REVIEW: ‘Batgirl’ Issue #1

Batgirl #1 is published by DC Comics. Written by Tate Brombal, art by Takeshi Miyazawa, colors by Mike Spicer, and letters by Tom Napolitano. This issue is part of DC’s All-In relaunch. Cassandra Cain has always had a complicated relationship with her mother, Lady Shiva. But when a secret order targets both, they may be forced to work together.

This brilliant, self-contained Batgirl #1 stays with the main characters for the whole issue. It introduces the characters and then focuses on their tension. The conflict not only comes from the mother and daughter not trusting each other but also from outside forces. The pacing slows down during their conversations, highlighting their difficulties. But there are bursts of high energy when ninjas smash their way into the room and attack Lady Shiva and Batgirl.

Little is built around why they are being hunted, allowing the action to take over and drive the story instead. After the first fight, Batgirl and Shiva are on the move, looking for places to hide within Gotham to no avail. The book has explosive excitement, with a fantastic pace and structure that keeps the suspense high. Even within the first issue, the story has a rounded nature that makes it feel complete.

Repetition and patterns are essential to Batgirl #1. The exact words are brought up repeatedly, creating a rhythm to the book that fits the meticulous martial artists at the heart of the book in the captions. Batgirl often uses single-word sentences, three at a time. Sometimes, they have been mentioned before, but it creates a thumping pattern that fits Cassandra’s matter-of-fact way of speaking. The villains also repeat themselves. Uttering a mantra shows them as inhuman and peculiar.

It is also interesting to see two characters supposed to be related show such little love or emotion toward one another in Batgirl #1. Even when trying to protect her daughter, Shiva struggles to be maternal. Cassandra despises her mother, so there is friction from the beginning. And yet, this makes them similar. They are cold and cutting, delivering stern and severe lines within the issue. It is as if Brombal forces the two women to accept working together, with some hints of heart towards the end.

The art is sensational. Miyazawa reflects those fluctuations in the pacing. The body language of both women is phenomenal. Shiva is always standing tall, confident, and intense. Meanwhile, Batgirl is more petite, often crouched and alert. Although Cassandra has her entire face covered, more minor details in the shape of her eyes allow her intentions and emotions to speak. The fight scenes are wonderfully physical. The movement looks superb, with the skills of each fighter only matched by each other.

Batgirl #1 is a colorful first issue. There are often very bright background colors, showing single shades of yellow, red, and purple. The villains have vibrant costumes, with blue ninja outfits that fill the page. The sky is beautiful, with purple shades that give it more life than simply making it pure black. Batgirl’s costume is fascinating. Aside from a golden utility belt and a Bat symbol, the costume is all black. Yet subtle changes in the tone help define the shapes and textures. The lettering is stark and clear.

Batgirl #1 is a fantastic family drama. It may not seem so initially, with the complicated history stepping in the way of Batgirl and Shiva ever establishing a connection. The whole issue concerns how they talk to each other, trying to force them into working together. Brombal brilliantly writes about both women, never once straying from their famous severity and resolve.
But the intensity of the fire facing them is also starting to forge a partnership. The book is lively and vibrant but never strays away from the theme. Everyone, including Cassandra, obstructs Shiva’s attempt to protect her daughter.

Batgirl #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.