REVIEW - Batgirl #11

"She's supposed to be tough, badass tough...I can take her"

This is the first of the Batgirl books out of the New 52 that I've picked. In fact it's the first bit of standalone Batgirl that I've read. I had no expectations, no idea what was going on in her latest story arc. I just saw the cover of Batgirl and Batwoman brawling and thought; "oh that looks cool!" So now here we are! This wasn't the best jumping on point for a new reader, as we are right in the middle of an arc, but it's certainly enough to pique my interest to go back and pick up some earlier issues.

Issue #12 starts with a conversation between Batgirl and Detective Mckenna discussing the Detectives shady past with the new villain "Knightfall". It's not too long though before they have company. Batwoman bursts through the window in a gorgeous shattered glass panel, instigating the whole reason I picked up this book. After a short fight the two Bat-Females come to a stale mate and work out a truce, choosing to take on Knightfall together, and deal with their quandaries later.

Gail Simone doesn't fail to disappoint - as if she could - this issue is chock-full of great content. We get a confident and formidable Batgirl, some action and suspense, some more action, and there are so many twists that a pack of Twisties would be jealous. Delicious! On top of all this we also get to see James Gordon Jnr; James Gordon's disturbingly creepy son, one of my favourite Bat-Baddies. Simone's dialogue is crisp, and relevant, rarely saying anything she doesn't need to.
Ardian Syaf's art is top notch; his lines are tight and full of detail. They are perfectly inked by Vicente Cifuentes who adds just the right amount of darkness to this colourful issue.

Overall Batgirl #11 is a great issue that has gotten me excited to read more. It's not the greatest jumping on point for a new reader, but this series definitely warrant's your attention.

4 pretty Batarangs out of 5.

Nic Shaw