Review: Batgirl #39
[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Cecil Castellucci
Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico
Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Letters: Andworld Design
Reviewed by: Sean Blumenshine
Summary
Batgirl #39: After learning about “The Offer” from Killer Moth, Batgirl is on the case to figure out who is behind the rise of the villains in the DC Universe! Meanwhile, the Terrible Trio has gained full control over Oracle and is forcing her to cater to their every whim. But what happens when their puppet decides to cut her strings? Could this be the end of the Terrible Trio?
Positives
The cover is cool. It depicts the manic nature of Oracle in this book well. And it looks great.
The interior art is solid. Carmine Di Giandomenico adds a cool style that feels consistent with how the book has looked since Babs left Burnside. It’s energetic and expressive. It’s also impressive because there is not a ton of action in this. The art has to be compelling in mostly dialogue scenes and the book succeeds at that.
I love Babs going down memory lane through Burnside. I really loved that run so it’s nice to go back and see that Batgirl had a positive impact on it while there still is work to be done. It was nice to see Frankie again as well. Giandomenico adds a nice touch with a shadow of Batgirl in almost every panel as Babs remembers her time there. It’s very cool.
The issue has a great ending. Oracle has felt somewhat disconnected from the book and this issue finally moves toward a conflict. Oracle’s “message” is brutal and dramatically well timed. It’s a great hook for the next issue.
Negatives
Batgirl is back in the Sean Murphy designed outfit that I hate. I was hoping it was finally gone but it came right back. I don’t even know why; that suit story wise was used because Babs was unable to get her Burnside equipment. She was staying with her dad and that makeshift costume was from when she first started. Why is she still wearing it? Maybe I’m alone on this but I think it looks awful.
Verdict
This is a solid issue. The art is great. I enjoyed seeing Burnside again and I think that’s a cool thing for Barbara to get to do. And Oracle’s revenge is taking shape in an interesting way that I’m excited about. I loved this issue.
