Reviews

Batgirl Vol. 2: To the Death by Kelley Puckett

fallingaster's review

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adventurous inspiring tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

dominicangirl's review

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

captain_katherine's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

vicinalgwen69's review

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5.0

She broke Shiva's sword with her hands. Also I love when she befriends the other Batkids

geewhizabbygee's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

tshepiso's review against another edition

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4.5

4.5 stars

This batgirl series continues to be absolutely excellent. This volume is primarily one and done standalone but they do a lot to build up Cassandra's relationships with the rest of the bat family. I particularly loved her dynamic with Spoiler and the slight tension explored between her and Robin. 

The big moment in the series is the final duel between shiva and batgirl and it was so satisfying on a character level. this volume as a whole is seeded in incredibly well-rendered contemplative character moments centred on Cassandra's guilt about murdering someone. and how that guilt manifests here and is mirrored with lady shiva was so satisfying to read.

I will say I do find this iteration of batman unlikeable. His cold gruff nation and absolute dedication to the "mission" make him feel virtually indistinguishable from David Cain in his relationship with Cassandra

What continues to be a delight for this series is its space ex. Cassandra as a protagonist is generally quiet and that allows this book to use visuals to convey character. this has led to some absolutely stunning moments uncluttered by dialogue or narration boxes and it's one of the things I absolutely adore about this series. there are so many excellent visual moments that use silhouette or expression or a number of other techniques to just wow me.

carroq's review

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2.0

I am not sold on Cassandra Cain as Batgirl. I don't have a problem with Barbara Gordon giving up the role to someone else (she does show up as Oracle in this book anyway). Cain just isn't an interesting character to me. She was raised to be the perfect assassin, and is trying to turn over a new leaf. She doesn't talk much and she can't read.

This book is loaded with action, but what's the point? It takes half way through before Batgirl is doing anything that seems to matter. The rest of the time she is stumbling through Gotham beating up random goons. Eventually, it leads into more of her background and her surrogate father shows up, which creates some tension. The end is satisfying though. Everything leads up to an encounter with Shiva, who challenged Batgirl to a fight to the death. Their relationship is probably the best part of the story.

I wasn't a huge fan of the art either. Given that the book is full of action, there are lots of lines to depict movement. However, I felt like this muddled the illustrations. I might have enjoyed this more if I had read the first volume featuring Cassandra Cain, but I don't think I would have gotten to this volume based on the art alone.

mapatchli's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

serenedancer's review

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4.0

I liked seeing more of Cassandra, as well as her relationships with Barbara, Stephanie and Bruce. I also liked the stories and the art, though sometimes it's a bit weird, especially on Robin.

I mostly wished the fight with Shiva was longer, it was only a few pages.

kpeninger's review against another edition

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4.5

I thought this was a stronger set of comics, delving into some of what drives Cass, and developing her relationships with other members of the Batfamily. I really want more Spoiler and Batgirl, and Robin (Tim) and Batgirl team-ups now.