently known as Miranda - signals a colleague - Jabberwock - who crashes through the ceiling and into action, ripping apart the evidence room doors to reveal Slipstream and Harmony's suits.

Elsewhere in Gotham: Batgirl, Detective Nick Gage and a number of his officers stand over the twisted, lifeless body of The Grey Ghost, Clancy Johnson. In "The Reaper's Lair" emotions are running high as, at first through a whisper, Stephanie tries to explain, without giving too much away, that she had to leave town recently, it wasn't her choice and sometimes she has to just do what she is told.

As Steph's patience breaks she reminds Gage - as well as the officers present - that if he'd been somewhat more forthcoming about his earlier connections to the Reaper cult then Clancy wouldn't be dead now. Asking for some privacy Gage explains that as a younger man he had been recruited by a Reaper chapter when, during a robbery that went wrong, his fiancée was "caught in the middle" of a fire fight.

Turning their attentions back to the dead man before them Gage explains that Clancy had called the police station looking for help - looking for Batgirl. Although they were too late to save Clancy he'd left behind an encoded video-message for his "dearest violet avenger" ... a message that reveals that the Reapers had struck a deal with a "client" - only to find themselves double-crossed.

As the message ends the enormity of the situation strikes Steph - and she's overcome with a tremendous sense of guilt. Rising to Gage's challenge to use that guilt positively the pair are interrupted by the news of the attack downtown on Gotham Central, and the deaths of many, many officers.

Across the city at Blackgate Penitentiary and as fires burn the aforementioned Jabberwock, now accompanied by Figment, have reunited their fellow Reaper Xane Swift - Slipstream - with his speedster suit. Revealing that Miranda had gone in search of their 'colleague' Harmony Jabberwock responds to Swift's rhetorical question 'who do they need to kill to get out of there ...

"Just the one guy ...".

In a helicopter high over Gotham Steph and Gage are heading towards Blackgate. With Batman and Robin dealing with a situation at Arkham and "Not-Oracle" busy on with Birds of Prey business Batgirl will be going in alone - at least until SWAT and SCU arrive at the island.

Amidst wishes of good luck and apologies for earlier raised voices Steph prepares to leap from the aircraft - but not before she tells Gage to give Barbara Gordon a call sometime ...

"Goodbye, sweet Detective".

Back inside Blackgate Penitentiary and the staff of the facility are being intimidated by the Reapers who themselves are unaware that they now have company. Easily breaking free of Batgirl glooperangs they go on the offensive, Steph just managing to evade their attacks.

With the odds very much against her Stephanie needs to understand why the Reapers have targeted Blackgate and, equally, why they won't leave.

Discovering that the riot is just a distraction while they locate and then kill their "client" Batgirl calls in her own 'girl-power' support team - Stargirl, Bombshell, Miss Martian and Sugergirl. As fists and feet fly blows are exchanged until eventually Steph and her team come out on top, victorious.

With the Reapers taken care off Steph realises that in spite of all the violence and vandalism there's just one door in the facility that's firmly closed ... and that must be where the "client" is waiting.

Kicking down the door Steph gets the surprise of her life when she identifies the occupant.

"Daddy?!".

Issue #23 very much felt like the beginning of the end: on the whole beautifully crafted just at times feeling a little rushed, a little 'convenient'. The story itself certainly took a somewhat darker tone - and well it should with the death of Clancy Johnson, Gage's revelations of his past and the foreboding appearance of Cluemaster.

Understandably, but nevertheless regrettably, all of this impacted on the playful banter that's become such a feature of this book - aside from the closing 3 or 4 pages when Steph was joined by her team of girlfriends the dialogue was much 'straighter' than I've become used to.

The death of Clancy Johnson - as far as anyone ever actually dies in comics it seems - really did surprise me: he'd become something of a comedy, even irritating, sidekick for Steph and as such I, naively I'm sure, don't generally anticipate bad things happening to (on the whole) well intentioned people. While I certainly wouldn't say that I wanted him to die it speaks volumes for Bryan Q. Miller's craft and confidence that he did.

Perhaps one of my favourite scenes from this issue was the moment Stephanie couldn't hold her emotions any longer and she turned on Detective Gage, pointing out in no uncertain terms that if he'd been more honest about his past the tragedy could have been avoided. Steph's harsh words really did appear to take the wind out of the Detective.

I have to admit I was a little disappointed with the speed with which Detective Gage's dark past was reintroduced and then almost immediately put to one side. Gage's 'mysterious and shameful' past has been alluded to several times throughout the series and I was looking forward to seeing this particular thread play out. Of course I imply no criticism of Mr Miller for this - as I understand things Stephanie's run as Batgirl had been originally been mapped out across 30 issues and this quite naturally explains why certain elements felt rushed, too convenient and a little, just a little, unsatisfactory.

Running the risk of revealing too much about her own background and identity I found myself smiling through the scenes with Gage and Stephanie where first the officer shocked Steph with his belief that she was a college student and, later in the story, when the pair briefly held hands, calmed the troubles between them and, much to Gage's surprise this time, Steph said he should give Barbara Gordon a call.

"Goodbye, sweet Detective" indeed.

The ongoing story of The Reapers has been, and continues to be, enjoyable and thought provoking. As we began to learn that the group have been operating at the behest of a 'client' I don't mind admitting that I hadn't suspected The Cluemaster - although of course after the reveal he's an obvious and entirely appropriate choice. With a mixture of emotions I'm certainly looking forward to picking up the next issue to see how this story concludes.

As I've said before, I've become a real fan of the artwork of Pere Perez throughout his run on Batgirl. In this issue, again in partnership with colourist Guy Major, the interior artwork was everything I've come to expect and appreciate. In keeping with the overall tone of this issue the art was perhaps a little darker than we've seen before, the page layouts perhaps a little more 'conventional' until ... the arrival of Steph's backup team and then the panels were a riot of colour, the page layouts provocative.

From Dustin Nguyen we were treated to another wonderful 'more than at first meets the eye' cover. At first glance it's Batgirl, poised for action, seemingly being pursued by Harmony. And it is until, on closer inspection, we see that Steph's exit is blocked by a second Reaper and, through the mist and her billowing cape, we can just make out the shadowy figure of a third over her shoulder. Fantastic.

There we have it: as I say, the beginning of the end. Next months concluding issue will be bitter-sweet for sure.

In summary - another hugely enjoyable issue in this most enjoyable series.

Batgirl #23
Written by Bryan Q. Miller, art by Pere Perez, colours by Guy Major, letters by Carlos M. Mangual, cover by Dustin Nguyen
Published by DC Comics, September 2011

Footnote to my review:
Following on from my comment - indeed complaint - regarding the appalling use of a banner advertisement on the cover of Batgirl #22 I have another comment – yes, a complaint - for the editorial/marketing teams concerning layout: advertisements that are intended to look like pages in a Batman comic are not helpful when used in a Batman-family comic: they take the reader, this reader at least, out of the moment, breaking the story momentum that the writer and artists have carefully crafted. To me this shows a lack of respect for the reader, and the creative team.

Batgirl #22 Reviewed

As always my review contains spoilers, if you don't want to know what happens in this issue of Batgirl then stop reading now!

Batgirl #22

Amidst all the news coming from DC over the past month or - and worries for the future of some of our favourite characters - it's been easy to forget that there's still the present. Issue #22 of Batgirl is entitled "Five Minutes Fast" and opens at the home of Stephanie Brown and her mother.

Closing the door to her bedroom behind her Steph throws herself onto her bed, exhausted as she is after a long night looking after the citizens of Gotham City. No sooner has she hit the bedclothes than she receives an electronic message accompanied by a shadowed Bat-signal.

"You.Have.Been.Activated".

Several hour later, with her mother believing she's on a school trip, Stephanie - under the unlikely pseudonym Constance Aberthine - steps out of Heathrow International Airport and into the cool London air.

We're not told it's cool but it's London so it seems likely.

Gathering her thoughts Steph reminds herself that her plans involve meeting up with someone she's never met, crossing a city she's never visited to find a hotel she never knew existed.

Thanks Bruce.

As Steph is woken from her daydream by a loud, unfamiliar voice she looks up to see a young woman on a motorcycle, with side-car, waving a sign with her name on it. Well, not her name exactly - "Aberthine".

With their clumsy introductions out of the way Steph's driver - Beryl Hutchinson, also known as Squire - apologises that because of a prior commitment her partner Knight isn't able to join them, while encouraging Steph to take her place in the side-car.

Just a few minutes later, with Steph wearing some of her hastily purchased souvenirs of London and clinging onto the side-car for dear life, the pair are stopped in their tracks by The Beatles crossing Abbey Road (!) when they hear the shrill cry of an alarm.

Nearby, at the Ministry of Management and Proper Accord, that same alarm has been silenced thanks to a gunshot blast from a particularly unpleasant looking character - known as The Orphan - who is, in turn, surrounded by a number of his men wearing similarly outdated clothing.

Having watched on for a few moments Batgirl and Squire, by this time in their crime fighter costumes, leap into action as fists, elbows, knees and feet fly. As the group - minus their obvious leader - are taken care of Steph wonders aloud just what could they want at the Ministry: all they could find to steal there is clocks and more clocks.

Isn't it?

"He's after the Mean", explains Squire, "the Greenwich Mean". No, really, it's an actual thing - a physical thing Squire goes on to explain as she and Batgirl make their way deeper into the bowels of the Ministry. Continuing her fantastic tale it appears that during the blitz a crack in time was opened that only the Greenwich Mean could plug ... holding time together.

As the two young women again come face to face once again with The Orphan they discover that he's about to free the Greenwich Mean - that takes the form of an impressive-looking sword - from its binding, thus reopening the crack in time.

Warning the pair that they ought to be more concerned by the bombs his men - his 'Urchins' - had strapped to the Ministry staff The Orphan releases some sort of energy pulse from the Mean, knocking Batgirl and Squire off their feet. As The Orphan makes his exit the two young women set off in pursuit only to be stopped in their tracks when they discover that everything - everything - appears to be frozen in time.

Outside the Ministry building the enormity of their task begins to, initially at least, overwhelm Batgirl and Squire. As this leak in time spreads it'll reach Europe and beyond.

"... Batgirl and Squire have to save the world".

As Batgirl wonders aloud where The Orphan could possibly have disappeared to Squire has a 'eureka!' moment and pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place for her ...

Shortly after, and elsewhere the time-slip has reached Knight's 'prior commitment'. With everyone at the charity event frozen in time The Orphan is seeking his own particular brand of justice as he positions the tip of a jousting pole in front of Knight's face and in line with his brain. We do a lot of jousting here in Britain.

As Squire and Batgirl warn him to step away The Orphan orders more of his 'urchins' to deal with his unwelcome visitors - an act that surprises as Steph wonders just how his men are able to move when everyone else around them can't.

while more fists fly reality strikes ... it appears the urchins are each wearing some sort of mechanical device - clocks - around their waists, and when those devices are destroyed they also become frozen.

Unable to rely on the support of his men The Orphan attempts to make his exit before being confronted by Squire. Easily knocking his opponent to the ground he explains that the time-slip is starting to affect her - and when he returns the Greenwich Mean to its rightful place Knight will be finished. While taunting Squire it appears that The Orphan had forgotten about Batgirl - and he's rudely reminded that the fight isn't over as Steph launches herself at him, knocks him off his feet and 'pick pockets' the Greenwich Mean ... sending The Orphan himself into the time-slide.

Soon afterwards, and with the crisis averted, the honour of returning The Greenwich Mean to the Ministry of Management and Proper Accord falls upon Stephanie, accompanied by her new friend Beryl. As the pair head back across the city they discuss their own relationships with their 'mentors', Knight and Batman. Beryl explains to Steph that she and Knight have been through so much, they've shared both good and bad times. These comments strike a chord with Steph who admits that she's just a little jealous of the relationship.

"... you are most certainly not a sidekick" Beryl tells Steph.

Finally, with the world once again safe, Steph reaches the comfort of her hotel room. Once again shutting the door behind her and falling onto her bed she's reminded of the reason why she came to London in the first place ... coming out of the shadows in the room it's Batman.

Fun, delightful, charming, bitter-sweet: all words that come to mind when describing this issue of Batgirl. An immensely enjoyable story that, as so often this title does, focuses on the relationships between its characters every bit as much as it does on the plot.

Bitter-sweet because there are only another two issues of Stephanie Brown's Batgirl before the book is cancelled.

From Dustin Nguyen's striking cover to Pere Perez's wonderful last panel my face was fixed with a smile of enjoyment and satisfaction. Bryan Q. Miller's writing was - and always has been on Batgirl - a delight: real and yet fantastic characters treated playfully yet with a warmth and depth that for me is sadly absent in so many other books in the market today.

I really didn't know what to expect when I read that Steph was heading to London for her team up with Squire. For one, Knight and Squire aren't particularly characters that I have much history with. For two, I find 'Britishness' often gets overplayed and what to some may appear as 'quirky' often crosses the line for me and becomes just silly or strange.

Although we had a plenty of the 'Britishness' in this issue Mr Miller, as I've come to trust, kept it right on the edge, skilfully avoiding the so often taken route of 'overplaying' this aspect and therefore slipping into the aforementioned silly or strange.

One or two of the scenes did, to me at least, come across as being a little wordy - particularly when Batgirl and Squire confronted The Orphan as he was about to remove the Mean - which seemed a shame because as much as this meant a lot could be said in a relatively short span of time, the panels themselves felt a little overwhelmed by the speech bubbles.

As for the plot itself, I loved the interpretation of the Greenwich Mean Time as a 'thing' - something that could be stolen - leading into the idea of a time slip: great fun and an imaginative core around which the issue could play-out.

I appreciated the themes of trust and respect that I picked up from the book - Bruce trusts and respects Steph enough to engage her in Batman Incorporated business; Beryl respects, and envies a little, the relationship that Batgirl shares with Batman and the place that she holds within the Bat-family and, in her own right, within the crime fighting community. I only wish the publisher had as much trust and respect for Stephanie as Batgirl.

Pere Perez has become a firm favourite through his work on this title and this issue added to my admiration. Steph's 'disguise' when leaving the safety of Heathrow Airport was wonderfully illustrated - I don't even think her mother would have recognised her! - and I've said many times about how much I appreciate how he draws Steph as Batgirl.

The Orphan and his gang of urchins were very nicely portrayed I thought - Victorian-styled clothing that very much leant itself to a story about time, I noticed that even the firearm the groups leader used had the appearance of a highwayman's pistol rather than a more modern weapon.

If I can use the word again, fun is very much the word to describe Dustin Nguyen's cover - each with such a wonderful expression on their face, hanging way above street level from the hand of an impressive-looking clock face, cape and hair billowing behind and below them. This image - minus the inappropriately placed advert for the Green Lantern film - will indeed be one of my favourites from the entire series.

Great writing with stunning interior and cover artwork. Top marks to the creative team.

Buy Stephanie Brown's Batgirl while you still can.

Batgirl #22
Written by Bryan Q. Miller, art by Pere Perez, colours by Guy Major, letters by Carlos M. Mangual, cover by Dustin Nguyen
Published by DC Comics, August 2011

Forza Alberto! Forza Stephanie! ... Batgirl #21 Reviewed

So, I'm back from my holiday and the 2011 Giro d'Italia - and the pile of comics I'd planned to read during this time away is just as large as it was a week ago! I did read just one comic - the latest issue of Batgirl - and as I finished my review where I wonder what direction some of my favourite characters are heading the DCU looks like it's about to go through a renumbering/reboot/ reimagining/refresh* (*delete as appropriate) that may make my thoughts and wishes redundant.

I'm naturally a conservative person so my first impression is not positive I have to say ... but over time I'm learning to hold back and reserve judgement. I'm not going to say much more until more facts are known but in the meantime I'd refer you to The Batman Universe and Batgirl to Oracle for information about how these changes may/will affect the Bat-books and to Newsarama and CBR and, of course, DC Comics themselves for news about the extended DCU.

As always, my review contains spoilers - if you don't want to know what happens in this issue of Batgirl then stop reading now!

Batgirl #21

Seemingly skipping ahead from the previous issue, 'Batgirl: The Lesson - Unchained Melody' opens with Stephanie Brown - aka Batgirl - in a whole heap of trouble.

Buried under a pile of rumble and masonry Steph reminds herself how she finds herself in such a situation: 'adopted' by the well-intentioned Clancy Johnson, who goes by the name The Grey Ghost, she's come face to face with another of the Reapers ... and clearly she's come off worse following their initial encounter.

Wriggling her arms free Steph looks up to see the mysterious 'Harmony' above her closing in to finish the job off. Brushing aside accusations of murder Harmony lets loose with a smash across Steph's face followed by a deafening sound-wave as Steph realises that despite the attacks on her over a period of time, the Reapers are under instruction not to kill her.

As Harmony closes in for another round she's almost immediately stopped in her steps ... "Deet ... Deet ... Deet" ... she realises that Steph has planted a series of explosive charges that take out a row of pillars in the abandoned convent, bringing down the vaulted ceiling onto her head.

With Harmony down - but apparently not out - Steph's comms unit crackles into life: it's The Grey Ghost Clancy Johnson, and he's in need of Steph's help.

Elsewhere, back in Gotham City under a blood red sky a reflective and rather downbeat Wendy Harris - Proxy - looks across the city skyline, the Bat-signal lighting up the sky. Wondering out loud, and to herself, just why she's such an angry young woman, she's taken aback to see her brother - her deceased brother - stood behind her.

On the verge of a breakdown Wendy asks whether Marvin had sacrificed himself to save her and expresses just how much she misses her brother. In this issues first example of 'tough love' Marvin urges Wendy to honour his death by doing something with her own life - something that makes her happy.

With his advice dispensed Marvin's job, for now, appears to be complete.

Back at the abandoned convent Steph has located Grey Ghost and, after splinting his injured leg, helps her 'partner' to his feet. Questioning quite how he knew where she'd be Steph appears to accept Grey Ghosts explanation that he happened to be out looking for his "Violet Avenger" when he heard Harmony on her comms unit arguing about "the plan".

With an unidentified figure looking on Steph dismisses Grey Ghost's comments as she realises that Harmony is once again on the move ... and it doesn't appear that she's now a threat to them. Questioning his motives Steph challenges Grey Ghost to explain whether he's working for the benefit of the city or for himself: questioning that isn't appreciated.

Realising perhaps that this particular partnership isn't working it's Steph's time to dish out some tough love as she warns Grey Ghost that if their paths cross again ... he'd better beware.

Elsewhen, at The Thompkins Clinic, we find Dr Thompkins studying Wendy Harris's x-rays while pointing out to Wendy that while she isn't as badly injured as their friend Barbara Gordon she suspects that it's her ego - as much as her wounds - that is standing in the way of her physical rehabilitation.

Turning her shoulder on her Doctor Wendy explains that she need more than a workout and a pep-talk - what she feels she needs is "peace".

Doctor Thompkins reveals that she knows where Wendy could find that peace.

Back at the abandoned convent and Steph has, unnoticed, crept up behind Harmony who appears to be taking some sort of sample from the remains therein. Amid a flurry of batarangs the two engage once again ... back and forwards fists and feet fly as both woman spill blood until one final blow from Steph secures the victory.

Another time, another place and Barbara Gordon and Wendy - along with brother Marvin - are enjoying a meal at a local diner as Wendy clumsily, reluctantly, finally plucks up the courage to ask Babs for her help, and financial assistance, to help her get away from Gotham to find the peace that she needs ... in Nanda Parbat.

Choking back her coffee Babs challenges Wendy as to whether she really - really - wants to make the dangerous journey to Nanda Parbat: and Wendy is in no doubt that she does indeed.

Later on, on the Gotham University grounds, Stephanie and 'Professor' Gordon - Barbara of course - are taking stock of their situation. Having taken care of Harmony - student Tracey Graham - and Slipstream - Xane Swift - there are 3 more Reapers somewhere across the campus ... and as we all know they are in need of a large amount of money. Reminding herself that rather than grave robbing Harmony was 'harvesting' DNA from the remains of a nun who herself had an ability to "remove maladies from the accursed" Steph suggests to Babs that they get Wendy working on monitoring campus communications for more information.

Ah yes, "About Proxy ..."

As this instalment of the story closes we witness Grey Ghost handing over his weapon and striking a deal with a very, very, surprising partner ...

First things first, let's look at Dustin Nguyen's striking, eye-catching, colourful cover. Taking the form of a stained-glass window - complete with stone surround with ornate decoration - I thought this was an inspired composition.

Stephanie looks almost regal posed as she is in a familiar crouched position, her "violet"-accented cape billowing out behind her; her long golden hair wrapping itself around the cowl of her costume; staff in hand; carefully surveying her environs.

Looking beyond Stephanie onto the window itself - a riot of colour; a visual kaleidoscope of symmetrical panes of glass with, at its centre, The Grey Ghost: the figure of Clancy Johnson looking as sombre and faded as the surrounding sunburst and flower garland look warm and inviting.

Quite simply, beautiful.

Contrary to the billing on the cover this issue saw Mr Nguyen - as always wonderfully complemented by Derek Fridolfs inks and Guy Major's colours - returning to interior artwork duties. I know I've said this before, probably several times in fact, but haven't we been fortunate with the wonderful artists that have worked on this title?

Credit must go to 'the powers that be' (presumably the editorial team) for ensuring that when the books 'main' artist - be it Lee Garbett or Dustin Nguyen - have for whatever reason not worked on an issue or issues their replacements - Pere Perez and Ramon Bachs spring readily to mind - have done a fantastic job and the book hasn't suffered.

What is there to say about Nguyen's artwork that I haven't said before - with their invariably simple, even plain, backgrounds his panels serve as a springboard as the characters almost leap off the page. A sense of movement is, I'm told, notoriously difficult to capture in a comic book panel and yet, for me, that's very much one of Nguyen's strengths.

From a visual point of view a couple of my favourite pages from this issue don't feature Batgirl/Stephanie Brown and feature Wendy Harris and her brother Marvin. For me these pages stand out from the [beautiful] others largely because of the rich, warm colouring of Guy Major that accentuates Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs wonderful pencils and inks.

Having experimented with one or two different looks over time I think the creative team may have found the definitive Wendy Harris. Here she appears as an older younger woman, perhaps in her early to mid twenties and, in contrast to her sharp features, there appeared at a times a warmth in her appearance, no doubt aided by the warm dark red colouring.

A close second favourite scene featured Stephanie and Babs at the university campus - again the talented art team delivered two or three fresh, eye-popping pages that were in complete contrast to the earlier deliberately darker tones of the preceding pages.

As I started reading this story I had a sense that I'd in fact missed an issue - we left issue #20 with the introduction of the mysterious Harmony and by the first page of issue #21 Batgirl and Harmony had said their hellos, introduced themselves and spent some time getting to know each other. Now, I for one would have liked to have actually seen this happen - I think it would have given us plenty of 'yikes!' moments - although I accept that with the limitation of just 20 story pages ("drawing the line at $2.99") something has to give.

In terms of story and character progression the two stand out themes for me in this issue were Steph and Clancy's ongoing fractured relationship alongside Wendy's potentially life-changing decision to get away from all that she knows and travel.

Aside from wondering exactly what the consequences of Clancy's betrayal might be I enjoyed, if that's the right word, seeing Steph finally lose her patience and warn him that he needs to leave her alone. The look on both Steph and Clancy's faces during their exchange was priceless: "tough love" indeed.

The Wendy Harris 'journey' story interests me I must say. She's a character that's been largely on the periphery of Team Batgirl and I suspect I've not been alone in assuming that at some point everything in her life would fall into place as she became the new 'Oracle' ... and maybe it will but for now she's off on her very dangerous journey to Nanda Parbat for a "system reboot".

Aside from anything else I find myself wondering just how this story might play into the pages of our monthly Batgirl fix or whether it'll be told in a spin-off series (I hope the former).

There we have it, another enjoyable issue of Batgirl.

Batgirl #21
Written by Bryan Q. Miller, pencils by Dustin Nguyen, inks by Derek Fridolfs, colours by Guy Major, letters by Carlos M. Mangual, cover by Dustin Nguyen
Published by DC Comics, July 2011

Batman Solicitations - August 2011

Taking a break from my look back at last weekends highlights from BICSPE ... it's that time of the month when DC releases its Batman solicitations, this time for releases during August 2011.

This month I'll be particularly looking forward to picking up Batman #713 written by Fabian Nicieza and featuring this stunning cover from Tony S. Daniel, the conclusion to Scott Snyder's fantastic run on Detective Comics with issue #881 and likewise the second and final part of Marc Andreyko and Billy Tucci's 'War and Remembrance' story in Birds of Prey #15.

Other highlights this month include the Batman 80-Page Giant 2011, my own monthly favourite Batgirl #24 from Bryan Q. Miller and Pere Perez, while David Hine takes over writing duties on Batman and Robin with issue #26.

BATMAN #713
Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art by STEVE SCOTT and RYAN WINN
Cover by TONY S. DANIEL and RYAN WINN
Over the years, Dick Grayson has worn several guises: First, he was Robin the Boy Wonder, then Nightwing, and finally Batman. But now that Bruce Wayne has donned the cape and cowl once again, Dick finds himself at an identity crossroads.
On sale AUGUST 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

DETECTIVE COMICS #881
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by JOCK and FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
Cover by JOCK
This is it – the finale so twisted, so shocking we can’t even begin to give away details here! Be there for the extra-sized conclusion of the acclaimed run by Scott Snyder, Jock and Francesco Francavilla. DETECTIVE COMICS #881 is the issue everyone will be talking about. Believe it.
On sale AUGUST 10 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

BIRDS OF PREY #15
Written by MARC ANDREYKO
Art and cover by BILLY TUCCI
In the concluding chapter of “War and Remembrance,” Lady Blackhawk and the original Phantom Lady are in the clutches of an enemy whose evil has lain dormant for decades! Can the Birds of Prey find and rescue their captured compatriots before it’s too late for them … and the world? This is the thrilling conclusion to a story fifty years in the making! Written by fan-favorite MANHUNTER scribe Marc Andreyko and featuring breathtaking artwork by the amazing Billy Tucci!
On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T


BATMAN INCORPORATED #10
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
1:25 Variant cover by FRAZER IRVING
In “LEVIATHAN STRIKES,” Batman realizes to his horror that he’s been outwitted as the true identity of Leviathan continues to elude him. Is his deadly adversary an old foe with a grudge to settle, a new face of evil or something completely different? One thing is for sure: The surprise ending will not soon be forgotten!
On sale AUGUST 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #5
Written by DAVID FINCH
Art by JAY FABOK
Cover by DAVID FINCH
1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE
David Finch’s brilliant take on Batman continues to explore the darker corners of Gotham City in the penultimate chapter of “Golden Dawn,” now featuring art by Jay Fabok (Soulfire)! As The Dark Knight suffers one of his worst defeats, Jason Blood makes an unexpected move. With a surprise funeral and guest appearances by Etrigan, the Demon and Ragman, this series continues to heat up!
RESOLICIT • On sale AUGUST 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN 80-PAGE GIANT 2011 #1
Written by VARIOUS
Art by VARIOUS
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Don’t miss this new helping of short stories featuring Batman and his partners in crimefighting, told by some of comics’ newest voices and freshest talents.
ONE-SHOT • On sale AUGUST 3 • 80 pg, FC, $5.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN AND ROBIN #26
Written by DAVID HINE
Art by GREG TOCCHINI
Cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
1:10 Variant cover by J.G. JONES
Le Jardin Noir – France’s very own Arkham Asylum – falls under siege! Someone has freed the lunatics, and unless they can be stopped, they’ll turn Paris into a surreal Hell on Earth! Batman and Robin join Nightrunner in a mind-bending battle with the strangest lineup of villains this side of Bizarro World.
On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM #4-5
Written by SCOTT SNYDER and KYLE HIGGINS
Art and covers by TREVOR MCCARTHY
1:25 Variant covers by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Batman, Red Robin, Robin and Black Bat are all thrown into a race against time as The Architect’s true plan is revealed! But what does that mean for Oswald Cobblepot and Tommy Elliot? And just how does the first Super Villain of Gotham City factor into The Architect’s plot to destroy the city’s first families? Be here for the exciting penultimate issue!
And in issue #5, it’s Batman vs. The Architect! The downfall of a major Gotham family! The betrayal of Damian Wayne! It’s all here in this final issue, plus the untold fate of Gotham City’s first Super Villain! Be here as GATES OF GOTHAM sets the stage for a bold new direction in the Bat books!
Issue #4 on sale AUGUST 3
Issue #5 on sale AUGUST 17
4 and 5 of 5, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY #5
Written by PAUL DINI
Art and cover by CARLOS D’ANDA
The miniseries that leads you into the video game comes to its dramatic conclusion. The die is cast and the criminal gulag known as Arkham City is now in place. But even with its imposing walls and security measures, is anyone in Gotham City really going to feel safe with a legion of criminals living next door? Batman’s determined to enter the belly of the beast and find out just who is pulling the strings.
On sale AUGUST 24 • 5 of 5, 32 pg, FC,
$2.99 US • RATED T

BATGIRL #24
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by PERE PEREZ
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Stephanie Brown has done her best to put her past behind her, but as the Repears’ mysterious client stands revealed, Batgirl’s going to learn the hard way that those who fail history are doomed to repeat it. This issue has it all: Secrets unearthed! Alliances broken! Splash pages!
On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN BEYOND #8
Written by ADAM BEECHEN
Art by CHRIS BATISTA and RICH PEROTTA
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Batman’s slipperiest foe steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight for a “Legends of the Dark Knight” issue that reveals, for the first time, the full story of Inque! Her past is blacker than anyone ever knew… and considering the new ally she’s fallen in with, her future could be darker still!
On sale AUGUST 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

RED ROBIN #26
Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art and cover by MARCUS TO and RAY MCCARTHY
Ready to operate from his new HQ, Red Robin knows that before he can fulfill his crimefighting destiny, he must close out one outstanding issue. His father’s killer, Captain Boomerang, was brought back to life… The time has come for him to return to the grave!
On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #26
Written by PETER CALLOWAY
Art by ANDRES GUINALDO and LORENZO RUGGIERO
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
A secret that goes back to the very first issue of GOTHAM CITY SIRENS will be revealed at last! But will it spell the end of the Sirens? One thing is certain – none of them will be the same!
On sale AUGUST 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

More details, including full cover previews, can be found at DC's The Source.

Batgirl #20 Reviewed

As always, my review contains spoilers - if you don't want to know what happens in this issue of Batgirl then stop reading now!

Batgirl #20

With a flashback to the last university semester 'Batgirl: The Lesson' continues and concludes with the second part of a two-part story-arc entitled, somewhat ambiguously perhaps, 'Tunnel Vision'.

First at Gotham University, then the Theta-Kappa-Gamma house, and finally a fast-food restaurant we witness a young student making his way through his academic life with just about as little effort as possible before, somewhat out of the blue, he receives an email that could just give the student some direction and focus.

Fast-forward to present day and we discover that the young man in question is a member of the mysterious 'Order of the Scythe' - except on this occasion he's not demonstrating much in the way of team work or togetherness.

Angered that he hadn't been told that his speedster suit had an off-switch the student - named Xane - has to be restrained by fellow 'Reapers' as he learns that this feature is standard for the group: aside from anything else it ensures they don't deviate from the groups' plan.

Quite what that plan is none of the Order know - only 'The Client' is aware of the bigger picture.

Meanwhile, over at Firewall, "Batgirl's (excitingly remodeled) base of operations", Stephanie Brown - Batgirl - seems to be struggling with a puzzle while Wendy Harris - Proxy - asks her friend to demonstrate a little focus.

Thanks to 'Batman, Inc's' recent generous investment Steph has a number of new 'toys' to distract her: and she's currently distracted by a high-tech batarang-maker that allows her to manufacture the most elaborate - and unlikely! - array of gadgets.

Positioned in front of a vast bank of computer displays Wendy and Steph mull over what they currently know about Slipstream and the Reapers recent activities - large amounts of money have been 'tagged' with a tracking spray prior to its movement - and bemoan what they don't know - namely where the money is headed once the banks move it.

Later on, at Gotham U, Steph is explaining, without giving everything away!, the situation to her friend and mentor Barbara Gordon. It seems the transfer of large amounts of cash is not that unusual and every few years the banks will transport soon to be defunct notes to an unknown destination - and until they know where, when and how the money is being moved they are forced to play a waiting game.

A little out of the blue Steph laments that she feels things aren't the same since Barbara stepped away from her role as her 'handler' and is reminded by her friend that, be that as it may, that's the way things have to be for now - the Batgirl/Oracle partnership may be a thing of the past but Babs does her best to gee-up Steph and reminds her that she, and she alone, is Batgirl.

Later on we find Steph sitting a "bonus" night class - although she's clearly distracted as it's been fully six hours since she last heard from Proxy. Steph's anxiety and nervousness finally gets the better of her as she shouts out loud at a fellow student - named Swift - who for some unknown reason has been mumbling directions to himself for some while.

As Swift receives a phone message - "You're on" - Steph notices that her fellow student has again been studying a map: a map of Gotham as it happens. As she herself receives a telephone message from Wendy, Steph deduces that she's been sat alongside Slipstream all this while - and now he's got away.

Racing out of class, across the campus grounds, Steph links in with Wendy before arriving at her new, Batman Inc-funded car, named by Steph “The Compact”. It seems that a convoy of trucks transporting the bank notes in heading towards "The Tube" - an emergency tunnel carved deep beneath the city. Engaging "Combat mode" The Compact transforms into an armoured vehicle as it enters the tunnel and Steph - now in Batgirl costume - races towards her destination.

Across the city at Kord Tower, and in line with her earlier comments that she wouldn't be around to help her out of a jam, Barbara passively, pensively, watches events unfold.

Overtaking the convey and screeching to a halt Steph leaps from her vehicle and reassures the armed guards that she's there to help - perhaps, on reflection, not her smartest move as the guards don't take on board her comments and open fire on her. At that moment Slipstream arrives on the scene knocking the guards from their feet with his speedblur before turning back to confront Stephanie.

Goading Slipstream into attacking her Steph skilfully evades his charge with a "swoop!" of her cape and as the pair once again turn to face one another Slipstream's suit starts to malfunction - a victory for Batgirl's combo-batarangs!

Later on, with Slipstream grounded and the Gotham City Police Department on the scene Stephanie - still in her Batgirl guise of course - and Detective Nick Gage - reflect on the days events. Gage comments that Swift doesn't appear in the least bit concerned that he was heading back to Blackgate while Steph responds that their problems aren't behind them as The Reapers are clearly planning something bigger.

Regretting her fellow student's role in recent events Steph wonders aloud just how Swift became involved with the cult in the first place - and is shocked by the response she receives from Gage.

Elsewhere, the issue closes back at the Reaper base with confirmation that Swift's capture and incarceration are indeed part of a much bigger plan ... and the introduction of a menacing new adversary for Batgirl called, ironically, Harmony.

This issue had everything I've come to expect from Batgirl - a fun, engaging storyline; enjoyable, charming dialogue, fantastic interior art; a bold, eye-catching cover with amazing colours throughout and yet in several respects this felt like a different type of issue: not better than usual, certainly not worse ... definitely different.

For me, the book has a somewhat darker tone than I've grown used to - as the story progressed I developed a real sense of foreboding, as if all wasn't quite as it at first seemed, culminating in Steph and Gage's rooftop heart-to-heart that something much bigger than a robbery was around the corner, coupled with the Detective's cryptic confession.

Having created and developed a credible opponent for Batgirl in Slipstream I was just a little surprised how easily Steph finally captured her opponent - and I'm certainly not a fan of long, drawn-out fights. That said this all too brief scene was wonderfully written and left me with a genuine sense of joy as Steph delivered an immediate return on Batman Inc's investment in her.

Once again the exchanges between Stephanie and Barbara Gordon were really quite touching and I found myself thinking just how their own relationship has developed over the past 18 months or so - at times almost parent and child and never less than sisterly. That Bryan Q. Miller writes a superb Stephanie Brown/Batgirl cannot be disputed - credit should also be given for the voice he has nurtured for Barbara.

Aside from the ease of Slipstream's capture I know that some will suggest that the convenience of young Xane Swift being Steph's classmate was just a little too ... well, convenient. Not me: while the baddie being known to the hero is not an original plot device - see any number of episodes of Buffy, Charmed or Scooby Doo! - I appreciated Swift's subtle introduction to our story and that his involvement was allowed to grow slowly over a couple of issues.

The somewhat darker tone I sensed with this issue was supported, I felt, by a shortage of the hugely enjoyable 'one-liners' that the series has garnered a reputation for. That said, there was still enough fantastically flippant dialogue to satisfy me: "... the most bad-assingest not-tortilla press batarang-maker ...", "And then you did a touchdown dance?" and my favourite when Steph stopped the convoy - "Don't worry! I'm Batgirl!".

Some of the closing pages of this issue are amongst the finest in the series as a whole I'd say. I'm referring to Batgirl and Detective Gage's rooftop liaison: fantastic collaborative storytelling. The story simultaneously seems to take a breath and yet race away - just what is the "something bigger" and just what was Gage referring to with his revelation to Steph? I felt these pages in particular where quite beautifully drawn by Ramon Bachs - again, simple panel composition allowing the reader to focus on the emotions of the central characters - and very sensitively coloured by Guy Major.

Mr Bachs seems an artist who is ideally suited to the Batgirl title: to my eyes he has an ability to capture a character's personality perfectly: be it Steph's youthful exuberance mixed with at times over-confidence, Barbara's strength and caring, even the reluctance and sadness of a new character such as Swift/Slipstream.

There are subtleties to his work that I don't always, on first viewing pick-up on - for instance, on first read I felt that one or two of the panels set in Barbara's office tended to be just a little flat, lacking in life or movement. It was only on second read that I realised that I suspect that's how they were meant to be seen - almost as if Barbara's words were hanging in the air, with time, momentarily, standing still.

Likewise, the portrayal, on the final page, of the mysterious 'Harmony' seemed just a little comedic - in a similar way that Steph's Ricochet looked a little comedic when I first saw it - until I reminded myself that 'she' - like Ricochet - is entirely in keeping with the overall tone of the series.

Aside from the 'roof-top' pages I particularly enjoyed how the tunnel heist scenes were drawn - clean, clear and uncluttered by unnecessary background interference yet they appeared full of movement and chaos.

Speaking of movement and chaos - top marks to Dustin Nguyen for delivering another bold, beautiful, eye-catching cover: The Compact on its roof, wheels spinning wildly; Slipstream sliding beneath the vehicle, seemingly in total control of his situation; Batgirl, upside down, eyes half closed and yet with a smile (or maybe a grimace!) on her face: all fantastically coloured and complemented by the title Batgirl symbol.

In summary, for me a different type of issue this month for sure and every bit as enjoyable and satisfying as ever. As with the series as a whole this is an example of sequential storytelling at its finest.

Batgirl #20
Written by Bryan Q. Miller, art by Ramon Bachs, colours by Guy Major, letters by Dave Sharpe, cover by Dustin Nguyen
Published by DC Comics, June 2011

Batgirl #19 Reviewed

As always, my review contains spoilers - if you don't want to know what happens in this issue of Batgirl then stop reading now!

Batgirl #19

'Batgirl: The Lesson' continues with the first of a two-part story entitled 'Tunnel Vision'. As the issue opens we find our heroine, Stephanie Brown, sitting at the breakfast table across from her mother, prodding, poking at her morning waffles, recounting her recent academic studies.

"And chaos, my dear mother, is a sticky mistress".

Yet Mrs Brown isn't really paying her daughter much attention as she's distracted by the lead story in the Gotham Gazette that focuses on yet another mysterious bank robbery the night before. Perhaps Steph - as Batgirl - knows more than she's letting on as she announces to her mother that it was time she opened up a savings account.

Across the city at the Gotham Bank and Trust - branch 19 to be precise - GCPD have the crime scene locked-down. Detective Nick Gage is the officer in charge and, realising that a friend is also on the scene, he asks his fellow officers to clear the room.

Turning and glancing up he greets Batgirl - who's hanging from the ceiling - with the news that this is the third such crime this week where the only physical damage appears to be to the building's front door and the door to the vault - and it was only this physical damage - rather than the intruder or intruders - that set off the pressure-censor alarms.

Revealing some photographs taken from the bank's closed circuit television both Batgirl and the detective immediately recognise the image of a “speedblur” from their earlier encounter with the mysterious gang known as The Reapers. Even more surprising than the return of an old foe ... inside the vault Gage reveals that while the 'speedster' may have stolen a couple of thousand dollars they left behind over a million dollars in cash.

So on top of the murder of a former colleagues son - Newton Flitwick - the authorities are now investigating a very unusual robbery. Refusing to reveal just why he's so interested in The Reapers Gage makes his excuses to Batgirl and leaves. Outside the bank a new 'friend' of Batgirl's - known as the Grey Ghost - listens intently to their conversation ...

Later on, at Gotham University, a tired Stephanie accompanies her friend and mentor Barbara Gordon - 'formerly' Oracle - across the campus grounds. With her new base Kord Tower in the distance Babs explains that she hasn't in fact quit being Oracle, it's just that things have changed. She goes on to explain that while she is indeed very busy, revealing that Bruce Wayne has tasked her with building a new internet - something Steph doesn't even pretend to understand - she always has time for her young 'student'.

In which case, retorts Stephanie, if time isn't really an issue shouldn't Barbara spend a little with Wendy Harris - Proxy, Batgirl's new handler - and explain the situation to her? After all, the young girl with the 'complicated' family history already has "abandonment issues" we are all reminded.

Now in class - Intro to Dynamic Systems no less! - it seems Steph's night-time activities have caught up with her as she is sharply woken from a nap by her Professor. Along with Mr Swift, a fellow snoozing student, Steph acknowledges that she's fallen behind with the lecture and offers to share notes with her 'sleeping neighbour' who, somewhat to Steph's puzzlement appears to have a building schematic on his laptop rather than anything to do with the subject at hand.

Later still, over at The Thompkins Clinic Barbara interrupts Wendy Harris during her physical workout, taking her to task for using the fact that she's in a wheelchair to get her out of a jam when gathering information on the university campus. Refusing to take the comments on-board Wendy makes it quite clear she feels differently - Barbara in turn leaving Wendy in no doubt that she considers her behaviour, and her attitude, unacceptable.

Taking Wendy further to task Babs issues something of an ultimatum - 'Firewall', the 'Team Batgirl' base of operations, has been upgraded, there's no doubting the young woman's ability, she just needs to make a decision about what she wants to do with her life ... and commit that decision.

As Babs turns and makes her way to the exit Wendy tries to call her back - but Babs doesn't want to hear it.

That same evening The Grey Ghost - Clancy Johnson - is scanning the Gotham City skyline, searching for his "black and purple angel', his "beautiful bruise". Moments later, Johnson's expensive, night-vision binoculars smash to the floor as Batgirl takes him by surprise and demands to know why he has been tracking her for the past week.

Fearing for the welfare of her somewhat heavy-handed new friend Batgirl suggests to Johnson that he needs help - and I suspect she isn't simply meaning with surveillance. Before they can discuss this any further Batgirl receives an incoming transmission from Proxy: it seems that her earlier confrontation with Babs did indeed force her to consider her future.

Proxy goes on to explain that she's been able to track "someone" who has ran a toll booth and nineteen sets of red traffic lights in a matter of seconds to their ultimate destination. As Batgirl listens on it seems that The Grey Ghost is also listening - electronically - to their conversation before disappearing: much to Batgirl's surprise and frustration.

Across the city we witness a speedblur cross the street, climb the stairs and burst through the doors of another bank. Inside the vault, now at 'regular' speed we catch sight of Slipstream, the super-speedster, who appears to be marking piles of banknotes with a fine, misty spray.

Upon hearing that he isn't alone Slipstream turns to find himself at gunpoint - The Grey Ghost has reappeared! However, before introductions can be made Slipstream sends The Grey Ghost crashing through a window and falling to ground. An instant later the two are reunited in the street and joined by Batgirl, who demands to know her adversary's name.

Introductions taken care of Batgirl springs into action ... only to discover that Slipstream is just too quick to respond to her movements. Just as quickly Batgirl learns that her opponents suit offers him ample protection to pretty much anything she can fire or throw at him - and that she, in turn, has no response when Slipstream activates his speedsuit ... and sweeps her off her feet, knocking her to the ground.

Back on her feet Batgirl is taken aback when The Grey Ghost speaks to and name-checks Proxy ... leaving Steph wondering just how Clancy knows so much. As Slipstream circles back around the pair are once again sent flying before receiving a chilling threat - "Time to die, Batgirl".

Seconds later, with Batgirl and The Grey Ghost at his mercy, Slipstream lets out an agonising cry as he receives what appears to be an electronic shock ... "Override activated" ... "Not yet, Slipstream. Not yet".

As Slipstream Leaves the scene as quickly as he arrived Batgirl and The Grey Ghost look on incredulously and wonder just what happened - and who came to their rescue. It wasn't Proxy, it wasn't The Grey Ghost. It certainly wasn't Batgirl.

Soon after we find Steph in a lift, on her way down to see Proxy - who warns her to expect a "bit of a ... shock". During their earlier encounter Steph had managed to lift the spray canister that Slipstream had been using at the bank and Proxy explained that thanks to the new equipment that Bruce bought them she'd been able to analyse it.

New equipment?

Welcome to the new, and vastly improved, Firewall, high-tech home of Team Batgirl.


Fantastic storytelling, great dialogue and eye-catching artwork - qualities I've come to expect from this series and this issue meets, and arguably exceeds, the usual high standards. After a couple of very enjoyable standalone issues I was pleased that our story returned to the ongoing 'speedster' puzzle and by the end of issue, as is so often the case with Batgirl, I found myself desperate for the next instalment.

Ramon Bachs was a very welcome addition to the creative team I must say - I've long since been an admirer of his work, most recently his run on Red Robin. The quality of art on the Batgirl book has been one of the stand out features of the series and, as each new artist has portrayed their own unique take on the rich cast of characters I've appreciated just how sensitive and respectful to their predecessor's interpretations they have been.

Mr Bach draws a Stephanie Brown that I could instantly recognise and yet one with some slightly different characteristics than I've come to expect. As Batgirl she appears a strong, confident young woman and yet as a student she gives the impression of being just a little out of her depth, as if she's struggling to keep up.

Likewise the visual portrayal of Barbara Gordon suggested a softer, dare I say less bossy, maybe even more vulnerable woman than I've come to know. I'm not sure how long Mr Bach's will be with the Batgirl creative team but I'm going to enjoy his work I know.

As I do every month I'd like to highlight Guy Major's colouring throughout the issue - as expressive, subtle and yet rousing as ever: I think it's high time Mr Major's name was featured on the front of this title. Speaking of which, I wonder why Ramon Bach doesn't get a credit on the cover?

After those couple of months of largely standalone tales it's credit to Bryan Q. Miller's storytelling I think just how effortlessly we picked up with the current ongoing thread - the mysterious "Order of the Scythe" and the first proper introduction of Slipstream.

If there was one highlight in this issue for me it would be the deliciously rich dialogue: there were so many great one liners and any number of memorable exchanges between characters. The tone of the issue was set on the first page with Steph's line about "chaos" - charming and funny in equal measure, through the clumsy back-and-forth between Detective Gage and his fellow detective and then the awkward exchange between Gage and Batgirl to The Grey Ghost's old-fashioned, melodramatic language - which provided us with a couple of wonderful moments during which Batgirl went from being described as an "angel" to a "bruise" in a matter of seconds!

Having previously said that 'student Stephanie' had the look and feel of someone at times a little out of her depth I certainly appreciated that it was she that was able to point out to Barbara that, with so much going on in the world of Oracle, it would probably be a good idea to spend some time with Wendy and let her know that despite all the changes some things were just the same.

I also enjoyed how, it appeared to me, Barbara didn't really appreciate the advice - but she certainly acted upon it. The short scene between Babs and Wendy was fantastically played out I thought - from pretty much her first introduction Wendy has come across as a difficult, troubled, 'hard' character and I enjoyed watching Babs trying to break through that tough veneer as much as I enjoyed the reaction from Wendy when it seemed that she had done.

As an addition to Batgirl's gallery of rogue's I must say I'm enjoying the introduction of Slipstream alongside the aforementioned Order of the Scythe and I think we'll be seeing a little more of Steph's fellow sleeping student "Mr Swift" - a nice touch I thought - in the months to come.

With another eye-catching cover from Dustin Nguyen - once again the final, printed image appearing far more striking to me that the unlettered solicitation preview - this was another fantastic issue.

With a thought-provoking and engaging ongoing storyline that is starting to take shape, complimented with a cast of characters as rich and varied as any book can offer at the moment I'd suggest, Team Batgirl is unbeatable.

Batgirl #19
Written by Bryan Q. Miller, art by Ramon Bachs, colours by Guy Major, letters by Dave Sharpe, cover by Dustin Nguyen
Published by DC Comics, May 2011

Nominations Now Underway for the Annual Eagle Awards

Comic fans here in the UK are currently being asked to submit their nominations for their 'best of 2010' - artists, writers, titles, publishers ... - as part of the annual Eagle Awards which will be awarded at the London MCM Expo on Friday 27 May 2011.

The Eagle Awards comprise two distinct stages - a round of nominations before the final round of voting. Fans have until 7 March to nominate their favourites with the top five nominations in each section qualifying for the final round of voting which gets underway on 14 March.

The winners will be announced on Friday 27 May at the London MCM Expo, Excel-London, Royal Victoria Dock.

I've already cast my votes - Josh Finney and Kat Rocha's Titanium Rain from Archaia and Bryan Q. Miller, Lee Garbett and Dustin Dguyen's work on DC's Batgirl featured heavily in my nominations as regular visitors to Escape from Tomorrow will expect.

For more background on the Eagle Awards, and to vote for your favourites, visit the Eagle Awards website.

Batgirl #18 Reviewed

As always, my review contains spoilers - if you don't want to know what happens in this issue of Batgirl then stop reading now!

Batgirl #18

Our story - entitled Chalk (heart) Outline - opens amid the rooftops and alleyways of Gotham City: it's Valentine's Night and Stephanie Brown, in Batgirl guise, is enjoying being out in the night air taking a few minutes for herself, eyes closed, breathing in the evening air, the evening peace and quiet only broken by ... a scream ... "Blood!!!".

Making her way to the scene of the commotion Steph discovers a group of young women in a state of panic, shock and fear. Crouching over a lifeless, torn male figure she demands to know what caused the man's death, and is more than a little puzzled by the women's response that the man was set upon by "a who that looked like a what!"

Tracking bloodied footprints from the scene Steph finds herself face to face with a most curious fellow - in her own words the young man before her looks like "a blue-skinned pilgrim" and he's holding what appears to be a human heart in his hands.

Taking exception to her description of him as a pilgrim the youngster turns and with a flamboyant sweep of his arm introduces himself as Klarion, a Witch-boy and, demonstrating his capabilities, shrinks and encapsulates Steph in a glowing globe, little bigger than a football!

Stomping away from the alleyway, as Steph tries to come to terms with what's happened to her, it's clear that Klarion is terribly upset. Barely able to hold back his tears the young boy sobs to himself that he'll never find "him" again, "he's" out of control, doesn't know what "he's" doing.

Overlooking her own situation for a moment Steph consoles Klarion that, in her opinion, if his "boyfriend" is stealing hearts - literally - then trying to get him back should be the last thing on Klarion's mind. To Steph's frustration, her use of the word "boyfriend" immediately cheers Klarion up and through his own raucous laughter he explains that the "he" he has been referring to is his cat!

Pleading to be released and un-shrunk Steph proposes a team-up to track down the animal - a proposal that clearly meets with Klarion's approval as, with another similarly flamboyant gesture, he releases Steph and marches off with a broad grin on his face.

Having explained his relationship with his feline friend - it was a "painstakingly long conversation" we're told - Steph's more than a little puzzled by what Klarion means when he says he had to use a spell to prevent a "coupling". Explaining further it seems that the cat had met a 'friend' and Klarion had (over) reacted in a moment of panic.

"So you denied your best friend love, and now he's out stealing hearts?" Steph wonders aloud.

At that moment the pair hear another scream and immediately realise it has to have something to do with the cat. Racing to a pavement café they discover people cowering for their own safety, and as the pair place themselves between the frightened diners and the cat they are equally alarmed to discover that the kitty - named Teekl we learn - is now more than six foot tall, with bloodied claws, razor-sharp teeth and glowing eyes!

As Steph does her best to hold off an attack from the hissing Teekl, Klarion appears more concerned for the welfare of his pet than his new 'partner'. Refusing to use magic on his "familiar" Steph realises that Klarion is not going to be a great deal of help and therefore takes things into her own hands and unleashes a volley of taser batarangs on the creature.

With the "were-cat" down and out - for a while at least - Klarion realises that, as much as he doesn't want to, he needs to act, and with that he passes a spell that places Teekl in a globe of his own.

Overcome with sorrow that he's "doomed" his best friend Klarion brushes aside Steph's advice and encouraging words in explaining that the cat himself, and only the cat himself, must now break the spell by finding a heart. "A mate" clarifies Steph "It's natural". But where will they find such a mate?

Klarion knows where ...

"One teleportation spell later" the pair - now both dressed in 'pilgrim'-like clothing find themselves in Klarion's home town of Limbo Town. It appears that the journey hasn't agreed with Steph as, unable to resist any longer, she is violently sick - not an uncommon reaction to teleportation she learns.

Overlooking Steph's light-hearted enquiries Klarion explains that it's not simply a matter of buying another "familiar" as the pair realise that they are attracting rather a lot of attention ... and for a change it's not the blue-skinned boy that everyone is looking at.

Explaining that as a "non-witch" Stephanie is in more than a little danger the pair agree to complete their task as quickly as they can. Spying a young girl playing with a cat they form a plan: Steph will distract the girl while Klarion gets the cat.

With her usual, almost unique, combination of flair and awkwardness Steph finds to her surprise that she's challenged to a duel by the girl. As the conditions of such a duel are defined for her Steph realises that time is not on their side - and uses her fist to end the discussion.

With the cat captured Klarion joyously announces that the "coupling has begun" as Steph realises that they may have outstayed their 'welcome' in Limbo Town ... time for another teleportation spell!

Returning the story to Gotham City, Gotham University to be precise, 'love' is in the air as students enjoy a Valentine's Fayre in the university grounds. Looking on, Klarion describes the "surface world" as a strange place with the students behaviour - particularly the kissing - as both fascinating and perverse and very similar to "coupling".

Bumping into some of her fellow students, including her friend Francisco, Stephanie turns down an invitation to join them for the evening as Klarion fends off unkind comments from Jordanna regarding his 'unusual' appearance. To be fair, Klarion had described Jordanna and her girlfriends as "a wandering pack of harlots" so he had asked for it!

Sensing that his temper was getting the better of him, and fearing for Jordanna's safety, Steph grabs hold of her "boyfriend" Klarion and kisses him on the lips ... long enough for Jordanna and her group to make their excuses and leave them to it.

Rubbing their lips clean after their 'encounter' - Klarion explaining that Steph tastes of Christmas and he hates Christmas! - the new friends treat themselves to a box of candy while watching the other students make fools of themselves.

Stephanie Brown and Klarion the Witch-boy lived happily ever after?


Let me get straight to the point - this was a fantastic read. Each time I've now read the issue - 3 or 4 times now - I've found I've had a huge smile on my face. The dialogue, theme, narration and tone of the story were each a delight.

For my tastes, the art in this issue is as good as any we've seen throughout the 18-month or so life of this book and, in my opinion, is some of the most enjoyable, possibly *the* most enjoyable, that I've seen from Dustin Nguyen. I particularly appreciated the mixture of styles within his interior art - the beautifully painted opening and closing panels, the expressive and detailed pencilled pages - wonderfully inked by Derek Fridolfs and sensitively coloured by Guy Major - and my own favourite, the otherwise grey pages set in Limbo Town that featured just a few highlights of colour: gold flashes representing teleportation, the pink glow of Klarion's globe, Stephanie's sandy skin tone and straw-yellow hair.

Mr Nguyen's cover is, similarly, delightful. Each time I look at it I find something new to appreciate: the distress on Batgirl's face as she pounds her hands on the inside of the globe, her billowing cape that turns into a forest of tree branches as it wraps around the inside of the sphere and the falling 'leaves' that on closer inspection are heart shaped. Again, the colouring on the cover is a joy - fantastically warm for this late-winter publication.

It's often said that pets and their owners become more alike over time and this could certainly be said of Klarion and Teekl as depicted on the cover - through their deep, piercing eyes and their emotionless mouths they do certainly appear to be mirroring one-another!

Once again, Bryan Q. Miller has crafted a wonderful story - enlightening, enjoyable, compelling, at times touching, always fun - during which I learnt a great deal about Klarion and his world, neither of which I previously knew much about.

Through her actions in this story, and her kindness towards her new friend, I was reminded just why I like Stephanie Brown so much: her bravery, sense of humour, kindness, resolve ...

As always, the dialogue throughout the issue was an absolute delight - some of Steph's one-liners had my permanent smile breaking out into a laugh: "Do you specialise in irony-magic, or ...", "Sure, let's worry about the cat", "Accio fist" and my personal favourite "Cheese it, buckles". I had no idea what it meant but it felt right at the time and it made me laugh!

Throughout the 18 issues in this series so far I've come to appreciate Mr Miller's predilection for the occasional 'done in one' story such as I enjoyed with this issue: in my opinion this technique very much complements the pacing of the over-arching story. It's suggested, on the closing page of this issue, that we'll be returning to the 'regular' ongoing story in the next issue and I for one very much enjoyed this interlude that had the feel of one of the very best 'holiday specials'.

The story of when Batgirl met Klarion the Witch-boy. Heart-warming.

Batgirl #18
Written by Bryan Q. Miller, pencils by Dustin Nguyen, inks by Derek Fridolfs, colours by Guy Major, painted sequence by Dustin Nguyen, letters by John J. Hill, cover by Dustin Nguyen
Published by DC Comics, April 2011

Batgirl #17 Reviewed

As always, my review includes spoilers - if you don't want to know what happens in this issue of Batgirl then stop reading now!

Batgirl #17

Opening in their sumptuous quarters high up in Wayne Tower this latest instalment in Bryan Q. Miller's Batgirl series opens with Alfred Pennyworth entering Damian Wayne's bedroom carrying a hearty breakfast for his young master, drawing back the curtains ... only to discover young Damian hanging upside down from a rope secured to the ceiling.

Although initially startled Pennyworth quickly regains his composure and enquires whether the boy might be wise to spend his evening sleeping rather than exercising - a suggestion immediately batted away with the retort that if his father Bruce Wayne manages with just a couple of hours sleep then so can his son.

Not convinced Pennyworth points out that without adequate rest and nutrition Damian will inevitably find that his growth is "stunted" - and again his words of concern are instantly dismissed by the youngster who, as we know, is more than a little touchy about his age, size and perceived lack of experience.

Moments later, alone in his room, Damian takes a bite from his breakfast, activates his personal audio-recorder and dictates Red Casebook entry number 345 - there is, we learn, hope for Alfred yet in the young boys eyes.

Elsewhere, a sound-asleep Stephanie Brown - Batgirl of course - is in the middle of either a dream or a nightmare before being woken by her mother with breakfast-in-bed. As she realises that she's once again overslept Steph jumps from her bed in a panic, grabs her breakfast and begins to dress for the day ahead: one day into her first real Batman Inc assignment from Bruce we learn and she's already running late.

As her concerned mother wonders out-loud whether her daughter has taken on a little too much Steph looks on startled as she wonders whether her secret identity has been 'outed' ... only for her mother to question whether she's not studying just a little too hard at the moment.

(Minor) crisis averted!

Later that morning, across Gotham City, Damian Wayne - Robin - stands on top of an apartment building apparently spying on a school crossing guard as he, the guard, escorts a group of young children across the road. Turning once again to his voice-recorder Damian observes what he sees as the sadness, the futility, of the children as they spend their young lives travelling to and fro school.

Moments later Damian breaks off from recording his observations as he sees a young girl fall to the ground and notices that the crossing guard appears very concerned that the girl may be falling behind some sort of schedule.

In an instant the STOP sign clatters to the floor as the guard is 'extracted' from the street, and hauled up the side of the apartment building by a rope tied around his ankles, where he comes face to face with Robin: Batman "isn't available" retorts Damian when the crossing guard thanks his good fortune that he's not faced with Batman.

Challenged to explain precisely why he's so concerned with getting the children to school on time the guard maintains that he's simply doing his job but Damian's having none of it and accuses his prisoner of behaving very suspiciously ... as right on cue we hear a sarcastic voice from out of panel. Batgirl - or 'girl blunder' as Damian snaps back.

Demanding to know why Stephanie has interrupted his investigation Damian is more than a little put-out to learn that Steph has her own mission - a mission from "Batman himself. Batman-Batman" she explains - that involves the crossing guard. Steph goes on to say that there have been a series of kidnappings involving school children and she's been tasked with finding out more and it appears that the man currently hanging by his ankles off the side of the apartment building may be a lookout for the kidnap gang.

Later that morning and Batgirl and Robin have, reluctantly I'm sure, teamed-up. Once again taking up their observation point the pair are following the movements of a school bus as Damian questions why the children would have left school so soon after they had arrived - clearly, Steph explains, he's not familiar with the concept of a "field trip" ... the best part, she explains, of going to school is when you get the chance to leave the classroom and learn something about the outside, real, world: a concept that Damian, perhaps surprisingly, seems to appreciate and understand.

Noticing that the children were filing off the bus and into a museum - Gotham Children's Museum - Steph realises that they need to follow them into the building but that in their Batgirl and Robin identities they'd stand out: not to worry though, she has a plan and it will certainly involve Damian!

Cargo shorts, trainers, a loud baseball cap and even louder t-shirt later a humiliated Damian finds himself
in amongst the children who are having fun in the museum. Stephanie - still dressed as Batgirl - on the other hand has broken into the buildings security office and starts scanning the closed-circuit monitors for anything out of the ordinary.

Waiting for instructions Damian discovers that he's made a friend - a young girl called Nell who we first met, I believe, with her mother aboard the runaway train at the start of The Flood story-arc - who urges him to go with her to play. Doesn't she realise that he doesn't 'play'?

Back in the security office Stephanie spots some unusual activity on one of the upper floors of the museum and draws Damians attention - moments later he uncovers a bound and gagged man dressed in just his underwear who he realises is the children's bus driver ... the gang, it seems, aren't just after one child - they're after them all.

Boarded with children and under the control of the kidnappers the bus hurtles along the expressway. As one of the gang closes-in and threatens Damian's "girlfriend" Nell - she doesn't have a lot of luck with public transport does she? - he gets the fright of his life as a blade pierces the roof of the bus and misses him by inches. On the outside of the bus we see Damian and Steph doing what, in many ways, they do best together - bickering with one another.

As bullets from the inside of the bus pierce the roof, narrowly missing them, Batgirl crashes through the glass windscreen, takes out the driver and disarms the gang members as Robin seizes control of the steering wheel and guides the vehicle - and its passengers - to safety.

Minutes later, as we learn that the city authorities have discovered and released the other kidnapped children, Steph and Damian pause to catch their breath while discussing their 'team work'. Not wanting to praise her young friend too much Steph explains to Damian that he's still got one or two things to learn that might be of help out in the field.

What, challenges Damian, could she possibly have to teach him ...




The theme of "The Lesson" continues in this latest issue of Batgirl and I really enjoyed and appreciated that, this time, it was largely Stephanie Brown doing the teaching.

I've written previously about just how much I enjoy the Stephanie Brown/Damian Wayne dynamic - it's fun, funny, cute, touching and always very, very enjoyable. In fact, the duo are so good together one of the great challenges that series writer Bryan Q. Miller must surely face is not overusing them and therefore spoiling the impact of their volatile relationship: thankfully after 17 top-notch issues I don't think there's the slightest risk of that happening - this book is in very good hands.

Prior to picking up the first issue of this current run of Batgirl I'd only a cursory history with Stephanie Brown in her roles as Spoiler and as Robin and as such have so enjoyed learning about and getting to know the latest Batgirl as she, in turn, as learnt about and gotten to know herself. Therefore, for me, Mr Miller is currently writing the definitive Stephanie Brown - her voice, her actions, her emotions ... they all feel so right.

This issue is no exception and, indeed, enforces those feelings. From the moment Steph interrupted Damian on the fire-escape I knew we were in for a good ride but, that said, I don't think I expected the storyline to play out quite as it did. I loved how, by the end of the book, it was Stephanie that was helping Damian understand what it meant to be carefree, to have fun ... to be a child.

Occasionally only when things are farthest away from us can we possibly really see them clearly and I absolutely loved the moment in the museum when Steph, following Damian through the security cameras, realised for the first time that Damian, this 10-year old boy, didn't know how to be a 10-year old boy: to play, to go on a school field trip, to have fun for the sake of having fun. Culminating in the final couple of pages I think this on the face of it small acknowledgement has been one of the highlights of the series so far for me.

As I've already intimated, some of the dialogue in this issue was an absolute treat - "Think, Batgirl -- what would Oracle do", "Batman-Batman ... Not to devalue the other Batman-Batman", "I'm thinking of stabbing you" - the list is endless and I defy anyone not to read this book with a smile on their face. As well as the charming and humorous we're also treated to some very touching dialogue, nonemoreso that when Damian, grasping for a pseudonym to give to Nell, says his name is "Bruce".

While I understand that all of the Bat-books this month have adopted similar formats for their covers I'm not a big fan of this sparse design. Dustin Nguyen's Batgirl illustration is absolutely beautiful - again the sense of fun and enjoyment on Stephanie's face is abundantly clear, the rich, warm colours combine to give her real depth and yet with the stark white background and the empty yellow Bat symbol this cover just didn't satisfy me: the more I've found myself looking at it the more I've felt aware of the empty space.

I was somewhat surprised to see Pere Perez on art duties for this issue - I'd quite forgotten that back in October of last year he'd been solicited to work on this issue - and again, I'm on record saying just how much I enjoy his and colourist Guy Major's work. To my eye Perez draws a younger, slightly less graceful (my way of saying 'clumsy'!) Batgirl than others while, curiously, his Stephanie Brown appears more self-confident, maybe even a little wiser, than we've so far seen throughout this series and I'm enjoying seeing these different sides of her personality. Mr Perez draws a great - albeit brief - chase/fight sequence towards the close of the issue - there was a tremendous sense of movement, speed and chaos in each panel which was captured through some detailed illustration and imaginative page layouts which were complemented by Guy Major's magnificent colouring.

In summary this was a fantastic told-in-one story with character development that I think we'll remember for some time to come. A wonderful collaborative production.

Little boys are, we are reminded, made from "Frogs, Snails & Puppy-Dog Tails" and many of us could easily be charged with ignoring that Damian Wayne is still a little boy. Not Batgirl. Not Stephanie Brown.

Batgirl #17
Written by Bryan Q. Miller, art by Pere Perez, colours by Guy Major, letters by Travis Lanham, cover by Dustin Nguyen
Published by DC Comics, March 2011