Such has become the success of the new direction of this series, that Batgirl now refers to more than a fictional character.  Those in the industry talk about Batgirl as a verb, as in “we need to Batgirl our female characters to appeal to younger female readers.”  While this has swept across the medium and affected a couple of character already (such as Spider-Woman) this leaves the actual Batgirl with maintaining the momentum for well-written female character which it started on its own, and by which it now defines its own success.

While the series has been a standout since the new direction, it is also not realistic to think that every single issue is able to maintain the same level of quality, but after starting its own wave, it is also by nature going to be under more scrutiny than other series.  What has given the series more depth is the diversity of its characters and the broader themes which the series explores.  The examinations of themes has generally looked towards the impact of social media in our lives, which is a pertinent question for younger generations as people increasingly live an online life.  While this series could do with an extension from that singular focus, it is still well handled, and the diversity of the characters throughout also deserves some praise.  This issue flounders a bit though by being a bit directionless in part.  As much can be expected as not every issue of a monthly can be pulse pounding, as some issues need to exist to set up future story lines.  That is essentially what this one is doing, especially after Barbara makes the important connection between the crime in Burnside and the loss of her research.

This issue is maybe not the best example of the new direction for the series and the character, but there is still nothing to especially to criticize, nor to cite as an example of why the spread of this new outlook on female characters will fail. Instead this remains one of DC’s most readable titles, and and probably especially so by non-fans of the medium.  Batgirl is a hero, but she is a person first, and this story never lets the reader forget that.

Story: Cameron Stewart and Brenden Fletcher  Art: Babs Tarr
Story:  8.4 Art: 8.4  Overall: 8.4  Recommendation: Buy