Batman Solicitations - November 2011

November's Batman solicitations have been released and my highlight from the months new books might surprise you: not normally a title I pick up but I'm really looking forward to The All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold #13 - a story from Sholly Fisch that sees the Phantom Stranger gathering together every former Boy Wonder ... just for the record there are 5 - not 4 - of them!

Aside from that title my eye was caught by the covers for the second issues of a couple of mini-series: Guillem March providing the cover for The Huntress and Szymon Kudranski providing both cover and interior art for Penguin: Pain and Prejudice.

Further details from a variety of sources including Comic Book Resources and The Source.

THE ALL-NEW BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #13
Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art and cover by RICK BURCHETT and DAN DAVIS
On sale November 9, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US, RATED E
Batman is seriously injured, so it’s up to a whole team of Robins to stop the League of Assassins! How? The Phantom Stranger reaches through space and time to gather everyone who’s ever been “The Boy Wonder,” but will their combined skills be enough?

THE HUNTRESS #2
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art by MARCUS TO and JOHN DELL
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
On sale November 9, 32 pg, 2 of 6, FC, $2.99 US, RATED T
Helena Bertinelli takes a trip to Naples, Italy, but she’s not there on holiday. As her alter ego, the Huntress, she’s uncovered a human trafficking and gun-smuggling ring that only scratches the surface of Mafioso activity! With no backup, no safety net, can this one-woman wrecking crew clean up the mean streets of this ancient city?

PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE #2
Written by GREGG HURWITZ
Art and cover by SZYMON KUDRANSKI
On sale November 9, 32 pg, 2 of 5, FC, $2.99 US, RATED T
Writer Gregg Hurwitz and artist Szymon Kudranski continue their dark examination of the Penguin in PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE. The Penguin runs a vast crime empire that’s always one step away from faltering, thanks to the interference of Batman. How can Penguin keep Batman at bay and maintain the power and image that’s become so important to him? And what dark family secrets is the Penguin hiding?

BATMAN #3
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPION
Cover by GREG CAPULLO
1:25 Variant cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
1:200 B&W Variant cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
On sale November 16, 32 pages, FC, $2.99 US, RATED T
As Bruce digs deeper into the mystery of the recent owl murders, he soon finds himself face to face with a shocking enemy - an enemy the Wayne family has secretly been at war with for centuries. Be there for the first shots of the war for the soul of Gotham City. Friends will become deadly enemies and secrets will be revealed - revelations that will change the Bat-family forever.

DETECTIVE COMICS #3
Written by TONY S. DANIEL
Art and cover by TONY S. DANIEL and RYAN WINN
On sale November 2, 32 pages, FC, $2.99 US, RATED T
He makes dolls out of his victims - and he's tired of being referred to in the media as the Gotham Strangler. His moniker is the Dollmaker, and he and his insane family are going to hunt down Gotham City's public figures and turn them into the ultimate collectables. As the Dollmaker ups the stakes, Batman finds himself in a race against time - because one of his allies is the Dollmaker's next target!

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #3
Written by PAUL JENKINS
Art by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND with JAY FABOK
Cover by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND
On sale November 23, 32 pages, FC, $2.99 US, RATED T
A wave of fear washes across Gotham City as a mysterious toxin radically alters the bodies of its criminals, sending crazed villains into the streets and stretching the resources of the police department. Can Batman and his vigilante partners follow the clues and uncover the perpetrator's real identity? And when one fabled hero is stricken by the poison, the trail will point to the mysterious White Rabbit.

BATWING #3
Written by JUDD WINICK
Art and cover by BEN OLIVER
On sale November 2, 32 pages, FC, $2.99 US, RATED T
Massacre's crusade of blood continues, and the only one standing in his way is Batwing, who finds himself fighting alongside a legendary hero of Africa: the mighty Thunder Fall! As more heroes are targeted by this madman, the mystery of why begins to unfold, as does the story of Batwing's dark past.

BATMAN AND ROBIN #3
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
On sale November 9, 32 pages, FC, $2.99 US, RATED T
As Robin does all he can to keep his own killer instincts at bay, Batman focuses his energies on Nobody, the deadly enigma from Bruce's past who has arrived in Gotham and is hellbent on forcing him to accept a new world crimefighting view even as he infiltrates the Waynes' personal lives.

BIRDS OF PREY #3
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Art by JESUS SAIZ
Cover by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND
On sale November 16, 32 pages, FC, $2.99 US, RATED T
Someone's come up with a way to turn ordinary citizens of Gotham City into undetectable walking bombs...and only Black Canary (a.k.a. Dinah Laurel Lance), Starling (a.k.a. Ev Crawford) and new team member Katana (a.k.a. Tatsu Yamashiro) can stop them. But will Canary's choice of a fourth team member, a notorious bioterrorist, tear them apart first?

BATMAN: ODYSSEY VOL. 2 #2
Written by NEAL ADAMS
Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS
1:10 B&W Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
On sale November 30, 40 pg, 2 of 7, FC, $3.99 US RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Batman’s odyssey has brought him to the underworld, where The League of Assassins has been firmly established for decades! The League is liquidating its enemies to make way for the Sensei to take over his father’s kingdom, and after that, the world itself. But if Batman can’t conquer his inner demons and learn to save lives by taking them, he may forfeit the war to the League!

CATWOMAN #3
NOT FINAL COVER ART
Written by JUDD WINICK
Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH
On sale November 16, 32 pages, FC, $2.99 US, RATED T+
Cats hate baths. Cats hate dogs. And cats hate being caught. Catwoman stole from the wrong man, and now he's got her. He wants his stuff back, he wants answers and he wants blood. Cats had better have nine lives, because Selina Kyle is about to lose one!

BATWOMAN #3
Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN
Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III
On sale November 9, 32 pages, FC, $2.99 US, RATED T
Horror! Batwoman faces the terrifying villain stalking Gotham City's children. Can she defeat the gruesome monster in time to save the city's most innocent victims? Intrigue! Kate Kane unearths a ghost she has tried hard to bury, even as the D.E.O. closes in on Batwoman. Can Kate outrun her past and Cameron Chase? Romance! Kate's relationship with Detective Maggie Sawyer continues to evolve. But will Kate's nocturnal activities cause a rift between the two?

BATGIRL #3
Written by GAIL SIMONE
Art by ARDIAN SYAF and VICENTE CIFUENTES
Cover by ADAM HUGHES
On sale November 9, 32 pages, FC, $2.99 US, RATED T
It's the story you've been waiting for! As Barbara Gordon struggles to find her place in the world, Batgirl and Nightwing collide with the unstoppable force of a train wreck! Will it be sparks flying, or fists for this star-crossed duo? Also, the terrifying Mirror ups the ante in his bizarre war on the citizens of Gotham City! Featuring the eye-popping art of rising superstar Ardian Syaf!

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #3
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art and cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT and BLOND
On sale November 16, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US, RATED T
Red Hood, Arsenal and Starfire enter the Chamber of All to discover what the Untitled wanted - but they'll need to leave their most cherished memories as collateral! And when you're a reincarnated sidekick who lets your madon get the better of you, a former addict turned soldier of fortune, and an intergalactic princess who never quite recovered from a childhood spent as a prisoner of war...? Well, there aren't a lot of cherished memories to choose from! All this as the trio draws ever closer to dealing with a threat that's already killed the ancient caste of assassins who taught Jason Todd everything he knows about the art of killing!

NIGHTWING #3
Written by KYLE HIGGINS
Art and cover by by EDDY BARROWS and JP MAYER
On sale November 16, 32 pages, FC, $2.99 US, RATED T
The Big Top comes to the Windy City! After the massive events of issue 2, the circus heads to Chicago - and Dick Grayson is along for the ride! But as Nightwing puts pressure on ex-Haley connections in search for answers about his past, one lead may be far too explosive to handle! Be here as Nightwing takes his quest for the truth to the Second City!

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

"90% of the Game is Half Mental"

So, Bruce Wayne is The Batman, THE Batman; Barbara Gordon is Batgirl and Dick Grayson is once again Nightwing. It feels like déjà vu all over again.

If, like me, you're finding it just a little challenging to keep up with what's going on with the DC renumbering/reboot/reimagining/refresh* (*again, please delete as appropriate) then salvation is on hand.

Allow me to point you in the direction of the three sources I'm following as I hopefully/nervously await news of a new Bryan Q. Miller-scripted Spoiler series featuring Stephanie Brown ...

Batgirl to Oracle
The Batman Universe
DC's The Source

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

Ask Chuck Dixon and Scott Beatty a Question Courtesy of Batgirl to Oracle

I'll be taking a short break from posting over the next week or so while I follow the last half a dozen stages of this years exciting Giro D'Italia.

In the meantime, between now and the end of the month head over to Batgirl to Oracle: The Barbara Gordon Podcast where our host Stella will, on Wednesday 1 June, be interviewing Chuck Dixon and Scott Beatty for a future episode of the show ... and she's offering fans the fantastic opportunity to ask the duo a question of their own!

Batgirl to Oracle: The Barbara Gordon Podcast

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 to Oracle: The Barbara Gordon Podcast - Episode #20

One of my favourite podcasts - Batgirl to Oracle: The Barbara Gordon Podcast - has a new episode available for download

In this latest, review-only, episode our host Stella delves into the archives when she reviews Detective Comics #418 and #419, and then takes a look at a couple of recent releases in Batgirl #19, and Birds of Prey #10.

Stella then continues with the enjoyable 'Babs in the Tube' segment, as usual gives her literature recommendation, and plays two new candidates for Stephanie Brown's theme song on Zaius's Radio Hour.

Download the episode from iTunes or listen to it directly from the Batgirl to Oracle website.

Birds of Prey #11 Reviewed

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

Birds of Prey #11

After the 'Death of Oracle' this latest issue, entitled 'Which Reason Knows Not Of', opens in the Chinese district of Gotham City as Huntress - Helena Bertinelli - charges through a busy street market in pursuit of a jewel thief: just an everyday event in Gotham we're reminded!

AS the thief prepares to speed away on a motorcycle Huntress shouts out her final warning ... before drawing her crossbow, letting fire and puncturing a tyre, sending the rider head first over the front wheel and towards to road. To Huntress's surprise, and a little admiration, the thief manages to land on his feet and take off down the street - Huntress does enjoy a chase doesn't she!

Moments later she's tracked her prey down but he's half-way up a fire escape - again, not a problem as another crossbow bolt pierces the man's right foot, certainly slowing him down and giving Huntress chance to catch up.

It seems the individual is part of gang of four guys who have stolen priceless Egyptian antiquities from an exhibition, shot a guard, and took a hostage - and shooting an innocent person and taking hostages crosses the line as far as Huntress is concerned.

Engaging the thief and planting her knee firmly into his stomach Huntress's comms link crackles into life - it's Oracle, or at least Barbara Gordon - advising that the circumstances are about to get worse: the hostage, Mimi Ardrian, the assistant curator at the exhibition bravely volunteered to be taken ... but she suffers from extremely bad health and without her medication - which was left behind - she's in grave danger.

Perhaps distracted - uncharacteristically - by Oracle's news Huntress finds herself in a very precarious situation: with the thief pointing a gun at her as he shakes uncontrollably.

"Careful, Helena".

Before she has time to consider her next move Huntress is surprised to discover that there's a third person atop the building's roof with them - Thomas Blake, also known as Catman.

Lifting the man up off the ground by his jacket Catman demands to know if he has any idea who he's pointing his gun at. Clearly terrified, the mysterious thief/gunman can only apologise - but it's not to Catman's satisfaction as he threatens the throw his opponent off the roof to the street below.

With events unfolding in front of her Huntress remembers a time when she once fell for Catman ... and if circumstances had been very, very different, they may be together now. Gathering her thoughts she points out that the man is needed for information and that throwing him off the building just isn't an option.

Catman doesn't, or won't, listen and makes for the ledge ... and with no other option open to her Huntress once again draws her crossbow and warns him to step back.

Knowing what's good for him he obeys - of course - but not before tossing his captive across the roof into Huntress's arms with a warning of his own: the "lady" wants some answers ... and "watch your damn mouth". Helena can't quite believe what she's seeing and hearing from Blake.

Back at base, a recently-woken Barbara offers to send back-up - and Huntress is in two minds whether she needs it, after all, Catman is trying to help.

At least, she thinks he is.

Now very cooperative the thug explains, with a little help, that while he doesn't know who's making all the decisions he does know that the man who shot the guard is his former Blackgate cell-mate Rickie Lowlife. Realising that they've got all the information they are going to get Catman 'thanks' their informant before turning his focus back to Huntress.

What do I mean by 'focus'? Have you seen this issues cover?

A slap in the face later and both Huntress and Catman are confused - she didn't ask to be swept up in his arms and kissed like that ... and she certainly didn't ask him to stop.

After hearing that he's in town on "business" Huntress enlists Catman's help in tracking down the missing hostage Mimi Ardrian as Oracle updates her about Rickie Lowlife's criminal background.

As our unlikely crime-fighting partners set off to Lowlife's home address our focus switches back to Kord Tower where Barbara is joined at her control by Black Canary - Dinah Lance. Bringing her friend up to date on what's going on across the city - explaining how following a period in Africa Catman turned himself from a "rotund loser" to "Brad Pitt's hotter brother", and alluding to his earlier romance with Huntress - Babs suggests that Dinah keeps her distance from her at the moment: she's not been feeling well and wouldn't want to pass her germs on.

Minutes later, and while pausing for a moment outside of Lowlife's apartment, Catman wonders aloud who Huntress has been communicating with. Doing her best to appear calm Huntress explains that her information is coming directly from her partner - The Canary. Explaining that he's heard about Oracle's death - and Two-face's subsequent celebrations - Catman suggests that he's ready to enter the apartment as Huntress reminds him to be careful - after all, their target is a known "gun nut".

Bursting through a window Lowlife jumps back as his companion, a pregnant woman, sets about attacking Catman - who swiftly deals with her attention in his own, inimitable, way. Distracted by Catman's actions Huntress takes her eyes off Lowlife for just a moment - as the "gun nut" indiscriminately opens fire, hitting Catman and narrowly missing both Huntress and the pregnant woman.

Letting off a bolt from her crossbow Huntress looks on as Catman pins the now injured Lowlife to the apartment wall and demands information about the robbery. Seemingly with tears in his eyes Lowlife explains, as we know, that he served time with one of the gang; another, the man giving orders, is from out of town while the last remaining member of the group is his cousin Markie: and Markie likes to fight so he'll be glad of a visit from Catman and Huntress - besides it was his idea to take a hostage.

Realising that they've got all the information they are going to get Huntress silences Lowlife in *her* own inimitable way before switching her focus onto treating Catman's wound. While wrapping a bandage Huntress asks about her patient's past: he's sorted his life out it seems; it was an accident when he killed his mother ... it was anything but an accident when he killed his father.

Sensing that she's in the company of a kindred spirit Huntress explains that in life some people are very good - "Captain Marvel, Superman" - and some very bad - "The Joker, Luthor" - and in between there's people like them. As she hands him the cross from around her neck and takes off she urges him to get out of that middle ground and to "pick a side".

Later on, thanks to Catman's hunting skills, the pair find themselves outside what appears to be a disused industrial building. After a brief interlude for flirting - and questions about whether Catman really cares about the safety of the kidnapped curator - they kick down a door and rush into the building only to discover Markie stood over the hostage holding a large sword.

As Catman immediately identifies the female hostage, Huntress sets after her captor and knocks him off his feet. With Markie taken care off Catman revives the young woman and frees her from her bonds - and as she comes around and catches sight of her rescuer she starts screaming once again, pleading not to be hurt further.

Realising that all is not as it at first seemed Huntress assures Ms Ardrian that she'll be okay - but no thanks to Catman. Piecing clue after clue Huntress reveals that it's become clear to her that he - Catman, Thomas Blake - was involved in the robbery and kidnapping and while she knows that it's impossible to prove he'd better get far away from her or she won't be held responsible for her actions.

With nothing left to lose Catman finally shows Huntress some honesty, some decency, by telling the truth: he's had a son by a "very bad woman" and his son has been kidnapped but he thinks - just thinks - that he's alive.

Close to tears, and sinking to his knees, Catman pleads for Huntress's help. Gathering Ms Ardrian into her arms and turning towards the door Huntress tells him that he'll need to help himself ... and reminds him to stay away from her.

As the issue closes Thomas Blake is in conversation with a hidden figure - 'his plan was all wrong, too elaborate, time to move on. Besides, she's just a woman and there are plenty more like her out there'.

As his companion's identity is revealed Blake declares that there aren't ... "No, there really aren't".


Let me start out by saying that, in my opinion, this issue features one of the most strikingly beautiful covers, courtesy of the supremely talented Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau, I have seen on any comic for a while - Mr Lau has simultaneously captured a tender, personal moment between Huntress and Catman while tempering that moment with a sense of disregard and distrust - as the pair embrace their weapons are drawn and ready for use: fantastic. With clean lines and featuring tremendous depth the cover is wonderfully coloured: this needs to be published as a poster!

After the potentially game-changing events of the Death of Oracle story-arc it was nice to pick up and read what could be very much considered a one-shot - it's a practice that's working very well on the Batgirl title at the moment as well isn't it? With little or no knowledge of the histories of either Huntress or Catman, or the Birds of Prey themselves for that matter, I'd suggest any reader could pick up this book and thoroughly enjoy it.

I found Gail Simone's story to be well paced, action-packed and yet, at the same time, thought provoking. Catman himself behaved like a man out of control - by his own admission he'd lost his soul - and despite not having a lot of history with the character I did find myself wondering what had driven him to this point in his life. As the issue closed I'd been teased enough by references to his young son that I'd be interested to see that particular story thread expanded upon in future issues.

Furthermore, I found myself wondering just how Catman had got himself mixed up with this gang of 'lowlife' street thugs in the first place - again, I'd enjoy learning a little more about that particular story sometime.

As with my comments about the cover I enjoyed Simone's take on the relationship between Huntress and Catman - the attraction was clearly still there ... and yet at times it was clear that they perhaps didn't even like each another very much.

I enjoyed the obvious visual-ties with the most recent issue of Batgirl - featuring Barbara and Black Canary at Kord Tower studying Rickie Lowlife's case file - and I'm really interested to see where Simone's story is heading with references to Barbara's health - again, as featured in Batgirl: something tells me these references aren't incidental!

As I've said in my review of an earlier issue I've been enjoying learning more about Helena Bertinelli through the pages of Birds of Prey and once again I appreciated the focus on Huntress in this issue.

The interior artwork is some of the finest I've seen since the series relaunch - Pere Perez left an impression on me with his work on Batgirl and he's continued with that onto Birds of Prey. He's got a fantastic ability to capture and portray emotion in his characters - witness the never-far-away sense of rage that seems to surround Catman throughout the book.

What's more, Catman has always struck me as something of a visually uninspiring character - his costume appears quite plain and not particularly eye-catching - and yet Perez does a fine job of making him appear quite an imposing figure without every overlooking his sense of desperation and vulnerability.

With panels that consistently feature fantastic detail without ever, to my eyes, appearing cluttered or confusing and coupled with his imaginative page composition and layout Mr Perez has been a good fit with the Birds of Prey title and I'll be glad to see his work continue.

As always, much credit for the look and feel of the book must go to colourist Nei Ruffino - his work here is simply stunning. Throughout the issue I felt a sense of warmth from the central characters and at the same time a chill from the circumstances they found themselves in and I suspect that's in no small part down to Ruffino's contribution.

In summary, this was an absolutely fantastic read and I'd go as far as to say this issue is quite possibly my favourite of the first eleven in this series: top marks.

Birds of Prey #11
Script by Gail Simone, art by Pere Perez, colours by Nei Ruffino, letters by Carlos M. Mangual, cover by Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau
Published by DC Comics, June 2011

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