Batgirl #35

Writer: Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher Artist: Babs Tarr Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: October 8, 2014 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 39 User Reviews: 28
7.8Critic Rating
6.8User Rating

Barbara Gordon is no stranger to dusting herself off when disaster strikes so when a fire destroys everything she owned, she spots the opportunity for a new lease on life and seizes it! Following the rest of Gothams young adults to the hip border district of Burnside, Barbara sets about building an all-new Batgirl and discovers all-new threats preying on her peers! Its a re-invention of Batgirl from the boots up, by the incredible creative team of Cameron Stewart (BATMAN INC.), Brenden Fletcher (WEDNESDAY COMICS), and rising star Babs Tarr!

  • 10
    Comicosity - Matt Santori Oct 8, 2014

    Look, this isnt the same Batgirl story youve been reading for three years. It isnt the Batgirl story before that, or the Barbara Gordon from the late 70s either. But it is Barbara Gordon, and damn if it isnt a great story and presentation to add to the bevy of awesome stories about this young lady. Brash, determined, fraught with challenges, uber-smart, dangerous in a battle, and not nearly ever perfect this is our next big Batgirl story, and I think Im going to enjoy every minute of it. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Newsarama - Jake Baumgart Oct 9, 2014

    The artist feels like the combination of Becky Cloonan and Kate Beaton which is sure to make her popular with a younger audience - the people this book was made for. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Book Nuts - Jef Mendoza Oct 13, 2014

    Yes, you should even if you're of the non-female gender. It'll get you thinking about today's privacy issues. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Spectrum - Kevyn Knox Oct 10, 2014

    Search for:Recent PostsBatgirl #35 (DC)Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #1(Archie)Men of Wrath #1(Marvel/Icon)Green Lantern/New Gods: Godhead #1 (DCComics)Guardians 3000 #1(Marvel)ArchivesOctober 2014September 2014August 2014July 2014June 2014May 2014April 2014March 2014February 2014January 2014December 2013November 2013October 2013September 2013August 2013July 2013June 2013May 2013April 2013March 2013February 2013January 2013December 2012Categories12-Gauge2000 ADAAM MarkosiaAazurn PublishingAbstract StudioAction LabAll Ages ComicsAmigo ComicsAntarctic PressApeArcanaArchaiaArchaia Black LabelArchieArddenAspenAvatarBeardo ComicsBlack MaskBlue Juice ComicsBongoBoom!Boudika ComicsCapstonecartoon booksComixTribeCopra PressCrystal ProductionsDark HorseDCDrawn&QuarterlyDynamiteFantagraphicsFirst SecondFuture DudeGraphic IndiaHermes PressHound ComicsHumanoidsIconIDWImageKaboom!KInetic PressLegendaryMarvelMonkeybrainNorthwest PressOni PressPapercutzRed 5ShadowlineSmal Read Full Review

  • 10
    ScienceFiction.com - Jason Motes Oct 12, 2014

    I had dropped this book, but I'm definitely adding it back to my pull list. The art is great, the writing is young and hip. I was quite impressed! Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Weekly Comic Book Review - Minhquan Nguyen Oct 9, 2014

    Everything you want from Batgirl and so much more. Actually worth the hype in almost every way. Read Full Review

  • 9.4
    Word Of The Nerd - Hollie Cumberland Oct 9, 2014

    Not only has this been a fantastic read, the sensational artwork, and one of my all-time favourite heroines, has made this one of the best Batgirl comics I've read in a very long time. Well done guys" keep up the fantastic work. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    We The Nerdy - Henry Varona Oct 9, 2014

    Babs Tarr has only created a single comic before this, but man, the way she works the page you'd think this had been her whole life. Babs Tarr utilizes every inch of every page incredibly well. She has a style that is very appealing to a modern audience (Looking at you Tumblr), but still holds it's own during action sequences. The way she draws Barbara feels natural and authentic. Her attention to detail goes leagues beyond many others right now, as she designs real people, not simple figures. Tattoos, interesting outfits, and distinct faces litter the pages. As somebody who grew up in Brooklyn and has been witness to many characters similar to Barbara's supporting cast, I can happily say that she properly represents the new crowd. Oh, and did I mention her design? Yeah, it's flawless. Actually flawless. I could fawn over it for days, but plenty of others already have. If you don't love this look, we can't be friends. Full stop. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Doom Rocket - Molly Jane Kremer Oct 9, 2014

    Cameron Stewart once said, in an interview with ComicsAlliance, "[Batgirl] can have a dark past, but it doesn't have to define her present." While he was talking about the new lighthearted and fun direction ofthis comic, superhero comics themselves don't need to continue in the dark ages either. Batgirl – along with Ms. Marvel, Edge of Spider-Verse's Spider-Gwen, Gotham Academy, and Captain Marvel – is making it look like there's a real trend towards more inclusive, inviting comics. And I can't think of anything more fun than comics made for everyone. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Needless Essentials Online - Stan Ford Oct 8, 2014

    Overall, the book is very satisfying, although sometimes Barbara is written too much like a stereotype, with the Batgirl skills wedged on top of them. The neighborhood or Burnside is very nicely fleshed out, and seeing more of it might be as interesting as seeing Batgirl's adventures. If Batgirl's old roommate, Alysia is forgotten, it will be very sad, that the only transgender character in the DC Universe is gone. I recommend the book, and I will continue to read iot, as long as the quality continues to be at this level. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Newsarama - Draven Katayama (loudlysilent) Oct 13, 2014

    Batgirl #35 is like the start of fall semester at a new school: a new life chapter for Babs, and a clean entryway for readers to discover an enjoyable new story. This creative team recognizes what daily life is like for Babs and her roommates with an authenticity unparalleled in current comics. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Resources - Greg McElhatton Oct 8, 2014

    "Batgirl" #35 is a great new beginning for the series, so much that I actually found myself wishing that DC had taken a nod from Marvel and renumbered the series as to get additional attention paid to this debut. I love everything new that Fletcher, Stewart, and Tarr bring to the series, and the two faces from beforehand that appear to be sticking around are also a good nod to those who enjoyed the last three years' worth of comics. Expectations were high for "Batgirl" #35, and I feel like this creative team has actually managed to exceed them. Nicely done, all involved. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills Oct 11, 2014

    We all knew the new Batgirl costume looked amazing, but everything looks amazing in this issue. This is art with a clear direction. This is art, this is a whole comic, that speaks for itself. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck Oct 11, 2014

    I have to admit, I enjoyed this issue more than the "New 52" reboot (which I dropped after a few issues). We'll see how long this new version maintains its fresh, unusual approach. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geeks Unleashed - Mark Brassington Oct 12, 2014

    Probably my favourite part of the book was the new art team especially the new costume. The new costume was something that struck me months before when the new creative team was announced and could even be the main reason I picked this up. I love the tone of the book from the colourful artwork to the upbeat nature of the book. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Graphic Policy - Brett Schenker Oct 8, 2014

    This comic is a change, a massive change, breaking what feels like every rule from DC Comics. The comic is fresh, fun, vibrant…. and another example of what we need more of. Batgirl is dead. Long live Batgirl! Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Multiversity Comics - Sam LeBas Oct 9, 2014

    This is a safe place for new readers. This world and its conflicts are relatable for anyone who is involved in modern culture. My biggest criticism of the book may also be its biggest asset: you don't need to know anything about the Batman universe or mythos to appreciate this version of Batgirl. She's on her own here, and that is going to make for novel stories and situations. While this book definitely serves a purpose, function seems to follow form. “Batgirl” finds its own voice, and promises to embrace its characters and its audience as we move forward in this new direction. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    All-Comic - Milo Milton Jefferies Oct 9, 2014

    In conclusion then, Batgirl #35 is an excellent jumping on point and its great to have more lighter toned series at DC and as a result this comes highly recommended. It's certainly something that you should definitely pick up this week. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Vine - Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero Oct 8, 2014

    There's a new direction for Barbara Gordon. Batgirl has moved to a new town and because of certain events, she even makes herself a great-looking new costume. This makes a great jumping on point for new readers and doesn't ignore past events. You can feel the vibe of the story trying to reach a younger and hipper crowd. It's definitely an interesting change for the book but does feel like a little too much at time. Don't be fooled into thinking this is being geared towards youngsters. There are still some more adult themes going on. You will want to check this out to see the changes. The book was good before but you can feel a different sort of energy pulsing through the pages. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    AIPT - Jordan Richards Oct 8, 2014

    The writing is great, the characters are enjoyable, the artwork is solid, and it delivers a very dense but engaging read from start to finish. If you are looking for a different type of experience with your superheroes, give this a shot. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Razorfine - Alan Rapp Oct 17, 2014

    The comic gets a new direction with Batgirl #35 that effectively de-ages the character and creates a more lighthearted world for her to live. Throw in a kick-ass new low-tech costume, a guest-appearance from Black Canary, and Babs fighting the mother of all hangovers to recover her stolen property, and the creative team of writers Cameron Stewart and Brenden Fletcher, and artist Babs Tarr, sell me on the concept fairly early. Do I still wish it was Steph under the cowl and Babs behind the computer? Absolutely, but at least this version of Batgirl has a little of her youthful energy and a slightly less dingy world to explore. Worth a look. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Booked - Kara Sorensen Oct 12, 2014

    Babs Tar's art work is amazing!!!! It feels very independent & not like the majority of DC right now. It reminds me of Mike Allred. I am sure that Mister Stewart's breakdowns are of great assistance with the story telling but after 1 ish I am a fan of this Babs too!!!!!! Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    DC Comics News - Max Eber Oct 14, 2014

    This rates high due to its individual parts, and I think it will be fun if you think of it as an AU, but as a whole I am still ultimately disappointed and wonder how this Babs will gel with the rest of the Batfamily in crossovers. Hopefully they won't let us down and finally let Babs grow. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicList - Brandon Borzelli Oct 11, 2014

    Batgirl: is she dark and depressing or fun and light hearted? She probably needs to be somewhere in the middle but this sudden shift will probably generate some buzz with those that didn't care for the old run and might shake off some readers from the previous run. It might be the best way to go. Either way you look at this is an entertaining read and a good direction to send the character. It's too bad the book can't bridge the gap a little gentler. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Nerdophiles - Ashley Leckwold Oct 10, 2014

    If you love Ms. Marvel, definitely give Batgirl #35 a shot. There's a very similar spirit there with a young heroine living life on her own terms, even if she's constantly trying to figure our what those terms are. Not to mention that Babs Tarr's art is kind of amazing. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Dark Knight News - Eric Joseph Oct 8, 2014

    The conclusion is rather satisfying: Batgirl kicks the crap out of hipster villain Riot Black and handily outwits him. I applaud the creative team for delivering a scumbag that every reader (hopefully) will love to hate. This may be the thirty-fifth issue, but it's a perfect jumping on point. It's hard be more friendly to new readers than this. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Major Spoilers - Ashley Victoria Robinson Oct 9, 2014

    Batgirl #35 is the very definition of an okay first issue. There are some good ideas and some strong images with problems piled on top of them. If, like me, you've really built this issue up, then it can be difficult to see the forest for the trees. I'm in for the next few issues and hope the more compelling aspects are played up and Cameron and Fletcher let Babs talk like a normal person rather than an affected stereotype. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Batman-News - Elena Carrillo Oct 8, 2014

    This is a rocky transition for a fresh start, but it's definitely fresh. For anyone who loves the character (whether they were reading the previous books or not), you'll want to give this a try and see if it's to your tastes. Tarr's art is lively and detailed, her environments have real character, and Babs looks good in her new togs (an extra half-point for the art alone). I'm less enamored with the writing thus far, but optimistic that the stories can (and will) get better. Could definitely do with less girl talk and hip references, but I'm hopeful that the characters will mature and the writers will explore a balance between a book aimed at new teenaged readers and the faithful audience of long-reading adults. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comix I Read - Boris Roberto Aguilar Oct 8, 2014

    This was a good start for the new creative team. This book really felt like an issue 1 of a new series. We were reunited with various ongoing characters and introduced to some new ones. I like the direction that this book is taking and will for sure be checking out more of this run. As mentioned earlier, this is a really good jumping on point for the series. Its very obvious that this book is meant for a younger audience and that is not a bad thing. I think that by having a younger audience, we will be able to captivate a new audience for other Bat-Titles. That said, this didn't feel like it was written for teenagers as some of the themes were very adult in nature. While I overall liked the issue, there wasn't anything that made it epic. I think that this was a very reasonable start for a new direction and I would recommend folks check this book out.  Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    The Batman Universe - Donovan Grant Oct 8, 2014

    Overall the new team on Batgirl came out of the gate scoring touchdowns, but not without a fumble or two. I honestly believe the problems I had with this first issue arent indicative of the run as a whole, because like a new Doctors first season on Doctor Who, you cant expect everything to be laid out from the very beginning. What weve been given here is good, and Im down for what comes up next. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    IGN - Jeff Lake Oct 8, 2014

    Batgirl #35 is decidedly fresh in feel, but the verdict is still out as to whether or not that's a good thing. There's promise to be sure, but as of now the character's departure feels more sensational than earned. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Infinite Comix - Z Oct 8, 2014

    Batgirl #35 is not the perfect start that everybody expected. The book is riddled throughout with painful-to-read dialogue as it tries way too hard to be hip and cool. What is really needed is more of Batgirl kicking ass and doing detective work. There is still definitely a chance for a rebound considering the great art direction and the intriguing last panel of the book. Hopefully Stewart, Fletcher, and Tarr will reach their full potential. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Nerds Unchained - Michael Bowie Oct 9, 2014

    As much as Ive harped on this book, I will admit that for what it was the story was fairly well put together (despite making Barbara seem kind of like a terrible friend/person). The real problem for me year seems to be that the new direction is geared towards a younger audience, and as I said at the top, Im just not sure if this title is for me anymore. Ill give it a few more issues to see if things get any better but it may be time to move on. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Behind The Panels - Richard Gray Oct 9, 2014

    While it's terrific to see DC committing to a fresh and youthful take on characters, this one seems to be trying a little too hard to appeal to a demographic that they ironically portray as being far too distracted to be of any interest in comics anyway. It's one thing to make her more of an active young woman, it's another to shame her smarts. Batgirl has left its old audience behind, and so now we must quietly retire into the night with our Zimmer frames and boiled lollies. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Oct 8, 2014

    Honestly, the book doesn't really come across as accessible to new readers and there's so many moving parts that it's just overly dense and pointlessly complicated at times rather than being a good read. I like the detective work material, but the villain du jour was just awful and really felt like it was being written by someone completely on the outside of these things. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Newsarama - Richard Gray Oct 8, 2014

    Taking Batgirl in a new direction is one thing, but shaming her smarts is a disappointment to fans of the character. While her ultimate solution does make nimble use of a QR code (which people totally use, right?), this new Batgirl is a far cry from the one we've come to know over the last three years. As us older fans (in every sense of the word) wave kids off our lawn and return to our whittling, Batgirl has for the moment left us for a sassier younger model. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    Shadowhawk's Shade - Abhinav Jain Oct 9, 2014

    To sum up the new issue, too many changes too fast. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    Comics Bulletin - Chase Magnett Oct 9, 2014

    Batgirl #35 illustrates that comics function as a collaborative medium and have to be judged as such. Tarr and Wicks provide outstanding work, but the flaws in the script still ruin the experience. It's impossible to recommend this issue on the strength of the art alone when the dialogue, gender presentation, and plotting are this troubled. It's an unfortunate disappointment, but one that needs to be acknowledged. As much as I wanted to see this concept succeed, I cannot honestly say that it does. The problems inBatgirl #35 are too big to not discuss. Read Full Review

  • 3.0
    Weird Science - Eric Shea Oct 9, 2014

    So that's the new Batgirl........ Man if this is what comics will one day become, then I'm out.  All the trendy hipster talk, all the girls with their upwards inflection in everything that they said....... Was that just me?  Oh and why does everything have to revolve around texting and the interwebs?  Yes I know people enjoy those things but they don't like them drilled into their freaking skulls............ I get it you're hip and modern.  Damn was I unhappy with this issue and I haven't even brought up the Riverdale style of art.   Guess what?  I don't like it.  It's just like a fanboy to hate new things and new takes on the things that they love, but I don't think that's the case here and I hope it doesn't last too much longer. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    RSnoRSno Apr 28, 2016

    I absolutely love this new direction for Batgirl. I know this decision has really split the Batgirl fan base, and that's too bad, because there is not only some solid story telling going on in this issue, but also a lot more depth than you might expect. Babs Tarr is one of my favorite artists working in comics, and I love Barbara and Batgirl's new looks. Incorporating social media and the hipster lifestyle into the book definitely gives the comic a contemporary vibe that may feel dated down the road, but it's a great time capsule look into today's young adult city culture. I also love the blend of daily-life/ superhero-life that this book brings. It's a lot lighter than most Bat-books, and while I love Batman due to the gritty tone, Batgirl more

  • 8.5
    SwampyCA Oct 18, 2014

    Well that was different. The art looks fantastic. Not sure where this book will be in 6 or 12 issues but I think this was a fun, if not shocking, new start.

  • 8.5
    Walt's Comics & Books Oct 13, 2014

    cool and modern take on the character. not your grandpa's batgirl and since a lot of grandpas are reading dc right now, it might not fare that well in this market. pity, you can feel the energy of the new here.

  • 8.5
    Speeding Bullets Oct 9, 2014

    This was a breath of fresh air for both Barbara and DC. I never thought I would say " I'm enjoying the diversity in the Bat-books", mostly because I couldn't see any but "Grayson" and now "Batgirl" do just that. Gail Simone had a nice run with the character but at times she became almost as dark if not darker than Bruce. This is still Batgirl but with a unique style, hanging with hipsters and just a younger vibe in general. That may anger some fans but if you can get past all that it's a really good comic book.

  • 8.5
    WhiteLantern Oct 8, 2014

    This week begins the new creative team on Batgirl, and the new direction seems like it could be a lot of fun. I love the new take on Barbara, Batgirl, her costume, an the overall design of Gotham as a whole. It's really a nice urban look, a welcome break from the cityscape we've been seeing for decades. The artwork from Babs Tarr is fantastic, and the story layouts is from Cameron Stewart really contributes to the story telling. I love Tarr's take on Bab's eidetic memory, and her using it are easily the best pages of the comic. Overall, even with a new creative team on the book, this is still Batgirl. She's still incredibly strong, independent, and powerful. She's everything she should be. It might not be as strong as Gail Simone's Batgirl more

  • 7.0
    Michael71 Nov 22, 2014

    This is my starting point for this series. I always liked the heroes that can do more with less. I felt this was a good introduction with a decent story. I liked that they tried to incorporate some of the 21st century tech scene. However, those that speak in text speech annoy me! OMG! This Barbara seems a little frivolous and self-involved. I enjoy the art. It is refreshing on many levels with clean lines and strong colour palettes.

  • 5.5
    Hydrahead Oct 16, 2014

    I just couldn't get into it. Being 31 years old maybe I am not the target audience for this book. But I really wanted to like Batgirl and have been waiting for a jumping on point. This comic just didn't do it for me. I like her new costume and the fight scenes were pretty cool. But the main villain was lame and all the texting and teen type talk was awful. Like I said, maybe I'm getting old. I'll give it a couple of more issues but this one could be getting dropped.

  • 5.5
    Supes' soups Oct 12, 2014

    The transition in the new direction is far from flawless and to be honest I feel this issue betrays its old audience. Babs trades in the darkness of Gotham for a standard college town complete with sorority girl type roommates. The story could turn out to be interesting but for the first chapter, it primarily builds that trendy, social-media, hash-tag world that doesn't really appeal to me. Also a Babs that consumes too much alcohol and blacks out seems a little out of character. DC is really experimenting with all the new Bat books but so far only Grayson is sticking for me.

  • 2.0
    ForceFelicia Feb 25, 2016

    Is this Barbara Gordon? Even Stephanie Brown's run as Batgirl was more mature! We've had multiple Batgirls. Why not allow Barbara Gordon to move on and relaunch the series with a new girl. Maybe even someone like Misfit, who briefly donned the costume all those years ago?

    The way a respectable character like Barbara Gordon has been shoehorned into this project is highly unfortunate.

  • 2.0
    Synthozoid Oct 8, 2014

    It's a big eff-ewe to longtime fans and shameless pandering to a desired audience that will never set foot in a comic shop.

  • 1.0
    olliequeen Oct 14, 2014

    I can't describe how absolutely terrible this comic is. We gave up Gail Simone for this. The writers apparently think we need to put Batgirl in an episode of HBOs girls. The artwork is sub-par at best. There is nothing redeeming about this. I'm probably going to cancel my subscription if it doesn't get better.

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