Batgirl needs some work as a hero. I guess it fits the back story.  She is just recently back with the use of her legs and back ‘in the superhero biz’ as she says. But she does make some big mistakes.  Besides last issues ‘choke’ where a cop is shot because of her.  This time she overshoots her velocity and almost kills Mirror and herself.  She gets fooled by Mirror into helping him.  She barely saves herself from a fall and hits a taxi.   And takes on Mirror in a cemetery despite being out of shape.  All this in one issue.  I guess we are seeing her evolve (re-evolve) into the hero we expect, but it does seem a bit irresponsible.

There are some good story elements.  I like Gordon’s reaction to the news that Batgirl is back.  I liked how Barbara can’t go to the hospital and can’t explain her bruises.  I even liked the scene with roommate, but some of it seems a bit soapy to me.  Why do we need to see the cop’s reaction to her partner’s death?  Why do we get so much about the roommate?  Why do we see the date with the therapist?  I’m not sure how these tie into the story.  Simon does a great job with the characters.  With a little, she is able to create memorable characters.  I even felt I understood the caby.

I guess a good villain brings out aspects of the hero.  The Joker brings out Batman’s sanity, while the Riddler brings out his detective skills.  I guess the Mirror brings out Batgirl’s survivor guilt. She uses it to fight crime, while he uses it for mayhem. I’m still not sure I believe it would change a man like that? But I understand his use a villain.

The art continues to be mixed bag, with mostly good.  Although there was one scene that made me laugh.  Batgirl was exclaiming how beautiful Gotham looked after a rain, while the scene below is a graffiti filled pit.

B  -   Don