Welcome to your next Weekend Escape! Current and former Batgirls Barbara Gordon, Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown are going on an escape of their own—but not the fun “go to the beach for a few days” kind. They’re moving in together and keeping a low profile after drawing the attention of the Magistrate, Gotham PD and a shadowy new antagonist. There are some fun things about their new place, though, like sharing a bunk bed, getting to know their new neighborhood and…trying to figure out who’s brainwashing the citizens of Gotham?!
Batgirls Vol. 1: One Way or Another collects the first six issues of the ongoing series along with the prequel backup story told in the pages of Batman #115-117. It’s in stores now, or you can find all of these issues on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.
Let’s go on a getaway with Babs, Cass and Steph!
The Premise:
The Batgirls’ beloved Watchtower is destroyed and they’ve been framed for it. A hacker known only as Seer knows who they are and threatens the people they love. What’s a Batgirl to do? Keep a low profile in style! Well, a low profile for the Batgirls, anyway. That means Barbara, Cassandra and Steph are moving to a new Gotham neighborhood and sharing a loft together for the world’s best sleepover.
But it’s not all fun and games. Barbara must keep the Batgirls off the digital grid and rebuild her Oracle network to prevent Seer from finding them. Meanwhile, Steph and Cass can’t help investigating reports of a serial killer on the loose…and they find much more than they bargained for.
Let’s Talk Talent:
Becky Cloonan is an all-around powerhouse of the DC Universe. As an artist, she’s worked on interiors of Batman and a number of covers. She also co-wrote the adventures of the Pizza Club in Gotham Academy. (Don’t think I missed that Maps Mizoguchi cameo in Batgirls #5!) Michael W. Conrad worked with Cloonan on Wonder Woman and backup stories in Action Comics, as well as writing some of DC Future State. The DCU is always in great hands when these two team up.
Artist Jorge Corona provides both pencils and ink in these issues, and he’s also no stranger to Batman’s hometown. He’s very familiar with the Bat-Family thanks to his work on Nightwing, Robin and We Are Robin.
A Few Reasons to Read:
- Cass + Steph 4 EVA! These two might be opposite in personality but they’re both very much Batgirl. They’re also the besties we all wish we had. Cass and Steph know each other and what they’ve been through better than anyone. As crimefighting partners, they know how to play to their strengths. As friends, they are unwavering in their support. Batgirls gives these two a time to shine that shouldn’t be missed.
- New villains give the book an air of unpredictability. When Gotham is under siege from classic baddies like the Penguin or the Riddler, you pretty much know what to expect. (Except the Joker. No one knows what that guy will do next.) But Seer? Tutor? Spellbinder? They’re unknown factors, and that makes them a compelling match for our Batgirls.
- Corona’s kinetic art makes you feel every punch, and not just because of the amazing sound effects. (“Ker-fwump! Brak!”) Ink spatters give the fight the same sense of impact as the dust that flies when a vicious kick lands in a martial art movie. The strong black lines and bright colors by Sarah Stern bestow the book with its own personality from the very first page.
- Bondo! Move over, Batmobile, there’s a new kickass Bat vehicle in town. So what if it gets horrible gas mileage and only plays the one cassette stuck in the tape deck? It’s got a skull on the front bumper and bad attitude to spare. Love. It.
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
It’s always worth your while to add more Stephanie Brown, Cassandra Cain and Barbara Gordon to your To Be Read pile. These Batgirls are doing the best they can with what life in Gotham City throws at them, and they’re determined to do it in their own way. You can’t stop the Batgirls! Cloonan, Conrad and Corona give them a well-deserved spotlight infused with a contagious energy that makes you feel like you could punch a few baddies yourself.
Batgirls Vol. 1: One Way or Another by Becky Cloonan, Michael W. Conrad and Jorge Corona is now available in bookstores, comic shops and libraries and can also be read on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.
Kelly Knox writes about all-ages comics and animation for DCComics.com and her writing can also be seen on IGN, Nerdist and more. Follow her on Twitter at @kelly_knox to talk superheroes, comics and pop culture.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Kelly Knox and do not necessarily reflect those of DC Entertainment or Warner Bros.
