Comic Review: Batgirls #4

DC Comics

Art by: Jorge Corona

Written by: Michael Conrad, Becky Cloonan

As a stranger to the DC universe, I can’t tell you the elaborate history of Gotham’s various Bat-ladies. I have to assume there have been multiple Batgirls, and at least a couple Batwomen. I don’t know the expansive histories of Cassie Cain or Stephanie Brown. But I know what it looks like when a team comes together, which has been happening during this opening Batgirls arc. And I sure know what it looks like when two hurt, conflicted characters find solace and friendship in one another. It’s a beautiful thing!

The writing in Batgirls #4 continues to be snappy and efficient without falling into the traps of awkward, forced humor. Cassie is a great example–readers get the sense that she is an outcast who lacks social understanding. But she’s not written like a cave woman or alien.

That said, I find the captions in Batgirls to be too referential. Unlike a Gwenpool or Squirrel Girl story, I’m struggling to understand what about Batgirls accommodates this style of narration. It might seem minor to some, but passing remarks from the narrator like “You’re a great reader, by the way,” feel out of place.

But these minor transgressions aren’t enough to detract from the admirably layered plotting and, more importantly, Jorge Corona’s stunning art. Designs, poses, layouts–it’s tough to know where to begin with Corona, though his atmospheric backgrounds are integral to the book’s distinct presentation of Gotham. 

However, it would be a disservice not to highlight Corona’s take on Cain and Brown’s respective Batgirl suits. A particularly eye-catching sequence shows the pair gliding and roofing it across the city. The two appear not as superheroes or even bats, but shadows, stylish apparitions of justice.

The issue’s climactic events introduce a few wrinkles to be ironed out by the Batgirl family as the “One Way Or Another” story draws to a close. That said, it is the aforementioned emotional core that brings the fourth issue to such a satisfying conclusion, as both Cassie and Stephanie come to appreciate the many benefits of having a best friend.