Batgirl #15

Event\Storyline: Death of the Family Writer: Gail Simone Artist: Ed Benes Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: December 12, 2012 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 19 User Reviews: 12
7.8Critic Rating
8.5User Rating

A "DEATH OF THE FAMILY" tie-in!

  • 10
    Blue Raven Comics - Eric Scroggs Dec 15, 2012

    While I still consider Ed Benes to be my favorite Batgirl artist, Daniel Sampere does a fine job here, especially in his rendering of The Joker. Sampere really showcases just how insane the Clown Prince of Crime is in this issue, with some great facial expressions and random acts of violence. In short, this is probably one of Simone's best issues of her entire run, which is saying quite a bit. Shame on you, DC, for letting her go from this title. At least she's going out with the proverbial bang. 10/10 Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Comicosity - Matt Santori Dec 13, 2012

    No, regrettably, that moment will come next issue and I, like Babs, will be devastated, terrified, angry and thrilled in a terrible, glorious whirlwind. But Ill also be thankful for the journey in getting there. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    cxPulp - Terry Verticchio Dec 18, 2012

    This issue has to be one of the most menacing comics I've read in a long time. If it was anymore violent, Gail Simone would be arrested by the Quebec Police for corrupting the morals of society. I can't wait to see how this all ends. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Imagination Centre - John McCubbin Feb 26, 2013

    This was brilliant issue, and although not as good as the previous still an exceptionally good issue. I would highly recommend this issue, and the previous issue also. I am also looking forward to how this part of the story finishes in the next issue, and will be upset to see Simone leave the series after issue 17. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Read Comic Books - Tommy Lutz Dec 12, 2012

    The Batgirl series has been an emotional thrill ride thus far, and with Batgirl #15 being Gail Simone's second last issue of her incredible run, one can only expect that she will end it with bang. This Death of the Family story has been one for the history books, and everyone who worked on this comic does a fantastic job in carrying it out. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    The Pop Cultist - Josh Elliott Dec 12, 2012

    With Barbara Gordon back in costume and the Joker back in Gotham, this is the story that had to be written, and Gail Simone absolutely does it justice. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Crave Online - Iann Robinson Dec 14, 2012

    I find it curious that Jason Aaron fucked up both Wolverine and Incredible Hulk, Grant Morrison has shit-canned Action Comics, Tony Daniel couldn’t find a real voice for Detective Comics and David Finch nearly derailed Batman The Dark Knight, but none of them are fired. Even if they’re moved to different books, it’s handled with a lot more respect than Simone received here. A more cynical man, like myself, might believe it’s because she’s a woman writing strong female characters instead of victims. Regardless, DC have screwed the pooch hard this time and once Gail Simone leaves I will not pick up another copy of Batgirl. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ScienceFiction.com - Nicole Wander Dec 24, 2012

    Batgirl Issue 15 is enjoyable in its own dark way and well worth the read for anyone following DC's Death Of The Family storyline. I look forward to seeing where the story goes. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Vine - Sara 'Babs' Lima Dec 12, 2012

    Overall this was was pretty solid issue of BATGIRL and I am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next. Will Barbara marry the Joker? Will she show up at the chapel to see her mother has been killed? And where does her brother, James Gordon Jr. fit in? Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Gotham Spoilers - Gotham Spoilers Dec 12, 2012

    The I enjoyed the issue a great deal, that's for sure, but I can't help but feel those two points I mad, more so the Jr. one, really left a bad aftertaste, following what was a good meal. I just think there's a time and a place for a story involving James, and the slow burn they had going didn't benefit from having the heat turned up during the Joker story line. All things considered though, like I said, I got most of my enjoyment out of this issue due to the clear sense of enjoyment that anyone can tell Gail Simone had writing this issue. Gail's passion for the character is beyond question, and it's really evident in all the best ways here. Read Full Review

  • 7.9
    Entertainment Fuse - Kat West AKA Comic Uno Dec 13, 2012

    I thought this was a good issue. I think Batgirl is one of the best tie-ins for Death of the Family. So, if you love the Joker and have been enjoying Batman than I recommend you pick up this issue! Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Dec 19, 2012

    No matter what the future holds for this series Gail Simone looks to end her run on a high note as she proved with Batgirl #15. This is not just another tie-in book. Simone uses the situation presented to her with "The Death of the Family" event to explore the conflict between Batgirl and Joker. Daniel Sampere does a good job adding to the drama of the story with some intense and wicked expressions on various characters. If you are reading "The Death of the Family" make sure you pick up Batgirl #15. It is just as intense of a story as is being told in Snyder's Batman. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Batman-News - Andrew Asberry Dec 13, 2012

    I could say more but I don't want to spoil anything and frankly I'm rather exhausted from writing about a thousand words already and doing a 2,000 word Batman review. I think my reviews have been too long winded for a while now and I should rein it in a little. Or a lot. I'll just wrap things up by getting straight to the point and send you on your way: Batgirl #15 is an entertaining read, but it features an unnecessary flashback, art that doesn't fit the Read Full Review

  • 7.3
    IGN - Joshua Yehl Dec 12, 2012

    Yet the story carries on strong despite the art. Simone taps into a side of Batgirl we've never seen before, and every bit of it feels duly earned. Despite all of her hardships in the past year, Batgirl has always retained her spunky demeanor, but no more. Batgirl more than any other member of the Bat-family has generated the most apathy because Simone has you right there with her wanting to hurt the Joker for what he's done. With such a gripping and emotional run that has been well-received here at IGN by our reviewers and our community alike, it is a true shame that there are only a few precious issues to go before we see the last of Simone writing Batgirl. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comic Book Bin - J. Skyler Dec 14, 2012

    Batwoman still holds to the ideal that justice can be achieved without death, but Batgirl's personal violation(s) at the hands of the Joker skew that perception for her. She is willing to sacrifice everything to get her revenge. The question is, will she find her golden opportunity to take it? Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Newsarama - Aaron Duran Dec 13, 2012

    Apart from the core title, I'd assumed the Death and the Family arc would most effect Batgirl. Issue #15 gives me a little more to chew on, but Gail Simone is still missing the target. Although not by much, as most of the emotional intensity between Barbara and the Joker reads as genuine and intense Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    ComicList - Brandon Borzelli Dec 16, 2012

    Batgirl is an entertaining book and it has been for the entire run. However, the book is close to greatness and small things are keeping it from getting there. Sadly, with Simone's run coming to a close it is unlikely we will see the book mature to the greatness level I believe Simone would have guided it towards eventually. This is a creepy comic book but is the kind of thriller that you probably won't be able to put down. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Wombat Dec 13, 2012

    I adore Gail Simone. I really do. (Commitment not to gush: BROKEN.) Not only is she a wonderful and admirable person, she's a gifted and powerful writer; and I'm not employing even the slightest exaggeration when I say that. But I think her innate ability to write dynamic characters was squelched by the overbearing plot of the currently-running Death of the Family crossover. As a part of the bigger picture, this issue fits perfectly. As a single issue, it falls a bit short. I highly anticipate Simone's future work; both the closing of her Batgirl run and her independently published graphic novel Leaving Megalopolis. (So. Excited.) I also am desperately hoping and praying for the return of Secret Six—because I'm allowed to dream. This issue, however, has nothing that makes me root for Simone so much as it makes me chant for the overthrow of DC's editorial staff...Y'know. For reasons other than the obvious. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    Comic Booked - Jeff Hill Dec 13, 2012

    My biggest issue with this comic is the writing. Its simply not interesting, compelling, or new in any way. Lots of other more talented writers have already told this story, and theyve done it better. Much like Catwomans confrontation with the Joker, unfortunately this one just sort of fell flat. Unless Simone pulls the preverbal rabbit out of her hat for the last few part and epilogue of her contribution for this crossover (and her run on the title), Ill remain unimpressed and continue to support DC removing her from this, what should be the second strongest Batman family book. Perhaps she will surprise me, but I highly doubt it. Ive simply been burned too many times in the past by her lack of follow-through with stories that should have been important but simply ended up being worthless. Read Full Review

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