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thisisstephenbetts's review against another edition
Wasn't a massive fan of this. Too wordy and rather serious.
natopotato's review against another edition
5.0
¿Cómo no amarla? Siendo Barbara Gordon en su traje de batgirl cualquier comic seria asombroso para mi. La adoro. Sin embargo, al ver como lucha contra el panico luego de la tragedia entregada por Moore la hace ser un poquito más especial.
murphyc1's review against another edition
4.0
I've been reading through some of the New 52 Bat books lately (as I have been collecting them for the past couple of years; whenever I see a bargain-priced hard copy of interest, I scoop it up for later consumption)--a risky proposition, to be sure--and Gail Simone's Batgirl is undeniably some of the best material of the lot. These first six issues pack a lot of story (as well as a lot of necessary retconning) into two arcs, the initial four ishes serving as a reintroduction and a sort of soft reboot for Barbara Gordon's Batgirl, who has spent the previous couple of decades (or 3 years, thanks to that necessary retconning I mentioned) as a paraplegic, and finds a shaky, rusty Batgirl facing a mysterious and dangerous new villain out for her blood. The second short arc comprises the fifth and sixth issues, and gives us a more confident Batgirl dealing with yet another rookie supervillain, this time carrying out an intricate mind-control scheme which involves none other than Bruce Wayne!
The Darkest Reflection was a lot of fun, fast-paced, and interesting, three general characteristics of a "good" comic. My only criticism of this comic is its art. Ardian Syaf's artwork isn't terrible, but such good writing deserves equally proficient illustration, and there Batgirl, vol. 1 falters. Specifically, I think that the colors are too dark and many of the anatomical figures are disproportional.
However, despite my henpecking over artwork that is still far better than any I might accomplish myself, this book is well worth your time!
The Darkest Reflection was a lot of fun, fast-paced, and interesting, three general characteristics of a "good" comic. My only criticism of this comic is its art. Ardian Syaf's artwork isn't terrible, but such good writing deserves equally proficient illustration, and there Batgirl, vol. 1 falters. Specifically, I think that the colors are too dark and many of the anatomical figures are disproportional.
However, despite my henpecking over artwork that is still far better than any I might accomplish myself, this book is well worth your time!
fishgirl182's review against another edition
3.0
Babs is back in an new series from Gail Simone and Ardian Syaf. Three years ago Barbara Gordon was shot in the spine by the Joker. She survived but lost the use of her legs. Years later, an experimental neural surgery gives her the use of her legs back. In The Darkest Reflection, Babs regains her independence and takes up the helm of Batgirl again. However, she is not the same person that she was before and feels that she has prove herself. A new villain appears with a very personal mission that includes getting rid of Barbara and she must overcome her doubts in order to defeat him.
I wasn't in love with the artwork in this run. Some of it was great but it was inconsistent. I loved the covers by Adam Hughes though. They were all gorgeous and set the tone of each issue well.
Full review to come...
I wasn't in love with the artwork in this run. Some of it was great but it was inconsistent. I loved the covers by Adam Hughes though. They were all gorgeous and set the tone of each issue well.
Full review to come...
christajls's review against another edition
4.0
This review originally posted at More Than Just Magic
Story
In these first six issues of Batgirl we get reintroduced to Barbara Gordon. Don’t worry if you no nothing about her, you’re given a general sweep of her background story, her recovery from paralysis and start fresh with her readjusting to “regular” life. I think Simone has done a fabulous job demonstrating the challenges Gordon would now face after years in a wheel chair – such as survivor’s guilt – while also demonstrating the rebirth of Batgirl. She doesn’t waste any time getting back on the horse and I appreciated the fast paced the comic moved at.
In this collection she comes head to head with a villain named Mirror. The mystery surrounding his character was very well done, as you only received bits and pieces as Gordon herself gleans them, and I found it kept me guessing right until the last issue or so about his motivations.
Characterization
LOVE Barbara. She is such a fantastic complex character. If you’re expecting a female superhero stereotype, look elsewhere. Simone is a fabulous writer, and she doesn’t give Gordon any easy outs. She’s struggling with a lot of personal demons and we see a range of emotions from her character – from happiness, to depression, to genuine fear and guilt. I loved that even though she got right back out there, wanting to protect the citizens of Gotham, she is still haunted by the memory of the Joker’s assault – sometimes at the expense of successfully completing her goals.
In a similar vein, I also appreciated the way Mirror was portrayed. He’s not your average comic book psychopath. He has very real reasons for doing what he’s doing. And even though you don’t agree with him, you can see his inner torment and pain. It’s easy to find complex protagonists if you look, but it’s the complex villains I’m always dying to read about.
Finally, I never thought I’d say this about someone who used to be Robin – but Dick Grayson as Nightwing is dreamy. He makes an appearance in one issues and I want more! Will definitely be picking up his series soon.
Artwork
This is some gorgeous artwork. The love the vibrant colours. It’s so beautiful to look at.
And I adore that Batgirl is fully clothed. Nothing bugs me more then when female superheroes have bare midriff. That is where most of you essential organs are! And Barbara especially has reasons to want to protect her torso and back. But my fears were thrown right out the window when I saw the kick ass costume they have designed for her. She looks as prepared and protected as Batman – and that’s the way it should be.
Final thoughts
Fantastic start to the series. Love the story and the powerful female character. And I like that in this case powerful means more than just physical strength. I excited to see how Barbara grows as the series continues and what other Batman regulars may make an appearance. As a bonus I found this comic was really disability positive and puts a strong emphasis on the father-daughter relationship. I’m really excited to see where this series go and loved how easy it was to get acquainted with her. Would highly recommend this series to any Batman fans, new and old comic readers and both male and female readers. It definitely has a WIDE appeal.
Story
In these first six issues of Batgirl we get reintroduced to Barbara Gordon. Don’t worry if you no nothing about her, you’re given a general sweep of her background story, her recovery from paralysis and start fresh with her readjusting to “regular” life. I think Simone has done a fabulous job demonstrating the challenges Gordon would now face after years in a wheel chair – such as survivor’s guilt – while also demonstrating the rebirth of Batgirl. She doesn’t waste any time getting back on the horse and I appreciated the fast paced the comic moved at.
In this collection she comes head to head with a villain named Mirror. The mystery surrounding his character was very well done, as you only received bits and pieces as Gordon herself gleans them, and I found it kept me guessing right until the last issue or so about his motivations.
Characterization
LOVE Barbara. She is such a fantastic complex character. If you’re expecting a female superhero stereotype, look elsewhere. Simone is a fabulous writer, and she doesn’t give Gordon any easy outs. She’s struggling with a lot of personal demons and we see a range of emotions from her character – from happiness, to depression, to genuine fear and guilt. I loved that even though she got right back out there, wanting to protect the citizens of Gotham, she is still haunted by the memory of the Joker’s assault – sometimes at the expense of successfully completing her goals.
In a similar vein, I also appreciated the way Mirror was portrayed. He’s not your average comic book psychopath. He has very real reasons for doing what he’s doing. And even though you don’t agree with him, you can see his inner torment and pain. It’s easy to find complex protagonists if you look, but it’s the complex villains I’m always dying to read about.
Finally, I never thought I’d say this about someone who used to be Robin – but Dick Grayson as Nightwing is dreamy. He makes an appearance in one issues and I want more! Will definitely be picking up his series soon.
Artwork
This is some gorgeous artwork. The love the vibrant colours. It’s so beautiful to look at.
And I adore that Batgirl is fully clothed. Nothing bugs me more then when female superheroes have bare midriff. That is where most of you essential organs are! And Barbara especially has reasons to want to protect her torso and back. But my fears were thrown right out the window when I saw the kick ass costume they have designed for her. She looks as prepared and protected as Batman – and that’s the way it should be.
Final thoughts
Fantastic start to the series. Love the story and the powerful female character. And I like that in this case powerful means more than just physical strength. I excited to see how Barbara grows as the series continues and what other Batman regulars may make an appearance. As a bonus I found this comic was really disability positive and puts a strong emphasis on the father-daughter relationship. I’m really excited to see where this series go and loved how easy it was to get acquainted with her. Would highly recommend this series to any Batman fans, new and old comic readers and both male and female readers. It definitely has a WIDE appeal.
tmwebb3's review against another edition
5.0
This was great, a really fresh take on a character I know. Going to miss Oracle. Really short, would be kind of upset if I bought this.
belle_fiction's review against another edition
5.0
Batgirl is well and truly back!
Barbara Gordon, who most consider to be the true Batgirl, has overcome her paralysis to once again fight crime on Gotham's streets and bring those pesky criminals to justice.
I absolutely loved this re-vamped version of Batgirl and tore through the book wishing it was longer. I think Simone has done a wonderful job in capturing Gordon's spunky personality and the illustrations are crystal clear and simply beautiful. The atmosphere is dark right from the word go and there is lots of tension to sink your teeth into.
I know some people didn't really like the extended interior monologues but I thought they were a wonderful addition to the story and really helped me to gel with Gordon.
Overall, a fantastic read which is definitely a keeper. Plus, I already have the second one on order :)
Barbara Gordon, who most consider to be the true Batgirl, has overcome her paralysis to once again fight crime on Gotham's streets and bring those pesky criminals to justice.
I absolutely loved this re-vamped version of Batgirl and tore through the book wishing it was longer. I think Simone has done a wonderful job in capturing Gordon's spunky personality and the illustrations are crystal clear and simply beautiful. The atmosphere is dark right from the word go and there is lots of tension to sink your teeth into.
I know some people didn't really like the extended interior monologues but I thought they were a wonderful addition to the story and really helped me to gel with Gordon.
Overall, a fantastic read which is definitely a keeper. Plus, I already have the second one on order :)
erinnichole13's review against another edition
3.0
a little disappointed in the story. I read Volume 2 first and found that much more interesting. I really disliked the villains in this story. I just didn't find the interesting, especially Mirror.
ewg109's review against another edition
4.0
While the concept is dodgy (everyone knows you go to Europe for experimental miracle surgeries), I loved this batgirl reboot.
aderonkea's review against another edition
4.0
A great introduction to the new Batgirl with cameos from some other DC favorite heroes. 3.75 stars