“Batgirl” #37 proves the previous two stellar issues were not a fluke. The new keepers of Barbara Gordon’s cowl bring a vitality to their story and art that continue to make it one of the best titles of 2014. Plus we get a fabulously glittery Batsuit!
Written by Cameron Stewart and Brenden Fletcher
Illustrated by Babs TarrThe Batgirl of Burnside is the name on everyone’s lips…but she sure is acting strange since she took up residence in Gotham City’s outer borough! Dangerous joyrides? Photo ops? Sequins? Either Barbara Gordon’s gone off the deep end – or there’s a doppelganger under that cowl!
Writers Brenden Fletcher and Cameron Stewart, artist Babs Tarr, and colorist Maris Wicks work seamlessly together, once again, to create an issue that is both irresistibly fun and intelligent. “Batgirl” #37 features an unexpected villain who has an even more unexpected identity. Anything is possible with a Batgirl doppelgänger on the loose and the answer to the mystery behind the imposter’s cowl is fraught with ideas that will have you reading the issue more than once. An insightful story, natural dialogue, distinct characters, striking art, and sparkling colors make for a book that is unlike any other on the stands today.
“Batgirl” #37 is not simply a visual wonder. It is surprisingly subversive as well. The creative team proclaim bold statements about the role of the artist, the meaning behind art, and the power (whether for good or bad) that art can hold over a society. The same idea applies to technology, as well, with the story dealing with the consequences of the melding of art and the power of social media. Fletcher and Stewart appear to effortlessly blend their story with Tarr’s art and Wicks’ colors in a way that gives the book a feel of importance behind the glitz and bright colors. The subject matter dealt with in the book is timeless, while, at the same time, Batgirl’s world is very 21st century. Art and message combine in a very appropriately flashy way.
Stewart and Fletcher make Barbara a relatable character without supplying us with an interior monologue. One of the main reasons they can dispense with her thoughts explicitly stated on the page is the interactions with the compelling (and still developing) supporting cast. The writers give Barbara a life outside the uniform. Qadir has an amusing scene with Batgirl when he displays his manipulation of tech that goes beyond even Barbara’s understanding. The dialogue is enough to express Barbara and her friends’ personalities. Every interaction in the issue seems real and everyone genuinely likes each other. The sense of humor of and natural banter between characters also have that genuine quality. Healthy relationships in a Bat book? It works splendidly in “Batgirl”.
Although the writers’ words are integral in the development of Barbara into a complex character, Batgirl would not be the same without Tarr’s individual artistic style. The expressions and body language fluctuate between that of both a “normal” young woman and a superhero. She can be flirtatious, bashful, and shocked. When the villain is revealed, the look on Barbara’s face is full of confusion and disbelief. The battle scene between hero and villain is splendidly choreographed and even cinematic in nature. This impeccable flow between panels is also the result of Stewart’s breakdowns. Both Stewart and Fletcher allow Tarr the freedom to visually bring Batgirl to life as a fully formed individual.
The panel layouts and Stewart’s breakdowns are relatively simple and allow Tarr to express her unique and extremely vibrant artistic voice. She deserves as much credit for telling the story as the writers. Tarr melds the fun and serious aspects of the issue through her kinetic art without letting the book delve into the overly outlandish and cartoonish. Yet that’s what makes her art so wonderfully contradictory and genius at the same time: she brings just enough of that cartoony element to the book that serves to entertain while telling a deeper story and fleshing out characters. Stewart and Fletcher require the over the top aspect of the villain to come through on the page but not overpower the story. The writers have a message and that message shines through in Tarr’s art in a way that puts a grin on your face while making you ponder greater societal issues.
Continued belowTarr’s audacious artistic vision is enhanced by Wicks’ equally singular use of color. The opening of this issue is evidence of how gloriously both art and color complement each other so perfectly. The imposter Batgirl’s outfit sparkles right off the page, with the purples and yellows contrasting brilliantly with her flowing red hair. The purple night sky contains neon colors in motion. It is amazing to behold how perfectly the colors seem so precisely and appropriately chosen to enhance Tarr’s art. And we’re only on the first page. In a quieter scene, Wicks is inventive with her choice of blue as Batgirl uses her genius intellect to solve a clue. Like Tarr, Wicks is artistically versatile and uses her palette to fit the scene.
Motion is an appropriate word to use when describing this issue. The humor, wit, intelligence, and action quickly fly by and the book is done before you can have a chance to absorb every aspect of its genius. Toward the end of this issue, I immediately saw a connection between this book and the “Batman” 1960s television series. That wit, outrageousness, and vividly bright nature could be the reason. Mostly, though, I saw the similarity in how the creators are having such pure fun with the book. “Batgirl” #37 proves a comic book can contain that same sense of fun while being intelligent and thoughtful. Holy Batgirl, indeed.
Final Verdict: 9.0 – “Batgirl” #37 continues to regale us with the adventures of a hero who has been rejuvenated and reborn through the vision of a creative team that truly loves the character. Fletcher, Stewart, Tarr, and Wicks create art while having a blast.
