BATGIRLS #6 Review

Batgirls #6 is published by DC Comics and written by Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad. Art is by Jorge Corona, colours by Sarah Stern and letters by Becca Carey. The main cover art (left) is by Corona and Stern.

Batgirls #6 is available now in print and on digital where all good comics are sold.

Synopsis

With Babs kidnapped and tied down by Spellbinder, the Batgirls have to navigate through Tutor’s operations without an Oracle. Can Babs escape Spellbinder’s hypnosis before he’s done painting her to add to his collection of other drawings of beautiful young women?

Review

After five months and five blockbuster issues, Batgirls is wrapping up many of the plot threads of its first arc. Under the guardianship of Cloonan and Conrad our leads have navigated an irreverent, punk side of Gotham that has breathed new life in to each of them.

“One Way Or Another, Part 6” continues the high stakes, fast paced storytelling of the last couple of issues. The battle for Gotham now wages on three fronts as each of the Batgirls is separated and facing their own demons. Across this six-issue arc Cloonan and Conrad have shown us the best of these characters, together and apart. Here we get to witness them using their individual talents and coming back together in to a solid crime-fighting unit.

The writing team has proved time and again that they’re in touch with the fanbase who were crying out for a title like Batgirls. This issue, like those before it, doesn’t solely focus on the team in battle. Like any good season finale there’s time for the dust to settle and to witness Babs, Steph and Cass in civilian mode. The bond between them is evident throughout and reminds this ageing review of classic 00’s Birds of Prey in many ways.

The conclusion of the Spellbinder story itself is incredibly satisfying. No spoilers here but One Way Or Another, Part 6″ balances its character beats and action perfectly. As with any good season finale there is, of course, to take us in to the next Batgirls arc.

I’ve heaped praise on Jorge Corona and Sarah Stern’s artwork before. Batgirls is a truly unique book in the pantheon of DC. That punk attitude which Cloonan and Conrad bring to the story also bleeds in to the sharp colour palette and edgy imagery. This creative team is lightning in a bottle.

Verdict

Spellbinder’s reign of terror comes to a dramatic finish in an issue which masterfully balances three equally demanding and compelling leads.

⭐⭐⭐⭐