She's no barrel of laughs, but then, neither is her mentor.

March 2, 2000

ISSUE #2
Ah, basic black. Writers: Scott Peterson and Kelley Puckett Penciller: Damon Scott Inker: Robert Campanella (Click on the image to see a larger version)
	REVIEW: Batgirl delivers a second solid offering this month, a lovely self-contained story that illustrates her conflicted personality very well. On the one hand, she's still something of a cypher, weaving in and out of dangerous situations with silent grace. On the other, as we watch her come to the aid of an endangered good samaritan, we get clues as to what's actually going on inside her head. Also, Barbara Gordon continues to provide a nice counterpart to Batgirl's moody silence -- she's basically in the shoes of the reader, alternately frustrated with and fascinated by Batgirl. The story is very simple (and you thought such a feat was impossible in the world of comics): Batgirl saves a local do-gooder from a bunch of thugs, then comes to his rescue again when he's kidnapped. The subtle, tragic ending has an effect on her that could lead to the next step in her shaky development as superhero. Overall, it's understated and gloomy without being relentlessly morbid. Not bad for a second issue, eh? --Sarah Kuhn
	Recommendation:	BUY IT!

ISSUE #1
Not Alicia Silverstone. Writer: Scott Peterson and Kelley Puckett Penciller: Damion Scott Inker: Robert Campanella (Click on the image to see a larger version)
	REVIEW: Though you may not be able to tell from the mysterious cover, this Batgirl bears absolutely no resemblance to Barbara Gordon or Alicia Silverstone. Instead, she's a strong, silent type (not unlike the big Bat-guy himself), a deceptively tiny young lady who was trained by a master assassin. She's apparently very intelligent, but doesn't possess a capacity for language, and, therefore, doesn't speak (see, we really meant "silent"). Anyway, Batman and Barbara have set about training her in the crime-fighting ways, and this makes for some excellent rapport among the three of them. Batgirl's whole deal (mysterious, deadly orphan) could easily be reduced to a pack of cliches and a been-there-done-that kind of read, but this character-driven dynamic gives it a fresh spin -- especially since Batman himself isn't exactly Chuckles the Clown. Damion Scott's pencils are also very nice and give the book an appropriately movement-heavy look, and he does an especially nice job with Batgirl's steely facial expressions (very important -- again, because of the whole not speaking thing). We'll see how well all of this holds up in the coming months, but so far, the character dynamics and the endless possibilities within Batgirl's character make it one entertaining ride. --Sarah Kuhn
	Recommendation:	BUY IT!

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