Batgirl #4 Review

Batgirl #4

Written by Bryan Q. Miller; Art by Tim Levins and Lee Garbett; Cover art by Phil Noto

There’s always a mix of fear and excitement when a new story arc begins. If the last one was amazing – like the last three issues of Batgirl – then you’re hopeful it will continue to rock your world but on the other hand, it could begin a string of horrible excuses for comic writing.

Not so in Batgirl #4. Miller took a different approach in this issue. The first three dropped you right into the life of Stephanie Brown and showed you the current dilemma and villain she was battling. This issue (being minor spoilers… now) steps back a little and shows you sort of a day in the life of Batgirl. It was a getting to know you type of story.

Gotham is in the midst of a city-wide black-out and we follow Batgirl as she sweeps through town, defeating looters, purse snatchers and oddly enough, Livewire, who is a Bludhaven villain. Not only do we follow Batgirl, but the pages alternate between Oracle and her father, with some really great connecting dialogue that shows some of the family traits. In my opinion, this is something that Batgirl has going for it: so far, everything is tying together. I have yet to find a plot hole or some strange loose end.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read. If you weren’t sold on Ms. Brown as being Batgirl, I think this helped to persuade. She’s getting the hang of her job and we’re becoming entrenched in her life and her fight for justice, as we did other Bat heroes. At least, I am.