Batgirl #1 starts things off on the right foot, providing a more than smooth transition for fans of the most recent run. There is plenty here for fans and newcomers alike, and anyone on the Rebirth bandwagon will surely find a top-tier book with unquestionable talent on display. Pick your favorite Rebirth book and put this one right up next to it. Read Full Review

One of the best"and possibly the most accessible"of the new DC debuts, Batgirl #1 is a beaming, breathless, butt-kicking read. Read Full Review

The art by Rafael Albuquerque compliments Batgirl well. It's still playful and isn't overly dark and serious. Under this new creative team, Batgirl is getting her road trip off to a great start. May as well pack a bag and join her on the journey. Read Full Review

All in all, if you fell in love with the Batgirl of Burnside, you will find your new home in the pages Hope Larson, Rafael Albuquerque, and Dave McCaig lay out. Batgirl #1 is exactly the feel I was hoping for moving forward, and Im beyond excited to see where the next issue takes our heroine. DC made the right call this time out. Read Full Review

Batgirl #1 is a great start as Barbara sets off on a new journey, without losing sight of her roots. This is just the beginning and have yet to tap into the surface of what's to come but its become clear that the creative team and come up with an exciting plan for Babs that will please fans, old and new.Larson and Albuquerque seemed to be the perfect pair for a high-energentic, and positive character such as Babs. I believe we have found the perfect tempo for a Batgirl series. One thing is for sure, no matter where Barbara goes, trouble is there to greet her. I definitely plan to continuing this series. If you are a fan of Batgirl, I wouldsuggest doing the same. Read Full Review

Barbara Gordon has traded in her ironic t-shirt collection for fine silk kimonos and relocated to Japan, and it looks like this might be the first leg of an East Asian tour that is going to make me super hungry for dumplings. There's a lot more story to develop here, but so far it has the feeling of a Shaw Bros. kung-fu epic that will hopefully end with a super brawl at some remote monastery and the destruction of an evil despot's castle. Albuquerque and McCaig execute a specific mood and style perfectly, one that may not resonate with every reader. But then, nothing about Batgirl ever seems to, anyway. Read Full Review

As for the art, it's hard to find fault with Rafael Albuquerque. While his rougher lines are a distinct break from Tarr's well-defined edges, his figures are equally expressive. One could point out that Barbara's friend Kai looks an awful lot like a black-haired version of the titular hero of Albuquerque's ongoing collaboration with Mark Millar, Huck, but there are far worse comics to emulate. In fact, Huck and Barbara actually have a lot in common. Neither is really driven by past trauma. They're in it because they want to help people. Barbara wasn't defined by what the Joker did to her, it was an obstacle she overcame because of who she inherently is. Now, she gets to do that again, but not because some psycho shot her, but because she wants to. Read Full Review

Gail Simone and Ardian Syaf pick me up when I am down. One thing is clear, Barbara Gordon's Batgirl is safe in the hands of Simone and Syaf. Read this book. Read Full Review

Batgirl #1 is a bold new direction for Batgirl, that succeeds with a blend of believable character moments, pop-style art and some wicked fight sequences. What's more, it makes great use of its setting and manages to make Japan as much of an important character as any in this book. Read Full Review

While Batgirl doesn't open as strong as I had hoped it would, there's a lot to like here in taking her out of the city and familiar environments and breathing a new element into her storyline. I've not read anything about the character in years so I know nothing about Kai and what he represents or what she's been up to with her clean energy company that she's got, something that isn't dealt with all that much for new readers unfortunately. The opening arc of this monthly series is off to a solid start and has me hopeful with where it can go, a good part of that is thanks to Albuquerque's artwork as it's solid throughout and has the right kind of fun with the layouts and angles to keep it moving and feeling energetic, even if a touch light and simple with some of the backgrounds. Read Full Review

Hope Larson and Rafael Albuquerque manage to deliver on a very tough job. This may not be the comic everybody wants to read or the version of Barbara Gordon some fans would prefer, but they know their target audience and hit all the right notes. Read Full Review

And Larson does a fine job building up her supporting cast. The arrival of an old childhood friend is kind of abrupt, but I suppose we run into people we used to know all the time. It's a small world, right? But Babs looks to be getting a nice supporting cast, and it's clear that the creative team has done their homework on the new worlds and cultures that Babs will explore. Albuquerque is a little rougher around the edges than Babs Tarr, but I like what I'm seeing here. Read Full Review

Until this, I never knew just how badly I wanted to read a comic about Batgirl fighting her way through MMA matches. Read Full Review

Batgirl#1 has fantastic artwork from Rafael Albuquerque and Dave McCaig, who excel at depicting the detailed backgrounds of a to using diagram type panels to simulate Babs' eidetic memory. Hope Larson writes some charming character interactions between Babs and Kai as well as showing Batgirl's admiration for Fruit Bat and empathy for her because they both used to be or are currently disabled. But unfortunately their time together is cut short as Babs moves onto the next country in search of some amorphous “teacher”. However, unlike some other people at DC Entertainment, Larson, Albuquerque, and McCaig respect Batgirl and depict her in a thrilling, yet nuanced way. Hopefully, the book doesn't slide into “white person is trained in martial arts by Asian person” cliches as Babs' road trip continues. Read Full Review

Batgirl #1 is a great start to a potential new approach to Batgirl with a more mature take on an often neglected character. To be honest, this week has not been great for Barbra Gordon, with her receiving a lot of heat with the depiction of her relationship with Batman in the animated movie ofThe Killing Joke, this book feels like a win for Babs. DC can greatly benefit from introducing more woman solo titles that are appealing to the young adult female demographic that are not of the Harley Quinn variety, and this book is a great depiction of a relatable female book. The art alone really gives this book a sleek, modern feel that can inspire confidence for future issues. It's the storytelling and character growth which could be the savior or demise of this series. We can only hope we can continue to see a relatable, competent, and mature take on Batgirl that will give this character longevity and respect amongst hardened Bat fans. Read Full Review

Batgirl #1 by Hope Larson and Rafael Albuquerque is an enjoyable read that really stands out among the other DC Rebirth titles. The art and snappy dialogue gives this book a refreshing feel and places it among the best titles to come out from DC's Rebirth line. Read Full Review

In the midst of all the controversy around Barbara Gordon, it is really refreshing to read a book this good with a lighter tone. The art and coloring are outstanding, while the writing plants the seeds for what promises to be a unique run. This is another Rebirth comic that I'll be adding to my pull list. Read Full Review

In a week where we saw Barbra Gordon demoted to an emotionally unstable girl who vents to her token gay friend about her relationship problems, it's satisfying to see her character given due service in the platform she was born in. Hope Larson has executed an opening issue with an intriguing new status-quo for Batgirl, created some engaging character moments, as well as a compelling closing. With a superb art team that visualized some fantastic tone fitting images that brings this comic to life, Batgirl is a series that looks nothing but promising. Read Full Review

“Batgirl” #1 does not reinvent the character but instead strikes a balance between the old and the new that every Batgirl fan should enjoy. This debut does move at a fast pace and only scratches the surface but it does set up some interesting developments for Barbara.Larson shows an understanding of Barbara Gordon's personality and the art team of Albuquerque and McCaig do a fantastic job bringing this script to life. Read Full Review

It doesn't happen enough where a beloved character is shepherded into another set of capable hands that appreciate all that makes them special. DC Comics, to their credit, have given Batgirl the perfect team to carry on what you loved about the Batgirl of Burnside. Batgirl is still a must-read. Read Full Review

Here, Hope Larson is clearly telling us that there's a bigger story right off the, well, bat. And I'm definitely planning to stick around and see how it all develops. Read Full Review

This is a great return to form for Batgirl, acknowledging its own contrivances whilst successfully drawing us into the narrative. With a mystery to be solved, an old frenemy to tackle and mysterious kung-fu to be learned, this has the potential to be a cracking romp Read Full Review

If he's along for the ride, it should make for a light-hearted comic. The dynamic between the two is definitely one to keep an eye on. If they're just best friends, it'll work a treat – but we're still unsure as to whether a romantic relationship should be on the cards for them. If it overwhelmed the main storyline – we can't say we'd want to see it. Keep the plot focussed on Batgirl, and not about any love interests. Read Full Review

So far, this series doesn't break any new ground in terms of storytelling, but it has plenty to offer Batgirl fans. Read Full Review

I think fans who have been reading Barbara's adventures will enjoy the issue and new readers should have enough to stick around too. By sending Barbara abroad the idea is to help set her apart from the other Bat-books, but if this is really a worldwide trip, I need to see more to make me think she really is in Japan as opposed to the Japanese section of my town. Read Full Review

While my numeric score may seem a bit hedgey, make no doubt about it: I am thrilled with this new beginning for the former Burnside Bat. The weakest thing about this issue is that it's mostly ramp-up, but that's hardly a bad thing if you've been waiting a long time to rekindle your love for Barbara Gordon. She's looking and sounding great under the auspices of Hope Larson and Rafael Albuquerque and the book overall feels like it's headed in a solid direction. We're likely going to see some character growth in terms of Babs' fighting skills as she trots around Asia trying to solve a mystery surrounding an old childhood friend. Couldn't be happier to be along for the ride! Read Full Review

This first issue of Batgirl is a fun and engaging story, and is true to the previous take of the character, but it just feels like it lacks any major consequences. Indeed, the final panel suggests that this was simply the first episode in a series of international jaunts that lay ahead for the Batgirl formerly of Burnside. While there is much to be said for this version of the character, even with its many detractors and fans, it just needs more than a familiar pastiche and a change of locale to maintain ongoing interest from herein. Read Full Review

If there's one thing this book somewhat lacks, its story since it spends so much time introducing Barbara to Japan and her time with Kai. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but there's not really much of a hint of what will the central conflict in this book will be. Batgirl #1's strength lies in the characterization, but there's really not much set-up. Read Full Review

Combining humor, cute and accomplished art, and a whimsical and fun-loving yet action-packed approach, the new Batgirl team starts us out on our new adventure. Read Full Review

There are new heroes, new villains, new locations and new mysteries in this comic that continues and expands the design aesthetic of the Burnside Batgirl era. Batgirl was one of those comics that didnt need a new direction going into Rebirth, and happily the vibe remains the same as a new era of Batgirl begins and Rebirth continues to soar. Read Full Review

I don't know that I'm quite sold enough on this first issue to begin picking it up monthly, but at least it has the more lighthearted feel of what a Batgirl comics should be and is staying away from the dark and gritty (at least for now). Worth a look. Read Full Review

This book still has a Barbara Gordon that reads a little too young for my taste. But,overall, the art and the context of the story makes me quietly hopeful for this series. Read Full Review

"Beyond Burnside Pt. 1" is a great introduction into the world of Batgirl if you've never been introduced to her before. I enjoy seeing her growth from Oracle in a wheelchair to being CEO of her own company. She even references her wheelchair days to Fruitbat which I love that Larson paid homage to that moment in her past. I love seeing supporting characters from the Batfamily having their own trials and tribulations without Batman having to get them out of it! Batman is obviously a great character, but he's so great that he overshadows characters like Robin, Batgirl, Red Hood etc. so it's good to see how these characters hold their own against their own villains. Definitely check out Batgirl #1!!! It's a great introduction to a great upcoming story!!! Read Full Review

The first half of Batgirl: Rebirth #1 is a fun story that let's you get to see more of Barbra than of Batgirl, but when she slips into that cowl that's when it gets really silly. It never explains how both she and Fruit Bat had the time to get changed into their elaborate costumes. Her friend gets attacked and in less than half a minute Barbra ditches her backpack and slips into her costume. If only I could get ready so fast in the mornings. Read Full Review

Batgirl is acceptable for hardcore Batgirl fans and readers looking for a clean jumping-on point.We'll just have to wait and see if the book can move past "acceptable" in the coming months. Read Full Review

I want Batgirl to be great. I want this series to continue being a "go to" recommendation for superhero comics. All of the wanting in the world doesn't stop Batgirl #1 from being what it is though, and what it is is an uninspired and dull superhero comic that fails to recognize the most interesting elements of its own existence. Read Full Review

Really fun book and take on Batgirl, with beautiful art, both on cover and inside. Seems like this will be a great start to Batgirl.

nice start!

I like the though of Batgirl going to Japan. This issue sets up what should be a really fun story. Barbara Gordon is very well written in this issue and I feel like there is a lot of potential for this series. I'm looking forward to the next issue.

Strongest start to a Batgirl book post-Flashpoint so far.

Pretty enjoyable. Two points deducted solely from the annoyingly unlikely coincidence.

I thought this was a great start. I'm excited to see where this goes.

Despite a slow first half, this issue finishes really well. A departure from the Batgirl of Burnside theme, this run will focus on a trip around Asia. It's an interesting premise that Larson does a good job at setting up. The art by Rafael Albuquerque is some of the best he's ever done. It's a good start to what looks like a fun run.

"I wish I could call Frankie ... No, Babs! Burnside is the past!" I'm taking that as a message from Hope Larson and it's music to my ears. There's still some issues here, but it's already so much better than the last run it's hard to complain. I only hope Larson continues to transition back to the Batgirl of Gotham.