andrewb626's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
psykobilliethekid's review
3.0
This was okay. The stories, characters and plot were good and kept my attention but some of the writing was just...well...bad. There were points when I was thinking "How was this approved? It's really bland or too wordy or just meh." I understand the inner monologue was needed often but there were times that I wish it wasn't there and the panels were the only things present. Not sure if I want to read the next volume or not. It will probably depend on my mood at the time.
livani's review
2.0
The worst part of this book, by far, is how much it invalidates the importance of Barbara’s time as Oracle, and erases both Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain’s legacy under the Batgirl mantle. It sucks especially hard knowing how much Gail Simone loves and cares for Barbara and Oracle.
belle_fiction's review
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 :)
dominicangirl's review
adventurous
dark
fast-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
4.0
snazel's review
4.0
I am deeply, deeply suspicious of DC, but this was really good. It dealt with recovery and survivor's guilt, in addition to making me really love Barb and Nightwing, and having a bunch of awesome action.
I still don't trust DC, but I might — tentatively— trust Gail Simone.
I still don't trust DC, but I might — tentatively— trust Gail Simone.
rhganci's review
5.0
The surprise winner of the first volume run of New 52 is BATGIRL: THE DARKEST REFLECTION by Gail Simone and Ardian Syaf, which knocks comic book storytelling out of the park in every regard. As excited as I was to see Barbara Gordon return to the Bat-family as Batgirl, I did not expect it to be as good as it is, itself a perfect microcosm of the New 52 itself and a perfect relaunch for what might already be the best version of the character to date.
The premise of Simone's story is simple: she answers the question of how a newly-healed former paraplegic returns to high-flying, crime-fighting ways physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through all six issues of this collected volume, that answer simply states: slowly. The two chief villains against which Barbara fights are reflections of her in a key aspect or two, carrying an inner conflict through to the very last panel on the very last page that is unique to Simone's story here. Barbara narrates not as a female junior Batman, but rather as a during-therapy shooting victim, one whose parentage and involvement with crimefighters in Gotham City has motivated her to move a little faster than her body or mind is ready for. The disconnect between emotion and reason really makes this story sing, especially in the light of accidents or instances of victimization, which become non-intrusive universal themes that Simone handles deftly, expertly, and subtly, keeping enough focus on the detective stories that carry Barbara forward in her return to Gotham. These issues communicate all of the things that great hero tales should, and manage to deal not only with Barbara's reclamation of the Batgirl mantle, but also of Barbara herself, as she looks for a job, a companion, and a place to live.
Additionally, the art of Adrian Syaf made the action sequences come alive on a par with JUSTICE LEAGUE V., with a Barbara Gordon color aesthetic that redacts Gotham into a version that champions Batgirl over Batman. The sky is always shot through with a shade of purple, the buildings with a burnished gold, and nothing else gets the shade of red that Barbara's hair does, to the effect of it always popping off the page distinctly. The combat sequences make use of Barbara's character model, and her ballet-background and feminine litheness, with less heavy-hitting uppercuttery than the rest of the Batbooks (Simone actually uses that distinction as a plot device in the middle movements of the tale). All of these things work together to the effect of reconstructing and rebooting a Bat-family figure that, while I have enjoyed her in the past, I considered a B- or even C-list character. Gail Simone's new vision of the character takes hold of the potential a figure so deeply connected to both the chief characters and setting of the Batman mythos, and constructs with her and her context a story to rival any being told in the first six months of the New 52.
The premise of Simone's story is simple: she answers the question of how a newly-healed former paraplegic returns to high-flying, crime-fighting ways physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through all six issues of this collected volume, that answer simply states: slowly. The two chief villains against which Barbara fights are reflections of her in a key aspect or two, carrying an inner conflict through to the very last panel on the very last page that is unique to Simone's story here. Barbara narrates not as a female junior Batman, but rather as a during-therapy shooting victim, one whose parentage and involvement with crimefighters in Gotham City has motivated her to move a little faster than her body or mind is ready for. The disconnect between emotion and reason really makes this story sing, especially in the light of accidents or instances of victimization, which become non-intrusive universal themes that Simone handles deftly, expertly, and subtly, keeping enough focus on the detective stories that carry Barbara forward in her return to Gotham. These issues communicate all of the things that great hero tales should, and manage to deal not only with Barbara's reclamation of the Batgirl mantle, but also of Barbara herself, as she looks for a job, a companion, and a place to live.
Additionally, the art of Adrian Syaf made the action sequences come alive on a par with JUSTICE LEAGUE V., with a Barbara Gordon color aesthetic that redacts Gotham into a version that champions Batgirl over Batman. The sky is always shot through with a shade of purple, the buildings with a burnished gold, and nothing else gets the shade of red that Barbara's hair does, to the effect of it always popping off the page distinctly. The combat sequences make use of Barbara's character model, and her ballet-background and feminine litheness, with less heavy-hitting uppercuttery than the rest of the Batbooks (Simone actually uses that distinction as a plot device in the middle movements of the tale). All of these things work together to the effect of reconstructing and rebooting a Bat-family figure that, while I have enjoyed her in the past, I considered a B- or even C-list character. Gail Simone's new vision of the character takes hold of the potential a figure so deeply connected to both the chief characters and setting of the Batman mythos, and constructs with her and her context a story to rival any being told in the first six months of the New 52.
kvcatnip's review
5.0
Re-read this because I love Gail Simone’s writing and I love Batgirl so much. This is a comic sweet spot for me, a home. This comic and this character changed me as a person. There are parts of Babs I identify with. There are parts of her that I want to be. But always, always - she inspires me. Her determination and strength, her cleverness and bravery - all of it. That’s my Batgirl.
angelwolf45's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this comic graphic novel. I liked the story and how Batgirl is trying to do her own thing and saving people on her own.
In this book it is about Barbara Gorden and how she is recovering from an injury that left her unable to walk but after about 3 years she is able to walk again due to a procedure that has been helping her to get back to being independant. She goes back to being Batgirl and she is going to go up against some new (to me) villians.
I loved how she wants to be able to trust those around her again. That she wants to save Gotham from the criminals and has to get over a fear of getting hurt. It is a hard thing to learn but she is willing to put to rest her fear of anyone new. I really like how she decides to live with a woman she doesn't know to learn to trust people and that she does not have to fear that everyone is out to get her.
I am really excited to see how things go for her and that will happen to her next as the series continues. It was fun being with Batgirl.
In this book it is about Barbara Gorden and how she is recovering from an injury that left her unable to walk but after about 3 years she is able to walk again due to a procedure that has been helping her to get back to being independant. She goes back to being Batgirl and she is going to go up against some new (to me) villians.
I loved how she wants to be able to trust those around her again. That she wants to save Gotham from the criminals and has to get over a fear of getting hurt. It is a hard thing to learn but she is willing to put to rest her fear of anyone new. I really like how she decides to live with a woman she doesn't know to learn to trust people and that she does not have to fear that everyone is out to get her.
I am really excited to see how things go for her and that will happen to her next as the series continues. It was fun being with Batgirl.
amydieg's review
4.0
Gail Simone you are my hero. I was so worried taking Barbara Gordan out of her wheelchair was going to just be a lame cop out. Instead its an interesting layer to add to the character, a real issue with repercussions she has to deal with. I'll be keeping up with this one.