Batgirl #12 is written by Tate Brombal and published by DC. Artwork is by Takeshi Miyazawa, inks by Juan Castro colours by Mike Spicer and letters by Tom Napolitano. Main cover art (left) is by David Talaski.
Batgirl #12 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
An unexpected call from the Bat-Family brings Cass up to speed on the happen-ings in Gotham and pushes Batgirl to dive head first into a mystery far beyond thestreets she knows. What she uncovers is anything but expected. With new allies by her side, Batgirl must lead a dangerous mission to the snowcapped peaks ofthe Himalayas, where a war is brewing and long-buried secrets are waiting to beunearthed. The truth won’t stay hidden forever…but some answers come at a cost—especially when Nyssa al Ghul is involved.
Review
It’s time to kick off a brand new arc in this week’s birthday issue of Batgirl. As the book celebrates its one year anniversary writer Tate Brombal is feeling contemplative. Long forgotten aspects of Cassandra Cain’s past return to drive her story forwards. It marks an exciting new chapter for the book, embracing her legacy to solidify her series-lead status.
Batgirl #12 exists as a new jumping on point for readers. Whilst it’s still heavily embedded in Brombal’s sublime overarching narrative of Cass vs. The Unburied, there’s more than enough recap to onboard newbies. Genuinely so much has happened in the first year of Batgirl that it makes sense for Brombal to recap events at this point. We’ve reached a natural break as Cassandra and her team moves to a new location. The sheer fact the book is turning one year old is also enough to have anyone looking at the journey so far.
Admittedly even I can’t always remember every plot point exactly when I’m reading several complexly plotted books at the same time. So I’m grateful for the recap bringing me up to speed as Batgirl, Jade Tiger and Jaya reach Samsara. The beautiful hilltop paradise which marks the next stopping point on our journey to defeat the Unburied no… avenge… revenge? Deal with the loss of Cass’ mother aka Lady Shiva. But dealing with that loss and the very meaning behind Cass’ quest are the hottest of topics as year two gets underway.
I doff my cap to Brombal for what he’s been able to accomplish with this book thus far. Having proving his capability to connect with Cass and her audience. Now he’s showing us just how far back he can reach in her story to connect the dots. Batgirl #12 has a number of cameos ranging from the high profile to downright startling. Brombal reaches as far back as 2000’s Batgirl Annual #1 for deep cuts. Not only does it add real credibility to this book. It also gives real weight to Cassandra’s 26 year history. That kind of authenticity and validity isn’t afforded to every character and deserves its own applause.
My only hesitation is in seeing how many characters are introduced this issue. We’ve seen the book do this a number of times across its first year. Characters who appear for one or two issues as important supporting players in the moment. But whose longevity aren’t important to the overarching narrative. It makes Batgirl feel much more alive as a book, particularly when our lead isn’t the most communicative. In a way it reflects the global nature of Cass’ journey. But I’d like to see som key supporting characters given more time to develop moving forwards.
The added issue of Nyssa al Ghul should make for an interesting story moving forward. Nyssa represents another connection to Cass’ past but also neatly reflects Batman’s own journey with the League of Shadows. Brombal does a great job of reflecting Cass’ current feelings towards her mother’s apparent death against Nyssa own vengeful feelings. The puts Cass in a dangerous place, perfectly illustrated in the concern her loved ones back in Gotham share in this issue.
As is customary with Batgirl, Takeshi Miyazawa’s incredible artwork to leave us on a devastatingly cool cliffhanger which sees Cass adopting a dangerous new weapon of choice. One which signifies this potentially vengeful trajectory which she is heading towards.
Verdict
Tate Brombal celebrates Batgirl‘s first anniversary by kicking off a contemplative new arc that reaches deep into Cassandra Cain’s 26-year history. Batgirl #12 serves as an accessible jumping-on point into its rich and complex mythology.
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