Life gets intense for Barbara in the newest issue of “Batgirl” as emotions and political opinions fly. Some Spoilers Ahead.
Written by Mairghread Scott
Illustrated by Paul Pelletier
Inked by Norm Rapmund
Colored by Jordie Bellaire
Lettered by Deron BennettThe plot picks up about a month after the surgery to repair the chip managing her spinal injury, Batgirl finds herself in a whirlwind of circumstances as the next chapter of this series springs forward in ‘Old Enemies’ Part One.
Scott makes a great decision to give us a little time jump in the new issue of “Batgirl.” Rather than seeing Barbara recovering physically from her surgery or re-treading plot threads we have seen many times over we get Babs back in action right away. She is a little unsure of how her body will hold up, but is confident enough to jump back into her batsuit and get on a rooftop. Batgirl remains to be a perfect proxy, as one of the most likable and relate-able characters in any of the Bat-books, and jumping back into her story is as easy as ever.
As she is getting back into her groove, she is dealing with turmoil in more than one aspect of her life. Her father and the GCPD are under a corruption investigation by the city and a senator with whom Barbara finds to be the right woman for the job. While Babs is against the senator using him as a target for her campaign, their differing beliefs put her and Jim at odds at home. Stress runs high for both of them and it puts a toll not only on their personal relationship, but cop/vigilante relationship as Jim does not believe Batgirl has his or the police force’s best interest in mind. While these problems are growing, former Commissioner Jason Bard who did more than a few unsavory things to gain power years prior, including framing Jim Gordon for corruption rings in the GCPD, staying true to form he is using remaining power in certain circles to playing both sides of the political turmoil. Babs is also dealing with the next steps of her start-up company, Gordon Clean Energy and becoming a volunteer for the political campaign of Senator Alejo.
Topical while remaining relevant to the events in Gotham, this issue plays heavily on the political climate of the United States of the last few years. Opinions and emotions tearing apart happy families and relationships. Violence erupts in the streets at Alejo’s rally. The people of Gotham are scared and angry, and it shows.
Jim and Barbara at odds is not something that occurs often, especially when she is out of the batsuit, but seeing it here is upsetting in the perfect way. We love these characters and seeing them fight, both with understandable and plausible reasons, it hurts. They do not want to listen to each other and voices get raised right away. It hits those beats perfectly, but does not dwell on these moments, moving from scene to scene.
She continues to make this iteration of Barbara her own, while staying so true to what makes her a beloved character. With this, she continues to be one of the best authors behind the character. Writing an anxious and angry Jim Gordon is not an enjoyable change for the character, but it makes for an interesting read at this juncture. Characterizations aside, Scott’s writing is quick, but clear, detailed and planned out. She has no problem sweeping plot out of the way to make room for new ideas and stories. This could be distracting or poorly done in the hands of a lesser writer, but she moves things along perfectly.
Pelletier’s illustrations are gorgeous and wonderfully detailed. His work continues the modern DC aesthetic. Clear, bold lines and characters are perfectly crafted. His stuff lives in the same family as artists like Greg Capullo, Jim Lee, and Andy Kubert. Rapmund’s inks give the depth and weight to the pages allowing Bellaire to swoop in and get to work. As one of the best colorists currently working, she has a way of blending dream-like, wispy colors with gloriously multi-layered panels that somehow balance action and movement with steady, solid presentation. It makes for some of the best looking DC books out there and “Batgirl” is at the top of that list.
“Batgirl” #30 moves things in new directions, few pleasant, while clearing out, consolidating, and yes, referencing elements from the past. Exceptional storytelling and stellar artwork continues to make this series a must for everyone’s DC comics pull list.
Final Verdict: 7.5, A very good start to the new arc introduces political and emotional weight to a book that is still loads of fun, even with those heavier elements included.
