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Batgirl (2009) (Old Trades)
Batgirl, Vol. 2: The Flood
A string of bizarre, technology-based suicides gets the attention of both Batgirl and Oracle - for very different reasons. The two heroes soon realize that they're targets of the Calculator, a nefarious villain bent on revenge against the original Batgirl, Barbara Gordon, now known as Oracle.
144 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2011
5 people are currently reading
838 people want to read
About the author
Bryan Q. Miller
312 books63 followersBryan Q. Miller is an American television and comic writer most notable for his work on the CW’s “Smallville” and DC’s “Batgirl.” (with Stephanie Brown as Batgirl)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 10, 2018
4.5 stars, but sooooo close to 5
It's great when I can say that the worst thing about Volume 2: The Flood is that the main story taking up the bulk of the book - presented in four parts / issues - is stretched out maybe a little too long.
But like its predecessor Batgirl Rising, this follow-up solidly continues the (unfortunately short-lived) adventures of new gal Stephanie Brown. Barbara Gordon a.k.a. 'Oracle' is kidnapped and Batgirl must now rely on assistance from a slightly older and understandably bitter Wendy Harris, whom some of us will remember as a teen character from the 70's TV cartoon series SuperFriends. Again, I think if the narrative was pared down and tightened a little I would be giving it a 5-star rating.
The volume is rounded out by a brief but action-heavy ClayFace story, and then ends on a high note with a "team-up" (actually used in the dialogue) between Batgirl and Supergirl. Those two together were absolute gold - cracking wise like the college students they are, and then leaping into the fray to take on twenty-four vampires (!) loose in Gotham City. All in a night's work, right?
It's great when I can say that the worst thing about Volume 2: The Flood is that the main story taking up the bulk of the book - presented in four parts / issues - is stretched out maybe a little too long.
But like its predecessor Batgirl Rising, this follow-up solidly continues the (unfortunately short-lived) adventures of new gal Stephanie Brown. Barbara Gordon a.k.a. 'Oracle' is kidnapped and Batgirl must now rely on assistance from a slightly older and understandably bitter Wendy Harris, whom some of us will remember as a teen character from the 70's TV cartoon series SuperFriends. Again, I think if the narrative was pared down and tightened a little I would be giving it a 5-star rating.
The volume is rounded out by a brief but action-heavy ClayFace story, and then ends on a high note with a "team-up" (actually used in the dialogue) between Batgirl and Supergirl. Those two together were absolute gold - cracking wise like the college students they are, and then leaping into the fray to take on twenty-four vampires (!) loose in Gotham City. All in a night's work, right?
March 11, 2016
Squeee that Steph/Kara issue alone makes this nearly a 5 star book!
I love this series, cause I'm biased and I love Steph Brown as a character, so if you want a review of me gushing over her than read on, if you want an objective review, this not the place.
World: The art so far has been fine, the colors are brighter in her part of Gotham and I like it. The framing and motion is only okay but that doesn't bother me as the facial expressions of characters are spot on. The world building here is also wonderful, it's there to serve the story yes and it's not very narrative heavy, but the link between O's past and this book is great, this is more a O story than a Steph story but it's still very fun as a setting. Let's not forget the 5 star wonderful issue that is #14, that is the best.
Story: The Flood 4 issue arc is fun and a well paced, until the end which ended very abruptly. I feel that Miller is better at storytelling when it's not about the action but about the dialog and the characters. As soon as the action starts, it gets a bit pacing and rushed so that he can get back to his great dialog scenes. Having the Calculator for this arc was great and having the final 2 issues all about character development was wonderful. The last issue is the best issue so far for Batgirl with character and tone taking full stage, I wish there were more one and done issues like this.
Characters: I love Steph and I love how Miller gets her, she's full of personality and her dialog and monologues are great. The rest of the case this arc is also good with O getting a large portion due to the villain we face this arc. The past comes back to haunt O and also Wendy and it was great to see them each have their time in the spotlight and grow in the process. Supergirl and Nick getting an issue each was also great simply because of the those quite moments at the end of the book. Great!
This book and series is great, Miller understands what makes Steph a unique Batgirl and I am enjoying the journey she's going through to learn to be Batgirl.
Onward to the next book!
I love this series, cause I'm biased and I love Steph Brown as a character, so if you want a review of me gushing over her than read on, if you want an objective review, this not the place.
World: The art so far has been fine, the colors are brighter in her part of Gotham and I like it. The framing and motion is only okay but that doesn't bother me as the facial expressions of characters are spot on. The world building here is also wonderful, it's there to serve the story yes and it's not very narrative heavy, but the link between O's past and this book is great, this is more a O story than a Steph story but it's still very fun as a setting. Let's not forget the 5 star wonderful issue that is #14, that is the best.
Story: The Flood 4 issue arc is fun and a well paced, until the end which ended very abruptly. I feel that Miller is better at storytelling when it's not about the action but about the dialog and the characters. As soon as the action starts, it gets a bit pacing and rushed so that he can get back to his great dialog scenes. Having the Calculator for this arc was great and having the final 2 issues all about character development was wonderful. The last issue is the best issue so far for Batgirl with character and tone taking full stage, I wish there were more one and done issues like this.
Characters: I love Steph and I love how Miller gets her, she's full of personality and her dialog and monologues are great. The rest of the case this arc is also good with O getting a large portion due to the villain we face this arc. The past comes back to haunt O and also Wendy and it was great to see them each have their time in the spotlight and grow in the process. Supergirl and Nick getting an issue each was also great simply because of the those quite moments at the end of the book. Great!
This book and series is great, Miller understands what makes Steph a unique Batgirl and I am enjoying the journey she's going through to learn to be Batgirl.
Onward to the next book!
October 17, 2012
I think I've said before that I seriously love Steph as Batgirl. Still do. Even more in this volume, I think. There are six issues in this trade, with one four-part story and two one issue stories. First, the four-part story, The Flood. Basically, The Calculator goes even further off the deep end. What made this story for me (the whole trade, really) is more the characters, the dialog, and the light touches of humor than the actual plot itself. With another writer, with other characters, I think this would have fallen flat. Same with the second story, Trust, which is mostly a straight-forward Clayface adventure, with a slightly surprising ending. But my favorite was the last story, Terror in the 3rd Dimension, guest starring Supergirl. Sure, it's a little cheesy, in a B movie sort of way. But it's a Supergirl/Batgirl team-up, and it's fantastic. But the last scene, where Kara tries to reassure Steph that she's not doomed? Um...
August 14, 2023
Very solid Batgirl content where all of the stories manage to elevate the titular character in some way. Stephanie Brown shines with her quips and interactions with the supporting cast, and her personality slots wonderfully in line with the narratives she’s given. Snappy, cheesy and overall comic fun, it’s always nice to see the lesser talked about Batfamily members get their moment.
March 12, 2015
A very enjoyable Batgirl comic. Like Stephanie Brown as Batgirl. Enjoyable story lines too. Can't wait to read more Batgirl comics.
August 15, 2011
Wow.
I've never been a fan of female leads in super books. Scratch that. I've never been a fan of the way female leads are written in tier own books. The writing is never believable, insofar as a comic book can be believed. It always seemed so stiff to me, like the writers were bored by the fact they weren't working on a bigger book so didn't really put their backs into it. Although, in recent years, writers like Paul Dini and Greg Rucka have completely won me over with Zatanna and Batwoman.
On top of typically bad writing, the Batgirl books always seem to lack personality and verve and good art.
Leave it to a writer completely unknown to me, Brian Q Miller to change my mind completely and want to pick up a few other books. Along with Garret and Perez doing pencils, this book floored me. It has a big villain. It has a bog concept. It has personality out the wazoo. There is absolutely nothing to hate in this book. On top of it's incredible writing and art it is also an all-ages book. It doesn't have to rely on blood and guts and edgy writing to draw me in.
Keep up the brilliant work.
I've never been a fan of female leads in super books. Scratch that. I've never been a fan of the way female leads are written in tier own books. The writing is never believable, insofar as a comic book can be believed. It always seemed so stiff to me, like the writers were bored by the fact they weren't working on a bigger book so didn't really put their backs into it. Although, in recent years, writers like Paul Dini and Greg Rucka have completely won me over with Zatanna and Batwoman.
On top of typically bad writing, the Batgirl books always seem to lack personality and verve and good art.
Leave it to a writer completely unknown to me, Brian Q Miller to change my mind completely and want to pick up a few other books. Along with Garret and Perez doing pencils, this book floored me. It has a big villain. It has a bog concept. It has personality out the wazoo. There is absolutely nothing to hate in this book. On top of it's incredible writing and art it is also an all-ages book. It doesn't have to rely on blood and guts and edgy writing to draw me in.
Keep up the brilliant work.
September 9, 2015
A bit jumbled and all over the place at the beginning but when it settled in it was really enjoyable. I like Steph as Batgirl and how "normal" she is even though she's a hero. I like the relationship she has with both Oracle and Supergirl too. The artwork was beautiful.
August 27, 2017
This really picked up the pace and the art fell into its own.
It's not just important to give Stephanie Brown some unique traits, but you've got to give Stephanie's Batgirl some special style. This time, they did.
It even may have convinced me to read some Supergirl from that era.
It's not just important to give Stephanie Brown some unique traits, but you've got to give Stephanie's Batgirl some special style. This time, they did.
It even may have convinced me to read some Supergirl from that era.
January 14, 2012
The second of three volumes in Stephanie Brown’s run as Batgirl, the Flood turns the focus to a familiar villain of Barbara Gordon’s, the Calculator.
Despite being the bearer of perhaps the stupidest villain name in all of comics—I’m even counting the Ventriloquist and the Dude in this—Calculator is written with such menace that it’s hard not to find him genuinely creepy. Bryan Q. Miller does an excellent job in balancing the tone of the story from its darker elements to the natural light that the character of Stephanie brings, and mixing it all up nicely with the somewhat harder-edged heroism of Barbara Gordon (aka Oracle) in this engrossing adventure (then again, everyone is harder-edged next to the bright and optimistic Stephanie Brown).
This is another fun volume in this short-lived series, and is a pleasure to read. Be sure to look out for the backup story that features Supergirl—it’s a silly little lark that succeeds best in showing a very natural friendship being played out between the two heroes. Miller writes these characters with such confidence and natural humour that he disappears almost entirely, pushing the characters to the forefront, allowing us to identify with them and care about their welfare.
Like the first volume, this isn’t a landmark comic in any sense, but it is certainly a well written and fun collection with characters that are interesting, complex, and fun to watch in action.
Despite being the bearer of perhaps the stupidest villain name in all of comics—I’m even counting the Ventriloquist and the Dude in this—Calculator is written with such menace that it’s hard not to find him genuinely creepy. Bryan Q. Miller does an excellent job in balancing the tone of the story from its darker elements to the natural light that the character of Stephanie brings, and mixing it all up nicely with the somewhat harder-edged heroism of Barbara Gordon (aka Oracle) in this engrossing adventure (then again, everyone is harder-edged next to the bright and optimistic Stephanie Brown).
This is another fun volume in this short-lived series, and is a pleasure to read. Be sure to look out for the backup story that features Supergirl—it’s a silly little lark that succeeds best in showing a very natural friendship being played out between the two heroes. Miller writes these characters with such confidence and natural humour that he disappears almost entirely, pushing the characters to the forefront, allowing us to identify with them and care about their welfare.
Like the first volume, this isn’t a landmark comic in any sense, but it is certainly a well written and fun collection with characters that are interesting, complex, and fun to watch in action.
August 23, 2013
Stephanie Brown under the Batgirl cowl remains my favorite female comic book character (closely followed by Lois Lane and Pepper Potts), and one of my favorite comic book characters, period. Her comic book run was short, only a couple of years, and her monthly Batgirl book is one of the comics I miss the most. Stephanie is a different kind of "Bat" character, one who prefers hope and optimism to brooding and angst. She's Buffy Summers without the character destruction -- despite the fact that Stephanie has had her own past tragedies and challenges to overcome.
This, the second of her three trade collections of her time under the Batcowl, features three stories from her comics run. The primary story arc, "The Flood," was a great example of how to balance character and plot (with lots of awesome supporting characters, including Oracle, Stephanie's mentor). My favorite was the last one, however, featuring Batgirl and Supergirl in a fun and tongue-in-cheek team-up. (There was even a bonus Star Trek reference.)
Fun, funny, engaging, and sharply written. Highly recommended to comic book fans!
This, the second of her three trade collections of her time under the Batcowl, features three stories from her comics run. The primary story arc, "The Flood," was a great example of how to balance character and plot (with lots of awesome supporting characters, including Oracle, Stephanie's mentor). My favorite was the last one, however, featuring Batgirl and Supergirl in a fun and tongue-in-cheek team-up. (There was even a bonus Star Trek reference.)
Fun, funny, engaging, and sharply written. Highly recommended to comic book fans!
September 6, 2020
Okay, Stephanie Brown is rising in my list of favourite superheroes of all time at an increasingly rapid pace. She's saucy, quick thinking, bad ass, and I LOVE the fact that she talks to villains the way she does. The way she was talking to Kirk? Classic.
Excellent storyline, kept me engaged and riveted, but there was also this strange lightness that only Stephanie can provide to it that made it almost an uplifting read. I mean, she was stuck in the equivalent of an apocalypse, and she's joking about not having enough money for a DVR. That is the only time I have found myself laughing out loud during that dire a situation. I gotta hand it to Miller; this writing is GOLD. I'm also SO happy we see so much more of Proxy/Wendy in this Volume.
I waited for like a week after reading Volume 1, and having Volume 3, waiting for this to come in from some far away library at an especially "iffy" area in TO that I just don't feel like risking my life in. It was totally worth it. Can't wait to read Volume 3. But in the morning. I've been staying up far too many nights this week reading comics. tsk tsk Nico, very bad...
Excellent storyline, kept me engaged and riveted, but there was also this strange lightness that only Stephanie can provide to it that made it almost an uplifting read. I mean, she was stuck in the equivalent of an apocalypse, and she's joking about not having enough money for a DVR. That is the only time I have found myself laughing out loud during that dire a situation. I gotta hand it to Miller; this writing is GOLD. I'm also SO happy we see so much more of Proxy/Wendy in this Volume.
I waited for like a week after reading Volume 1, and having Volume 3, waiting for this to come in from some far away library at an especially "iffy" area in TO that I just don't feel like risking my life in. It was totally worth it. Can't wait to read Volume 3. But in the morning. I've been staying up far too many nights this week reading comics. tsk tsk Nico, very bad...
May 29, 2012
I've never read Batgirl before, so I thought I'd give it a try, but I must say that this book is a complete joke. I didn't get an inkling of who or what Batgirl is, except that she fights crime very well with the help of her computer geek friend(s), and she acts like your normal teenage girl outside crime-stopping hours. There really is no depth to her character outside that.
In all complete honesty, I felt like I was reading something out of Teen Titans. Now don't get me wrong, Teen Titans is okay in its own right, when considering that its marketed towards kids. Yet picking up Batgirl, seeing how its right next to Batman on the shelf, I was not expecting Batgirl to be anything similar to Teen Titans. So basically, this was a huge letdown.
I don't even think I'm going to read the next one. I mean, why put myself through the torture? Sure, others might be a fan of this series, but this is definitely not my cup of tea.
In all complete honesty, I felt like I was reading something out of Teen Titans. Now don't get me wrong, Teen Titans is okay in its own right, when considering that its marketed towards kids. Yet picking up Batgirl, seeing how its right next to Batman on the shelf, I was not expecting Batgirl to be anything similar to Teen Titans. So basically, this was a huge letdown.
I don't even think I'm going to read the next one. I mean, why put myself through the torture? Sure, others might be a fan of this series, but this is definitely not my cup of tea.
June 20, 2011
Its not that Bryan Miller doesn't show promise as a new writer. The issue is what I think DC Editorial has stuck him with. Some predetermined supporting characters and orders to clean up plot threads from another series and a preceding mini-series. Miller does a decent enough job of it. He makes Stephanie Brown an enjoyable character, and essentially gives us a reason to care about Wendy. What is not within his power (by editorial fiat) to fix is Marvin's death and the Calculator plot threads he was probably ordered to clean up. This series, and its characters have promise moving forward, but editorial needs to give it some room to breathe.
And, we all know that won't happen.
And, we all know that won't happen.
March 4, 2016
Where volume one was more about Stephanie Brown growing into her role as Batgirl, this book sees her rise in confidence and ability. A much better story overall this time, and a slightly darker tone than the first book. Having said that, there is still a light hearted and jocular approach to Stephanie Brown's Batgirl.
The last book in this volume sees Batgirl team up with Supergirl. While this is ridiculously cheesy, it is still a lot of fun.
If you liked the first one I would recommend reading this one too.
The last book in this volume sees Batgirl team up with Supergirl. While this is ridiculously cheesy, it is still a lot of fun.
If you liked the first one I would recommend reading this one too.
January 2, 2012
Loved the Supergirl team-up.
April 25, 2013
Couldn't put it down. Love Stephanie Brown as Batgirl.
June 27, 2020
As always, Stephanie and Bryan Q. Miller didn't disappoint, I still love this run more than life itself.
October 20, 2013
Great book. Very well written and illustrated.
August 28, 2015
4.5 stars tbh. BABS AND STEPHANIE FIGHTING CRIME 5EVR
April 12, 2019
Batgirl: The Flood picks up where the previous volume left off, collecting six issues (Batgirl #9–14) of the 2009 on-going series and contains three storylines: "The Flood", "Trust", and "Terror in Third Dimension".
"The Flood" is a four-issue storyline (Batgirl #9–12), which has Stephanie Brown as Batgirl and Barbara Gordon as Oracle investigating a string of bizarre, technology-based suicides. They eventually realize that they are targets of Noah Kuttler as The Calculator – a nefarious villain bent on revenge against Oracle.
"Trust" is a one-issue storyline (Batgirl #13), which has Stephanie Brown as Batgirl and Detective Nick Gage trying to talk down Mr. Griswald, a crazed husband who is hold up in a van, who has been suspected of murdering his wife.
"Terror in the Third Dimension" is a one-issue storyline (Batgirl #14), which has Stephanie Brown having a sleepover with Kara Kent. However, things become unexpected when the vampires in the film that they are watching becomes real. It is up to Batgirl and Supergirl to stop the vampires who suddenly became real.
Bryan Q. Miller penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it is written rather well, it is interesting seeing the mentor-student relationship between Barbara Gordon, a former Batgirl to Stephanie Brown, the current Batgirl. Furthermore, the one-shot with the team-up between Batgirl and Supergirl is a nice version of the World’s Finest.
Lee Garbett (Batgirl #9–14) and Pere Pérez (Batgirl #10–14) is the pencilers for the trade paperback. For the most part, the penciling styles complement each other rather well, making the artistic flow of the trade paperback rather smoothly.
All in all, Batgirl: The Flood is a wonderful continuation to what would hopefully be an equally wonderful series.
"The Flood" is a four-issue storyline (Batgirl #9–12), which has Stephanie Brown as Batgirl and Barbara Gordon as Oracle investigating a string of bizarre, technology-based suicides. They eventually realize that they are targets of Noah Kuttler as The Calculator – a nefarious villain bent on revenge against Oracle.
"Trust" is a one-issue storyline (Batgirl #13), which has Stephanie Brown as Batgirl and Detective Nick Gage trying to talk down Mr. Griswald, a crazed husband who is hold up in a van, who has been suspected of murdering his wife.
"Terror in the Third Dimension" is a one-issue storyline (Batgirl #14), which has Stephanie Brown having a sleepover with Kara Kent. However, things become unexpected when the vampires in the film that they are watching becomes real. It is up to Batgirl and Supergirl to stop the vampires who suddenly became real.
Bryan Q. Miller penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it is written rather well, it is interesting seeing the mentor-student relationship between Barbara Gordon, a former Batgirl to Stephanie Brown, the current Batgirl. Furthermore, the one-shot with the team-up between Batgirl and Supergirl is a nice version of the World’s Finest.
Lee Garbett (Batgirl #9–14) and Pere Pérez (Batgirl #10–14) is the pencilers for the trade paperback. For the most part, the penciling styles complement each other rather well, making the artistic flow of the trade paperback rather smoothly.
All in all, Batgirl: The Flood is a wonderful continuation to what would hopefully be an equally wonderful series.
November 17, 2025
Batgirl the flood is another strong volume in this series, albeit not as strong as the first volume.
The following 8 issues can be divided into 4 stories: “the flood” (the main bulk), a clayface story, a Supergirl team up and “the lesson”
I think these stories did get weaker as they went along, with the flood being the strongest and the lesson being the weakest. While not bad by any means, I just found the lesson to be less engaging than the previous stories as the focus isn’t spent enough on Batgirl being labelled a criminal. I think this angle of a criminal batgirl is handled much better in Gail Simone’s following run in the new 52.
However, I found myself enjoying each story in here. Stephanie continues to be a very engaging protagonist and I adore her in the batgirl role.
I’m excited to see the final 8 issues of this incredible run.
The following 8 issues can be divided into 4 stories: “the flood” (the main bulk), a clayface story, a Supergirl team up and “the lesson”
I think these stories did get weaker as they went along, with the flood being the strongest and the lesson being the weakest. While not bad by any means, I just found the lesson to be less engaging than the previous stories as the focus isn’t spent enough on Batgirl being labelled a criminal. I think this angle of a criminal batgirl is handled much better in Gail Simone’s following run in the new 52.
However, I found myself enjoying each story in here. Stephanie continues to be a very engaging protagonist and I adore her in the batgirl role.
I’m excited to see the final 8 issues of this incredible run.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2024
Thanks for recommending this title to me. It was a joy to read, and I hope that they collect the rest of the series in trade paperback. Issue 8 was omitted from this series of trades because it was a crossover with some other title. While I don't have the money or space to plunk down for these, I will be more than happy to borrow them and read them. If you DO have the money or the space for this title in your collection, I would recommend picking this up.
March 1, 2019
Stephanie Brown is awesome. I love her character, and I love how she and Oracle work together (and help Wendy).
Take note: writers. THIS is how you do girl power- you don't need to SAY anything about it, just have awesome crime fighting ladies helping each other because their characters fit well together both personality-wise and dramatically.
Take note: writers. THIS is how you do girl power- you don't need to SAY anything about it, just have awesome crime fighting ladies helping each other because their characters fit well together both personality-wise and dramatically.
September 30, 2022
love love love love love love love my 2nd favourite Batgirl (Cassandra Cain is obvi the no 1) and I hate to say it but the era of Batman where Bruce Wayne was dead was one of the best Bat-Fam eras... Dick Grayson Batman... Gotham City Sirens... Oracle ordering people around... Just good vibes and everyone getting along without all of Bruce's drama queen bullshit
May 12, 2017
Stephanie Brown is one of my favorite DC characters, and might even one of my all-time favorites. She's funny, smart and above-all, a teenage girl. Oracle, again, ranks very highly for me, and the relationship the two of them have formed is very important to me. Also, who doesn't love Supergirl?
March 21, 2017
I have tried numerous Batgirl graphics, this one I actually enjoyed. The story was fun and the graphics (pictures) were well drawn and pretty. I love this version of Batgirl. I did not realize that this was a number 2 when I started to read this so I will have to go and get #1 to see how this whole thing started.
August 7, 2017
This series of comics is SO much fun for me to read. It takes longer for me to get into the other comics I'm reading; but the writing in this comic is different. SUPER GIRL is in this one!!!!
September 10, 2018
Si odiaste como acabaron con spoiler en war games, este comic te gustara. ademas la relación con barbara esta muy bien escrita.
March 1, 2020
still better than average, but still slightly too close to average to make it stick in the memory
March 20, 2020
Stephanie Brown's personality helps what could have been a typical dark DC volume become a really fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews