REVIEW: ‘Batgirl’ Issue 23

Batgirl Issue 23 is published by DC Comics. Written by Tate Brombal, art by Takeshi Miyazawa, Colors by Mike Spicer and Letters by Tom Napolitano.

Batgirl Issue 23 is part 2 of Week 2 of the Bad Seeds event. In this crossover, Cassandra Cain is instantly met with the deadly consequences. Batgirl Issue 23 explores what it’s like for those on the ground when the plants start taking over. The other books so far have struck at the heart of the crossover, with the heroes targeting the villains that have caused all the damage.

But Batgirl is in a Chinese restaurant with the supporting cast from her own series. We actually witness the overlap into the main book, when Batman’s message is broadcast across the Bat Family and the protectors of Gotham City.

That transition from normality to chaos is excellent, because then comes the reaction. Batgirl isn’t on her own; she’s surrounded by civilians, and that adds unpredictability and vulnerability. Her safe haven is shattered almost instantly, dragging her into danger. It makes Batgirl Issue 23 ominous and instantly engaging.

Things are not made easy for Cassandra in Batgirl Issue 23, and Brombal highlights just why she is so capable and respected among the Bat Family. She is extremely compassionate and understanding, willing to help everyone within the restaurant. And that’s with everything else going on.

Cassandra is very quiet, never talking too much or emoting heavily. It’s interesting to see the moment when she does panic and show distress. And it’s because she doesn’t have orders. Her role in this crossover and the destruction of communications means she’s going to have to think on her feet and make decisions.

Batgirl Issue 23 also dives deep into the concept of communities, and the good and bad aspects of catastrophic events on neighborhoods. Some seek to take advantage of financial crises, like Vandal Savage. But others will do anything they can to help with what they’ve got. Even though the supporting cast is new to me, and not much is done to introduce them or explain their connection to Cassandra for newcomers, they are brilliantly written.

They’re not people who are capable of everything like some scientists and sidekicks, and they have a sense of realism. There is medical knowledge, but not enough to perform miracle surgeries. And within the restaurant, the people in there aren’t just hysterical background noise; they have a direct impact on the direction of the story.

The art is terrific. One of the best aspects of Cassandra as a character is her design. For one, her entire face is covered by her mask, with the stitches serving as a lovely detail. So Miyazawa relies heavily on body language and posture to show Cassandra’s personality. The eye shape is also pivotal for this, with subtle changes affecting her reactions.

Cain is also very diminutive, with a unique movement style. This is evident during the first fight scene, where her training and athleticism shine. The plants are very creepy and nefarious in their design, doing damage in multiple painful ways. And they have already started to cover the streets in thorny vines, making the outside world all the more precarious.

The colors brilliantly capture what the restaurant is meant to represent. It’s bright and welcoming, whilst it’s suddenly getting very dark outside. The plants are a dark green instead of a brighter, more vibrant, friendlier set of shades. The lettering is very clear and easy to read.

Batgirl Issue 23 shows how the communities are getting crushed by the crossover. It’s one thing to see regular heroes fighting against villains. It’s entirely different to see regular people just fighting to stay alive. Batgirl Issue 23 forces Batgirl to make her own missions and take responsibility, really struggling in a daunting situation. All of Gotham is being encased in killer plants, so it’s important to find out what’s happening on individual streets.

Batgirl Issue 23 is available where comics are sold.