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jacobandthefrogs's review
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
Read for class but also what the hell 🧍🏻
labunnywtf's review against another edition
4.0
Mmkay, so I need to get the entirety of the Death of the Family series so I can fill in all the holes.
Though I didn't need them to understand what was going on, I REALLY want to know what the hell was going on. Plus, I don't know the DC comic lexicon, so I have absolutely no idea who Damian is, and why he's Robin and Dick is Nightwing, it's just all very confusing.
The entire Joker story arc here was amazing. His face in every panel was so intense, so freaking creepy. Really strong ability to take your breath away and possibly give you nightmares.
In related news, the art for this book is far superior to the art for the first 2. Not that they weren't good, but this one blew that work out of the water.
The James back story was intensely disappointing, though. The story arc was great, but as far as villain origin stories, is played out. Sigh. The ending to that was amazing, but doesn't feel like a real ending. I guess I'll see in the next book.
Speaking of which, WTF is with Commissioner Gordon? I mean REALLY. You
Lastly, CATWOMAN! Who, for some reason, looked like Heidi Klum. Interesting. Also, LOVE HER. And yay for more on the Talon storyline. I love Mary, and want to know everything about her, and I want her to be a good guy eventually.
On to the next!
Though I didn't need them to understand what was going on, I REALLY want to know what the hell was going on. Plus, I don't know the DC comic lexicon, so I have absolutely no idea who Damian is, and why he's Robin and Dick is Nightwing, it's just all very confusing.
The entire Joker story arc here was amazing. His face in every panel was so intense, so freaking creepy. Really strong ability to take your breath away and possibly give you nightmares.
In related news, the art for this book is far superior to the art for the first 2. Not that they weren't good, but this one blew that work out of the water.
The James back story was intensely disappointing, though. The story arc was great, but as far as villain origin stories,
Spoiler
wah Mommy didn't love me enoughSpeaking of which, WTF is with Commissioner Gordon? I mean REALLY. You
Spoiler
see a Bat person holding your wife rather than, I don't know, slitting her throat, and your first assumption is she's a bad guy who must be arrested for murdering the psychopath that you raised? Gimme a break.Lastly, CATWOMAN! Who, for some reason, looked like Heidi Klum. Interesting. Also, LOVE HER. And yay for more on the Talon storyline. I love Mary, and want to know everything about her, and I want her to be a good guy eventually.
On to the next!
natopotato's review against another edition
5.0
Entre el arco de Joker y el de James no se con cual estuve más pegada a las paginas. Enfrentar su pasado, su gran trauma junto a la familia de murcielagos me llenó de ansiedad. Mientras, enfrentar y detener a su hermano fue toda otra experiencia. Por momentos me cansaba e irritaba, James era un demente, pero un demente imbecil. Insoportable.
Aunque ahora sea "hija unica y huerfana" creo que llenarse las manos de sangre y tomar esas complicadas decisiones, termina siendo lo mejor. En este volumen se deja que pensar, tanto Joker como James eran/son dos personas peligrosas que repetirĂan el mismo ciclo de locura e infierno una y otra vez, lastimando a quien pueda, Âżdetenerlo de una vez por todas o volverlo a encerrar para que vuelva a huir? Algo moralmente complicado de responder.
Aunque ahora sea "hija unica y huerfana" creo que llenarse las manos de sangre y tomar esas complicadas decisiones, termina siendo lo mejor. En este volumen se deja que pensar, tanto Joker como James eran/son dos personas peligrosas que repetirĂan el mismo ciclo de locura e infierno una y otra vez, lastimando a quien pueda, Âżdetenerlo de una vez por todas o volverlo a encerrar para que vuelva a huir? Algo moralmente complicado de responder.
murphyc1's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. This book is excellent! I enjoyed this volume even more than the first two. Simone really nails this Batgirl's characterization after giving her a retconned origin in the first volumes. Really fantastic!
belle_fiction's review against another edition
5.0
My God, I LOVED this Volume! *swoons*
Death of the Family really cranks up the tension with plenty of action, hard-hitting graphics and punchy dialogue. We see Batgirl face the bastard who paralysed her for three years (Mistah J) and are once again reacquainted with his psychosis and the depths of his depravity.
We also learn that Barbara's brother, James Gordon Jr. is actually pulling the strings behind these hideous attacks and forcing his sister to relive nightmare after nightmare after nightmare.
This volume is brilliant for sooooo many reasons: firstly, it comes across as more mature (both in tone and the topics discussed), we learn a lot more about the extremely complex family Gordon dichotomy which is key to understanding why James Gordon Jr. became a homicidal maniac, we also learn the true relationship between Batman and the Joker which can also be extended to Batgirl and her brother (kind of) - the Joker knows that Batman will never kill him because without him, Batman would be nothing (Batman needs an arch-nemesis, someone who justifies him wearing the Bat-cape, the Joker gives him a sense of purpose, and both know it).
I always love these little insights into their characters because it forces you to reconsider their position on the superhero/villain spectrum - is Batman really so heroic after all? Are they actually on the same side and is it just a case of the Joker being at the extreme end? They actually do have a lot of things in common and I loved to see this facet of their characters explored.
Going back to the title character - Batgirl is as kick-ass as ever, and I really do empathise with Barbara and all of the shit she has endured. I think one of the most harrowing details concerns her paralysis, and with the Joker and her own brother threatening to put her back in the wheelchair, I am rooting for Batgirl on every single page. She is such a likeable, wonderful and inspiring character. I hope there are many more Batgirl volumes to come because she is simply an extraordinary creation!
golden_lily's review
4.0
Loved it. Death of the Family is going to haunt my nightmares. Embargo on reviews until October, then full details.
Read This Review & More Like It At Ageless Pages Reviews
Gail Simone’s has been changing what superhero comics mean. With characters who aren’t always strong or brave or composed, who deal with mental illness, insecurities, and all manner of issues we don’t generally get to see. LGB and T secondary characters. Comic books that pass the Bechdel test. I have stars in my eyes.
In the latest collection of her popular Batgirl series, (this is Batgirl IV, [fourth time the character has starred in a series of this title,] Volume 3, [third collected edition of Volume IV comics,]) Simone’s eponymous heroine crosses over with the rest of the Bat-family for the “Death of the Family” arc, as well as the continuation and conclusion of the plot that’s been slow burning over the last year, James Jr.
We start with Batgirl Annual #1, which seems out of place in continuity after Vol. 2, which left off after Night of Owls and with a cliffhanger for a new threat. Annual #1 is back in the middle of the Talon, dealing with the intersection of the female assassin from issue 9, Babs, and Catwoman. It makes the transition from Annual to issue 14 very abrupt. I will say the art for this issue is the most stunning; Admira Wijaya’s details are phenomenal.
From there, however, issues 14-16, as well as Batman 17, are extremely well integrated, flowing flawlessly. I could imagine this arc was written as a standalone graphic novel, rather than monthly serials. Batman 17 is one of the most horrifying comics I’ve read, and absolutely essential to understanding the previous three Batgirls. The full page with Joker, the cub, and the heart? Genuine nightmare fuel. It’s terrifying and psychological and really encapsulates the relationship between Bats and Jokes, while ramping up the insanity. A lot.
(But, even ending on a scary, cliffhanger-y note, we still get an adorable Bruce/Alfred scene. “Go to hell.” I love it.)
The next comic is a short from the Valentine’s special Young Romance, “Dreamer”. It’s included as a break between storylines, but they needn’t have bothered. Eight pages of Babs taking a break to mack on a normal dude, (a minor character from the Darkest Reflections storyline.) By the time we start to feel something for Ricky, (if we can, because again, eight pages and one of them is a pointless fight scene,) the comic is over. The writing doesn’t fit with the rest of the collection, the timeline is again messed about, and the art is only so-so. Young Romance was widely panned, so its inclusion in a serious trade is just confusing all around.
The second half of the book is a three-issue arc “ending” the family drama that’s been swirling since the reappearance of Barbara’s brother, James Jr. (Seriously, Barbara Sr. and James Sr. are the most uncreative parents.) If you read Vol. 2, you’re familiar with why James’ showing back up is a Very Bad Thing. If you haven’t read that particular collection, you’ll probably be able to piece it all together fairly quick.
Again, this part flows well on its own, but it shines in the context of the collected volume, as James plays a part in Death of the Family as well. There are a few points that feel rushed, (Firebug, a minor villain who hasn’t been seen in 10 years, gets a brief two issue appearance where his motives aren’t well explained. He’s just a stalling tactic. Likewise, Alysia’s reveal seems extremely out of place in the context of the conversation she and Barbara are having. I feel like they were meant to do something else, but it got cut for length,) but overall the conclusion worked for me.
Exploring ideas of posttraumatic stress, revenge, and what makes a hero, it’s a heavy collection. I loved seeing Killing Joke canonized, (recanonized? Continued canonization?) and used to restore some of Bab’s agency after she was fridged to give Jim his motivation in the classic graphic novel. The parallels drawn between her and Batman, (and her dad from Killing Joke,) and again between her and James, aren’t heavy handed, but left me thinking. If it weren’t for the romance interlude, it would be a five star collection. As it is, I heartily recommend it to anyone following the Bat-family in the New 52. I would not, however, recommend it as a starting point for new readers. You’ll need to pick up Vols. 1 or 2 for that.
Read This Review & More Like It At Ageless Pages Reviews
Gail Simone’s has been changing what superhero comics mean. With characters who aren’t always strong or brave or composed, who deal with mental illness, insecurities, and all manner of issues we don’t generally get to see. LGB and T secondary characters. Comic books that pass the Bechdel test. I have stars in my eyes.
In the latest collection of her popular Batgirl series, (this is Batgirl IV, [fourth time the character has starred in a series of this title,] Volume 3, [third collected edition of Volume IV comics,]) Simone’s eponymous heroine crosses over with the rest of the Bat-family for the “Death of the Family” arc, as well as the continuation and conclusion of the plot that’s been slow burning over the last year, James Jr.
We start with Batgirl Annual #1, which seems out of place in continuity after Vol. 2, which left off after Night of Owls and with a cliffhanger for a new threat. Annual #1 is back in the middle of the Talon, dealing with the intersection of the female assassin from issue 9, Babs, and Catwoman. It makes the transition from Annual to issue 14 very abrupt. I will say the art for this issue is the most stunning; Admira Wijaya’s details are phenomenal.
From there, however, issues 14-16, as well as Batman 17, are extremely well integrated, flowing flawlessly. I could imagine this arc was written as a standalone graphic novel, rather than monthly serials. Batman 17 is one of the most horrifying comics I’ve read, and absolutely essential to understanding the previous three Batgirls. The full page with Joker, the cub, and the heart? Genuine nightmare fuel. It’s terrifying and psychological and really encapsulates the relationship between Bats and Jokes, while ramping up the insanity. A lot.
(But, even ending on a scary, cliffhanger-y note, we still get an adorable Bruce/Alfred scene. “Go to hell.” I love it.)
The next comic is a short from the Valentine’s special Young Romance, “Dreamer”. It’s included as a break between storylines, but they needn’t have bothered. Eight pages of Babs taking a break to mack on a normal dude, (a minor character from the Darkest Reflections storyline.) By the time we start to feel something for Ricky, (if we can, because again, eight pages and one of them is a pointless fight scene,) the comic is over. The writing doesn’t fit with the rest of the collection, the timeline is again messed about, and the art is only so-so. Young Romance was widely panned, so its inclusion in a serious trade is just confusing all around.
The second half of the book is a three-issue arc “ending” the family drama that’s been swirling since the reappearance of Barbara’s brother, James Jr. (Seriously, Barbara Sr. and James Sr. are the most uncreative parents.) If you read Vol. 2, you’re familiar with why James’ showing back up is a Very Bad Thing. If you haven’t read that particular collection, you’ll probably be able to piece it all together fairly quick.
Again, this part flows well on its own, but it shines in the context of the collected volume, as James plays a part in Death of the Family as well. There are a few points that feel rushed, (Firebug, a minor villain who hasn’t been seen in 10 years, gets a brief two issue appearance where his motives aren’t well explained. He’s just a stalling tactic. Likewise, Alysia’s reveal seems extremely out of place in the context of the conversation she and Barbara are having. I feel like they were meant to do something else, but it got cut for length,) but overall the conclusion worked for me.
Exploring ideas of posttraumatic stress, revenge, and what makes a hero, it’s a heavy collection. I loved seeing Killing Joke canonized, (recanonized? Continued canonization?) and used to restore some of Bab’s agency after she was fridged to give Jim his motivation in the classic graphic novel. The parallels drawn between her and Batman, (and her dad from Killing Joke,) and again between her and James, aren’t heavy handed, but left me thinking. If it weren’t for the romance interlude, it would be a five star collection. As it is, I heartily recommend it to anyone following the Bat-family in the New 52. I would not, however, recommend it as a starting point for new readers. You’ll need to pick up Vols. 1 or 2 for that.
adorkablyrini's review
4.0
I desperately need to read ALL of the books in this story arc. Like really completely.
I feel like, as far as Batgirl is concerned, we don't get much of the impact of what the death of the family actually means. And then all this with Daimen. It's mentioned, but we don't really get to see the damage from it. And I guess I wanted a little more of the PTSD type issues with Joker's return, but I realize there's limited time and space and the story needs to move forward. (And yes, we've touch upon some of these issues in earlier volumes.)
And not to knock Ray Fawkes, but OMG I just really love Gail Simone's writing... and when it wasn't her writing the issue, I was completely longing for her. I just think she handles Babs so completely well.
AND, well, the story from Young Romance #1 - eh, not really a fan of it. Felt out of character for her. Just my option and all... and of course, it wasn't Simone writing that one... But I forgot initially that the story was from Young Romance and vocally expressing my distain while reading it. (Sorry Fawkes, I'm sure you're great with other characters... but yeah...)
I feel like, as far as Batgirl is concerned, we don't get much of the impact of what the death of the family actually means. And then all this with Daimen. It's mentioned, but we don't really get to see the damage from it. And I guess I wanted a little more of the PTSD type issues with Joker's return, but I realize there's limited time and space and the story needs to move forward. (And yes, we've touch upon some of these issues in earlier volumes.)
And not to knock Ray Fawkes, but OMG I just really love Gail Simone's writing... and when it wasn't her writing the issue, I was completely longing for her. I just think she handles Babs so completely well.
AND, well, the story from Young Romance #1 - eh, not really a fan of it. Felt out of character for her. Just my option and all... and of course, it wasn't Simone writing that one... But I forgot initially that the story was from Young Romance and vocally expressing my distain while reading it. (Sorry Fawkes, I'm sure you're great with other characters... but yeah...)
winterlelie's review
3.0
A bit disappointed in this volume. I bought it thinking it would be just the issues from Gail Simone collected, but they also threw in some Batman issues. I get that the story is set in the same universe (probably, you never know with the multiverse), so it's inevitable that there'll be some overlap. I'm just not interested in Broody "Batman" McRichypants, which is why I don't read his title(s), so having him kinda take over this volume for a bit bummed me out. Nevertheless! Gail Simone's stuff was neat, and confetti for introducing a transgender woman of color in mainstream comics, that's awesome.
alice_digest's review
4.0
This series continues to be really GOOD! It's just so good!! And creepy.. Things get creepy in this one.
Now I don't ready any other DC titles so I'd got no idea what was going on with the whole Joker "dinner party" thing with the rest of the Bat Family.. That was lost on me, but it was creepy... and apparently the Joker's face got peeled off at some point and stapled back on? Gross.
It's James Gordon Jr that's the real villain here. He's got a lot of issues... and some plans for his sister.. Whenever he appears in a panel I always get shivers.
Now I don't ready any other DC titles so I'd got no idea what was going on with the whole Joker "dinner party" thing with the rest of the Bat Family.. That was lost on me, but it was creepy... and apparently the Joker's face got peeled off at some point and stapled back on? Gross.
It's James Gordon Jr that's the real villain here. He's got a lot of issues... and some plans for his sister.. Whenever he appears in a panel I always get shivers.