Batgirl shares the history with Batman and Robin. The healing of Batgirl forces Batman and Robin to share their paternal and fraternal love for her. The new Batman continuity with its links to comic book history is being written right here. In many ways Batgirl is the keystone book in the Batman Family titles. Read Full Review

I really appreciated the storytelling in this issue and Simone continues to impress me with not only her grasp on the characters but their depth. I have to admit: I was confused by a lot of the twists and turns this issue took. And you know what? I love that. Don't make it so transparent; leave me wondering. Leave me guessing so that next month, I can't wait to get my hot little hands on this book. Read Full Review

Another solid edition by Simone and her creative team, I dropped a book from my pull two months ago to make room for this one, and after issue #5 I can honestly say I am glad I did! Read Full Review

Two things that were kinda weird to me, was Jim's need to have Batgirl found. I know Babs telling him while she was Oracle is probably thrown out, but I'd still like to think Jim knows more than he lets on. This and the scene in The Dark Knight #4 I didn't like just makes it seem the opposite, like he's completely oblivious. And the Bruce Wayne thing at the end? Who didn't see that coming? Read Full Review

On the plus side, issue #5 addresses a number of lingering questions about the book, such as the source of Babs' "miracle" and the current state of the Gordon family tree. Simone also continues to succeed in painting her heroine with the right mix of renewed optimism and youthful uncertainty. The book isn't perfect, but it's certainly engaging. Read Full Review

It's moments like this that make me wish DC had just rebooted Batman entirely. What a mess. Batgirl #5 was a solid read, especially if you enjoyed the first arc. If you were on the fence about the first one, I'd recommend giving this story a chance as it does have a better villain at the very least. Read Full Review

I dunno. While the reading hasn't been terrible by any means, Simone still seems to be struggling to capture the spark that will make this title live up to its hype. Read Full Review

With the Mirror villain story arc over and this new Gretel making a name for herself, Batgirl has earned itself a second chance for readers to become engaged in the series. The mystery surrounding the current events is sure to attract returning readers to the book and may even snag a couple of first-timers as well as Gail Simone continues to flesh out the foes, family trees and, indeed, Barbara Gordon herself in DC's 'New 52'. Read Full Review

Overall this issue wasn't bad at all; in fact I think it will really set up the story to go in a great direction. I find myself wanting to know more about Barbra and how she will continue to handle her newly restored ability to walk. The villain is also very interesting, who she is, and what is her plan. Gail Simone does a great job of making you want to come back for more. I give Batgirl #5, 3 out of 5 Stars. Read Full Review

The book wasn't bad, but it didn't blow me away either. The villain is interesting, but doesn't feel very threatening; certainly not "sickly sweet and sadistic," as described on the cover. This isn't deep, dark and brooding like Batwoman -- it's a lot more light-hearted. As a result, it's harder to take Babs really seriously as a crime-fighter. She doesn't feel threatening, but she's also a lot less fun than Stephanie Brown. I am hoping that Simone will dig deeper into her character's psychology rather than remaining on the surface of the issues. I am craving depth for Barbara and I don't feel like I am getting it here. When DC decided to make her walk again, I was really hoping they would explore the psychological ramifications of her getting shot, learning how to walk and coping with the decision to fight crime again -- five issues in and I still haven't seen a glimmer of that. Read Full Review