REVIEW: ‘Batgirls,’ Issue #19

With all of The Hill’s residents turning out to support the Batgirls against their would-be killer, Steph and Cass search desperately for their target before another person gets shot. But with a counter sniper out their looking to do in their perp, the situation couldn’t be much more complicated in Batgirls #19, published by DC Comics, written by Becky Cloonan and Michael W Conrad, art by Robbi Rodriguez, colors by Rico Renzi, and letters by Becca Carey.

It’s been a tough month for coverage — first Captain Marvel ends, and now my favorite series of last year wraps up after only 19 issues. While disappointing, there’s solace to be found in that both series were allowed to have greate endings that live up to everything that made their series so engaging. At it’s shorter run, it’s no small feat that Batgirls #19 manages to do this because there’s plenty of aspects to explore that made it such a special series.

The strongest element of this book, as it has been for the entirety of the run, is the chemistry between the Batgirls. From Babs’s level-headed support, Cass’s short, but to the point delivery, to Steph’s world-class banter, Cloonan and Conrad never fail to have every exchange between our heroes equal parts entertaining and meaningful. Despite having entered the world of DC Comics at vastly different times and ways, how they come together in this book suggests their career trajectories were mean to eventually intertwine.

While the interpersonal play between the book’s stars is wonderful, Batgirls #19 also brings with it a strong conclusion to the narrative. The identity of their shooter is revealed, and while the motives behind the attacks aren’t as original as they could be they at least manage to seve the story.

The final confrontation with their assailant lets Rodriguez deliver one more action sequence that highlights the skill and wide range of tricks that Batgirl brings to the fray. The confidence in the way the body language depicts the character’s movements and attacks allow viewers to see how the battle is going to play out. This is an awesome moment, as this level of self-assuredness is a new development for the character.

Rodiguez’s art melds together with gorgeous colors from Renzi. The palate that the colorist utilizes makes the book truly pop with energy, equal to Stephanie Brown at her most hyperactive. The bright tones help to maintain the energy of the book, while not undermining the emotional moments that exist within its panels. This color scheme is also brought into the lettering by Carey, allowing the dialogue to blend in wonderfully with the art.

All of the amazing writing, art, and lettering design come together as Batgirls #19’s final pages play to to deliver a beautiful farewell to the readers who made it all the way to the end. It is a poignant moment that makes the reader feel like far more than a passive observer of the story’s events and in some way a companion and participant in the adventure. Which, I suppose is true. After all, without the reader, how would the adventure happen at all?

From its delightful personality, its excellently crafted action, and its meaningful, heartfelt goodbye, Batgirls #19 delivers everything fans of the series could ask for. A perfect ending for a fantastic series. Once a Batgirl, always a Batgirl.

Batgirls #19 is available now wherever comics are sold.