Batgirl #2 is written by Tate Brombal and published by DC. Artwork is by Takeshi Miyazawa and colours by Mike Spicer, letters are by Tom Napolitano. Main cover art (left) is by David Talaski.
Batgirl #2 is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology right here.
Synopsis
With Lady Shiva gravely wounded and Batgirl refusing to join her mother’s cause, the two seek refuge in the unlikeliest of places while the mysterious Unburied continue to hunt them—just as their deadly leader finally emerges from the shadows. Lives are at stake, but it wouldn’t be a killer face-off without some casualties!
Review
After I gave Batgirl a five-star review for its debut issue the pressure was on for issue #2 to build on those sturdy foundations. Coming in to issue #2, with The Unburied established as a villain and Cass on the run with her mother, I was ready to see Tate Brombal and Takeshi Miyazawa start to dig in to the detail and get down to business.
Batgirl #2 picks up right where we left off with Cass and Shiva facing down The Unburied ninjas at the Shiva Temple. Miyazaki is up to bat first with more incredible visuals as mother and daughter fight tooth and nail for their lives as the building burns around them. It’s the polar opposite to the stillness which brought us in to issue #1. Brombal gives the assist through Cass’ internal voice which continues to be our insight in to her process.
This issue finds Cass a little more reflective as we move through Brombal’s second chapter she’s forced to begin confronting her feels about her mother. But when she also loses control of the situation, Cass is also faced with the weight of failure and loss. We’re going on a full rollercoaster as Brombal beings to broaden our understanding of the character and the corner of Gotham which she inhabits. Having effortlessly proven his understanding of Cass with issue #1. Brombal is taking the first tentative steps towards fleshing out her world this month. The inclusion of Ba Bao and her family finally gets the ball rolling on giving Cass a supporting cast of her very own. It opens the door to plenty of exciting possibility for the future as gain more insight in to Cass’ world.
But having Cass and Shiva retreat to Bao’s restaurant doesn’t just give Brombal the opportunity to explore a new corner of Gotham. It also gets us right to the heart of the relationship between these two characters. As we begin to explore the emotional chasm between them, Bao’s warmth and affection for Cass challenges Shiva’s perception of her daughter. Brombal capitalises on a breather from the action to show a tender side of each of these women. It’s a chance to get under Shiva’s skin, a rarity in any storyline. But also to show the ways in which Cass gives back to the community which has protected her. The world-building around Cass is exquisite. At two issues in I couldn’t be more excited about the direction of travel.
READ MORE: Talking Cassandra Cain’s BATGIRL With Writer Tate Brombal (EXCLUSIVE)
But let’s be honest. We have a way to go in this story so whilst both Cass and Shiva take steps towards building a relationship. It still comes with pitfalls. Namely a new big bad, Kalden the Unseen. Kalden makes his presence felt on the page thanks to Miyazawa’s hulking design. But the softly spoken leader of The Unburied is more than hired muscle. It’s clear Brombal is setting up Kalden as Cass’ first major foe in this run. The mayhem at Bao’s restaurant cleverly breaks out right as we’re about to learn what Kalden might be after. But even before the chaos there’s still enough time to set him up as a formidable foe.
Brombal’s narrative is moving along at a healthy pace. As issue #2 draws to a close it feels like all the setup is complete and we’re ready to really get to the meat and bones of the story. Our villains pose a real threat with their motivations still a mystery. Our hero has been broken which leads to a striking panel from Miyazawa as mother and daughter escape Gotham for pastures unknown. It’s a bold and downbeat ending for issue #2 which is as gripping as it is heartbreaking.
Verdict
Batgirl #2 is a captivating balance of action and character. Tate Brombal is taking Cass (and us!) on a rollercoaster ride. With her world rocked by the arrival of a new villain, we might finally see Batgirl learn to trust her mother. The prospect of exploring their relationship alone is enough to propel the story in to issue #3.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
