Batgirl –The Flood

DC Comics (2010/2011) Run

Bryan Q. Miller (Writer)

Art Team 1= (Pencils) Lee Garbett, Pere Perez

Art Team 2= (Inkers) Jonathan Glapion, Richard Friend, Rodney Ramos, Pere Perez, Walden Wong, Trevor Scott

Art Team 3= (Colors) Guy Major

(Letters)Pat Brosseau, Travis Lanham, John J. Hill

(Cover Artist) Stanley “Artgerm” Lau

With a revamped DC Universe, there’s a new Batgirl. Stephanie Brown, inducted by Oracle (Barbra Gordon) thanks to a nod from Tim Drake (Robin III). Now she finds herself challenged by Gotham itself. From old Batman villains, to a few new ones she meets during her run in the night. An old enemy of the Birds of Prey rears its ugly mug, Calculator. But no thanks to fate Wendy (one of the villains kids) joins Oracle’s team. (Not knowing what and who saved her years ago) Plus a new detective joins GCPD, and works with Steph and her friends. (and has his own past to deal with)

So far this sums up the first two issues. But the ongoing tale is about Gotham falling to Calculator’s dark plan, with technology as his connection to the people. It becomes a no brainer on how he manipulates anyone with touch of a keyboard and some code. Odd part is, the code makes everyone turn into zombies, unaware of their surroundings only knowing to take on any hero left standing.

Next up, Clayface shows his handsome face in town, ready to dish some pain. And cause all sorts of trouble for the new Batgirl.

And it turns out that Steph is good friends with Supergirl (Kara). Upon her return from New Krypton, the two become fast friends. But a girl’s night out turns awry, when a certain vampire escapes from a film screen. And its up to these two heroic ladies to save the night.

Best part about this new series is the writing. As always its intense and always on the move. But it doesn’t feel rushed, its balance with action, suspense, and comedy. Plus the art is always something worth looking at every panel, especially with so much going on. And the covers are simply gorgeous, and definitely reflect on what’s happening in each issue.

Only letdown is that its just a few issues, but it leaves so much open to the reader. So much that they can’t wait to see what happens next.

Batgirl – The Lesson (2011)

Written by Bryan Q. Miller

Illustrated by Pere Perez

Covers by Dustin Nguyen

In this fun mini-series, Batgirl (aka: Stephanie Brown) formerly Spoiler with the Teen Titans. Still with the cape and cowl, dares to face danger with a smile on her face. But it’s the fact that each battle she’s fought so far is just a scrape of what its been like for Bruce decades ago. From college life, and dealing with a gang called “The Scythe” an organization made primarily of shadowy figures that push the minds of its followers to the edge. And Detective Gage comes to know “and love” the three amazing ladies behind the scenes of keeping Gotham safe.

All the while Steph also tails Robin (Damian) watching out for the youth. And kinda forgetting what its like to be a kid. Well Steph is the best one around (literally)

And before the curtain call, more enemies rush in from various continents. Leaving it to one more showdown between someone from her past versus the ladies of a certain hero organization that protects Earth.

The writing is brilliant, makes me wish that this Batgirl had her tv series. Just something about it works, its quirky, fun, and exciting. Plus the art is just easy on the eyes, but keeps you wanting to turn the page. I’d have to say, next to Babs, Steph is the best Batgirl around. (actually she would be a fun girlfriend to have too) Oops reality.