Sibling rivalry takes on a whole new meaning in this one-shot story that tracks Batgirl's hunt for a serial killer whose M.O. strikes a familiar chord. Namely, a disturbing similarity to her brother, current convict James Gordon Jr. Family bonds are restored during a visit to his maximum- security surroundings, but Babs' doubts linger. Is James Jr. helping to solve this case... or pulling her strings in a diabolical power play?
This is a fantastic issue. Scott's script is so interesting. I feel like I know more about Barbara after reading this which is a tough thing to do after these characters have been around for so long. The art is great and fits the tone perfectly. I strongly recommend reading this issue. Read Full Review
In a way, James is Barbara's Joker. This issue makes it clear he intends to break her very much in the same way Joker wanted to show he could break Batman in that film. And he won't rest until they're both locked up in a padded cell forever. Read Full Review
A book that proves there are stars shining even within the darkest of moments! A truly spectacular story! Read Full Review
This was a classic annual in the sense that it told a very entertaining self-contained story that served as a tremendous hook for readers to check out the ongoing title. Read Full Review
Batgirl's second annual with Mairghread Scott at the helm is a no-holds-barred examination of serial killer celebrity, the unhealthy fixations of troubled women, and a rare (and long-overdue) glimpse into the Gordon family dynamic"which has not been explored in any meaningful way for too many years. Scott avoids making this a polemic by just telling a powerful story that doesn't need to preach in order to provide plenty for the reader to think about. This is everything a great Batgirl comic ought to be! Read Full Review
This is a fascinating tale about dark, codependent relationships and the way that while Barbara will keep on foiling James, she'll never quite be able to rid herself of him. Read Full Review
A great read, and hopefully, not just a one-off story. I want more! Read Full Review
Mairghread Scott knows her stuff and weaves an interesting tale of sibling rivalry gone wrong. Read Full Review
A very creepy horror story that reintroduces a fan-favorite member of the Gordon family. While some scenes evoke other popular media, the issue as a whole reads very well, and perhaps rarest of all, the reader should be surprised by some of the happenings. I'm looking forward to what's going to happen in Batgirl going forward, which is a relatively new feeling. Read Full Review
It is not bad in terms of quality, but there is enough darkness in Gotham City already and I've grown accustom to Barbara Gordon's stories being ones that affirmed hope rather than spitting on it. It may be good for what it is, but I don't think it's a good thing. Read Full Review
Batgirl Annual #2 is an engaging one-off story about Barbara and her brother. Our hero must weather the darkness within not only his mind but those of his fans, making this a genuinely creepy read. Casagrande and Bellaire do great work on the visuals, and the book earns itself a recommendation. Check it out. Read Full Review
Barbara Gordon investigates murders that lead her to her serial killer brother James. This is an effective, creepy adventure among insane people with Batgirl solving copycat crimes. Read Full Review
No matter how much of a fan you are of Barbara Gordon, you should definitely check this issue out. Read Full Review
To do so, she has to write from the heart and come up with better stories. This could have been great. Instead it's just standard. I want better than that. Read Full Review
I canappreciate the merits of this story as an annual, building significantly on theBatgirl universe and her supporting players. It needed the expanded format,though two issues in the regular series might have been more than it required. Read Full Review
Quite a welcome jump in tone, from overly optimistic and hopeful to dark and moody. I read an interview from Mairghread saying she wanted to capture the darker likes of Gail Simons's Batgirl and I believe she has succeeded tremendously with both this and to a only barely lesser extent #26.
Coming into this unfamiliar with the creative team, I was very pleasantly surprised.
Really digging the reversion to a darker tone, and looking forward to seeing where Mairghread Scott is going with Babs.
I'm really starting to LIKE Batgirl again! Reading a Batgirl that isn't Kim Possible... omg. even a dark yucky story like this one... it's just so GOOD to have her back!