Batgirl: Year One
This is a different and very likeable take on Barbara Gordon's origin as Batgirl. She isn't inspired to become part of the bat-family nor does she want the Batgirl name then ends up sticking with her. It starts as a joke she intended to frustrate her father with.
She's more interested in joining the Justice Society especially since she wants to prove herself capable after her father, James Gordon refuses to let her into the G.C.P.D and the F.B.I won't let her join due to height regulations. As Batgirl, she uses height, cuteness and femininity to through enemies off guard and underestimate her to take full advantage. Though clumsy, she portrays the cowl with grace, attaining the attention of Robin and the disapproval mixed with intrigue from Batman.
The story itself leads to Batgirl trying to stop b-grade villain, the Killer Moth, from trying be ant-batman for criminals to seek help form. He partners with arsonist Firefly, who has somewhat of an origin in this. They try to set Gotham on fire but are really nothing more than a training exercise for Batgirl that Batman deliberately lets her take care of to test her, with assistance from the Boy Wonder who has a crush on her.
Ultimately, this really gets no where and just serves as an introduction to Batgirl, what is was meant to deliver, and it delivered as a fun and enjoyable read. Continuity issues are a bit annoying, as Gordon should be commissioner by now and is referred to as Captain. Otherwise, where it succeeds is it's depiction of Batman's achieved notoriety and especially the fun and playful chemistry between Batgirl and Robin, something I would have liked to see more of. With several hints foreshadowing her inevitable future, this is a worthy addition to the shelf.
RATING:
Batgirl Story - 9/10 (It's not about Batman, so it's much more colourful and light-hearted)
Continuity - 8/10
Art - 9/10
Coolness - 8/10
OVERALL - 8.5/10
She's more interested in joining the Justice Society especially since she wants to prove herself capable after her father, James Gordon refuses to let her into the G.C.P.D and the F.B.I won't let her join due to height regulations. As Batgirl, she uses height, cuteness and femininity to through enemies off guard and underestimate her to take full advantage. Though clumsy, she portrays the cowl with grace, attaining the attention of Robin and the disapproval mixed with intrigue from Batman.
The story itself leads to Batgirl trying to stop b-grade villain, the Killer Moth, from trying be ant-batman for criminals to seek help form. He partners with arsonist Firefly, who has somewhat of an origin in this. They try to set Gotham on fire but are really nothing more than a training exercise for Batgirl that Batman deliberately lets her take care of to test her, with assistance from the Boy Wonder who has a crush on her.
Ultimately, this really gets no where and just serves as an introduction to Batgirl, what is was meant to deliver, and it delivered as a fun and enjoyable read. Continuity issues are a bit annoying, as Gordon should be commissioner by now and is referred to as Captain. Otherwise, where it succeeds is it's depiction of Batman's achieved notoriety and especially the fun and playful chemistry between Batgirl and Robin, something I would have liked to see more of. With several hints foreshadowing her inevitable future, this is a worthy addition to the shelf.
RATING:
Batgirl Story - 9/10 (It's not about Batman, so it's much more colourful and light-hearted)
Continuity - 8/10
Art - 9/10
Coolness - 8/10
OVERALL - 8.5/10
New Edition now available
"Batgirl: Year One" is now available in a new trade that includes "Robin: Year One." Be sure to get this great value for money trade.