Batgirl #9 Review

After taking a two-issue detour going over Lady Shiva’s backstory, we are back in the present day in Batgirl #9. Cassandra Cain seeks out Ben Turner, a.k.a. the Bronze Tiger, at her mother’s behest before her demise in the hands of the Unburied. Cass wants retribution but as more unexpected secrets get revealed, more enemies are in pursuit looking to destroy Batgirl. Takeshi Miyazawa returns on the artwork for the start of this three-issue arc.

3 Assassins. 1 Goal. Kill Batgirl.

Issue #9 of Batgirl was another solid entry in a series that I feel is one of the better on-going titles that DC is currently publishing. While not as good as the previous two issues, this issue propels the story forward in an intriguing way. Writer Tate Brombal, returning artist Takeshi Miyazawa, and the entire creative team are just producing a fun and engaging story. What more can you ask for in a comic?

What (or who) is the Jade Tiger?

Miyazawa didn’t miss a beat as he returned on the artwork. His action sequences continue to be dynamic, and even the heavy-dialogue moments are compelling. Batgirl and Bronze Tiger’s interactions were tense even before their fight began, and the way Miyazawa drew them exemplified that intensity. Along with Mike Spicer’s colors, the art throughout the series has complemented Brombal’s script very well.

Cass has had enough.

While I have been enjoying the series, there were some minor gripes that I had with this issue regarding the story.

First, we are introduced to three assassins in the beginning of the issue that are looking to kill Batgirl. One is from the Unburied, one is from the Blood of Wu, and the last one is from the League of Assassins (or Shadows—which ever you prefer). My main question is why are the Blood of Wu and the League of Assassins trying to kill Cass? Weren’t those two factions just working with her and Lady Shiva back in issue #4 against the Unburied? Why wouldn’t they be going after the Unburied instead? It makes sense why the Unburied is still going after Batgirl, but not the others. Let me know in the comments the potential reasoning. And maybe as we get further into the arc, it will start to make sense.

I won’t spoil the ending, but there’s a new character that is introduced. That character’s introduction has huge implications not only in this particular story, but also in Cassandra’s history from here on out. I’m really intrigued with how this character is going to impact the way Cass views her mother. Shiva’s presence is still being felt even after her death. I can see how some fans of Cassandra might see that as a negative as they want Cass to stand on her own without having to mention Shiva every single time. But that mother-daughter relationship is a core attribute and is essential to Cass’ story, and I feel that Brombal and company know the story they want to tell.

Recommended if…

• You’re glad to have Takeshi Miyazawa back on art.
• You are curious about the new character’s ties with Cassandra.
• You want to see Batgirl on a horse. I don’t know… it was just a cool image, man.

Overall

Batgirl #9 continues to prove why this series is a must-read. It’s just a fun time, and that’s what I want from the comics I read. Miyazawa’s artwork was a welcomed return, and the revelation at the end will have huge implications for Cass’ future. The new arc is off to a great start, and I’m excited for what happens next.

Score: 8/10

DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of review.