Batgirl

• Title: Batgirl #24
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Bryan Q. Miller
• Artist: Pere Pérez

Writer Bryan Q. Miller’s run on Batgirl comes to an end. Barbara Gordon may be back in the Batsuit starting next month, but Miller sends out Stephanie Brown out in style with almost everything you’d could ask for. Issue #24 includes a terrific final page that not only neatly wraps up the series, and says goodbye to the character, but also fits so naturally into the tone of a comic that’s been one of DC’s best for two years now.

He even manages to squeeze in a cameo for Damian. I’m just sad he didn’t have 20 extra pages to say goodbye to all of Stephanie’s friends and supporting cast as well.

The issue begins with Batgirl confronting her father, the Cluemaster, who’s been behind the Reapers since the beginning and has transformed the Black Mercy into a weaponized hallucinogen. We see the aftereffects of the drug on Stephanie’s system later (in some terrific full-page panels by Pere Pérez), but not before Miller delivers a heartwarming scene between Steph and her mother who has discovered, and come to terms with, Stephanie’s latest alter-ego.

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Batgirl #24Read More »

• Title: Batgirl #23
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Bryan Q. Miller
• Artist: Pere Pérez

After returning from her short European adventure Batgirl jumps right back into action as the Reapers come out in force. How do you take on a small army of sociopaths in armored suits? If you’re Stephanie Brown you call in a few friends.

I love this comic. Seriously, the one thing I’ve been wanting for Stephanie Brown is to have her own team (like the Teen Titans). And writer Bryan Q. Miller gives me everything I asked for and more. It may be for only and handful of pages, but damn it’s good. It’s a shame the DC reboot is going to kill this team after only a single adventure.

As awesome as this final battle is (with a damn fine cliffhanger as Batgirl discovers the shocking identity of the man behind the Reapers’ attacks), there are also a couple of nice contemplative moments as Steph deals with the death of the Grey Ghost and her of conversations with her favorite GCPD Detective.

Pick this issue up. My only complaint is there’s only a single issue left, but I have a feeling Mr. Miller is going to have Stephanie Brown go out in style. I would expect nothing less. Must-read.

[DC, $2.99]