L’ombra di Batgirl

by Sarah Kuhn (Sceneggiatura), Nicole Goux (Disegni), Cris Peter (Colori)

Può qualcuno cresciuto nelle tenebre diventare un eroe alla luce del sole?

Cassandra Cain è stata cresciuta e addestrata da una mente criminale, e tutto quello che sa fare è obbedire agli ordini e combattere. Tutto quello che sa fare è uccidere. Ma un giorno il suo mondo si sgretola. Non ha più certezze, è sola e in fuga.
In una biblioteca trova rifugio e amici. E, proprio grazie a loro, Cass affronterà il suo destino. Dovrà riuscire a ignorare quella voce nella sua testa che le dice che non potrà mai essere un’eroina, e uscire finalmente dall’ombra.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Young Adult, Superheroes, Dc Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2020

About the author

Sarah Kuhn is the author of Heroine Complex—the first in a series starring Asian American superheroines—for DAW Books. She also wrote The Ruby Equation for the comics anthology Fresh Romance and the romantic comedy novella One Con Glory, which earned praise from io9 and USA Today and is in development as a feature film. Her articles and essays on such topics as geek girl culture, comic book continuity, and Sailor Moon cosplay have appeared in Uncanny Magazine, Apex Magazine, AngryAsianMan.com, IGN.com, Back Stage, The Hollywood Reporter, StarTrek.com, Creative Screenwriting, and the Hugo-nominated anthology Chicks Dig Comics. In 2011, she was selected as a finalist for the CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) New Writers Award.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I mean, everybody feels a little weird sometimes. Or overwhelmed. Or out of place. It's nice to be able to talk about it like this." -- Barbara Gordon, to Cassandra Cain, on page 135

While I get that the DC Zoom and DC Ink imprints are directed at the 'tween' and teenage / young adult crowd, respectively, Cassandra Cain's incarnation of Batgirl is - somewhat like Harley Quinn - sort of an odd choice for a starring role. Cain's background as a trained assassin in her childhood and some of the other dark or violent subject matter is, just in my opinion only, better suited for a more mature or slightly older audience. However, Shadow of the Batgirl surprisingly worked best when Cain received some informal mentoring from two distinct ladies - restauranteur 'Jackie' Fujikawa Yoneyama (in the style of a snappy but cool aunt, though they are not related) and librarian Barbara Gordon (as a sincere big sister-type) - that she meets upon her escape into Gotham City. The several scenes featuring any combination of those three in conversation were the best sections of this book.

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story, I will admit my biased straight out. Cassandra Cain is my favourite Batgirl. As much as I do like Barbara Gorgon, i do think she makes a better Oricle. She is an awesome supporting character in this book.

I admit it is not my favourite artwork, and I think they made both Cassandra and Barbara look too young, especially in some parts. However, the story is great. Cassandra decides how she wants to be, have in her life, and stepping into the role she earned.

It is a great story that I could not help cheer for the characters and a great look at Cassandra's life. I would love a sequel to this book. This is always the mark of a great book when it is finished. I want more. I am looking at Barbara's story next.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off so slow, slow enough that I almost gave up on it. About a third of the way in, the book does pick up though. The story does follow the basics of Cassandra Cain's story, about how she was trained as an assassin from birth and never taught to speak. She breaks away from her father and hides in a library where she meets Barbara Gordon. The storytelling has a very middle school feel to it, as if it was written for DC Zoom as opposed to DC Ink. I would think that was definitely the case if it wasn't for a couple of curse words (They felt very out of place in this) in the latter half in an attempt to make the book angsty enough to be YA .

The art by Nicole Goux reminded me of Paul Pope if he drew Adventure Time. There were too many saggy faces and bendy elbows for my taste. The action scenes felt very static. They had no flow to them at all. For a book about one of the greatest fighters in DC's canon, it was a problem.

Received a review copy from DC and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't a fan of the Cassandra Cain Batgirl when I was reading her first appearances twenty years ago, and this reboot doesn't do anything to win me over now. I think it has to do with the fact that in both iterations she is an assassin. She kills people. Many people. Many, many people. And all the characters in the book just roll with that once she says she sort of kind of feels bad about the last attempted murder of the many, many, many people she has killed. Because wearing a costume and fighting bad people as a hero cancels out what should be years of incarceration, rehabilitation, and mental health therapy.

If you can set aside all the above, this is a decent enough modern superhero adventure for young adults.

[anne larouche · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG LES DESSINS L’HISTOIRE LES PERSONNAGES C’EST TELLEMENT PARFAIT OMG

[Subham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually pretty good!

It tells the tale of Cassandra Cain, born an assassin and how she changes her destiny and rather becomes a hero but before that she has to unlearn her past and become the woman she knows she can be and with the help of Barbara Gordon and Jackie and her bf Erik will she and what threat emerges from her past? David Cain and all.

This is such a great book and is perfect for young readers and it manages to combine elements of mystery and all too but does so in a splendid manner and is excellent, the art style is awesome, cultural references too and everything! A must read for sure for Cass fans and I love the way she becomes Batgirl. This book reminded me of simpler times and all and for that it means a lot to me <3

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The found family trope is definitely one of my favorites, and this story has one of the most sweetest and precious found families I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.

There was also a twist in here that I didn’t expect? Looking back on it though, I probably should have expected it. But, I’m glad I didn’t, as it made the story more memorable for me. This art is so colorful and beautiful, too! Overall, I really enjoyed this one!

4.5 ★’s

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC via Netgalley. Slightly mixed feelings on this one. It's definitely one of the better if not the best of DC's new kid-friendly standalones. I'm really glad that DC's first (only?) Asian heroine is finally in the hands of an Asian writer! I think Kuhn did a good job of introducing Cassandra's backstory (brainwashed daughter of an evil assassin trying to escape her father and become a hero) to potentially brand-new readers and while I miss getting to see Cass together with her adopted dad and brothers, that is very much not a standalone introduction. Focusing on Cass's relationship with Barbara (and with a new surrogate mother figure, Jackie, an older Japanese woman who runs a nearby restaurant) makes sense. It's a very sweet, straightforward story. My one big hesitation is the way disability is (or, more accurately, isn't) portrayed. I know Cassandra's mutism is very important to a lot of readers, and it seems glossed over/quickly fixed here. I'm also a little puzzled by the way Barbara's wheelchair is presented. Don't get me wrong, I love that Barbara in her wheelchair is every bit as active as she should be! It's just that we never see very simple, necessary elements like... elevators? Ramps? Barbara is shown at the top of staircases; she's shown at the bottom of them; she's shown at Jackie's apartment, which is above the restaurant, and in Cassandra's hideout at the library, which is accessed either by a lot of stairs or by climbing in the window. We never see a single ramp or elevator or chairlift in the entire novel. It's a weird omission that could have been so easily fixed.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid "meh" for me, with a bit of "isn't that a tad too violent for the demographic this is being aimed at?" thrown in for good measure. The artwork was inconsistent and it was DARK. I understand that this is the origin story of a character who had a very difficult upbringing, to put it mildly. There is really no good way to intro this character and stay true to her story without being dark. As such, this should probably have been geared for the YA and not younger crowd. Not bad, but not what I was expecting. I'm glad that female comic book characters are getting their due and are being introduced to the younger crowd to show that women can be strong and fight evil in their own way too, so not complaining.

Though I do find it difficult to believe that a slightly built teenage girl could fight and kill grown men the way that she does. If she doesn't have any special magical super powers, I find it difficult to suspend disbelief for that concept. If she got a man by surprise? Yes, she can do it. A grown man, fighting face to face and he is trained to fight too? Maybe. An entire group of trained men? That's where it loses me.

Due to the violence/killing and the child abuse, I would say this is best for YA on up. Maybe advanced middle grade reader. 3, not bad but didn't blow me away, stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and DC Entertainment/DC Comics for an eARC copy of this to read and review.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the graphic novels I read are in the Juvenile section. So, my knowledge of DC backstories is limited. At first, I did not know what was going on and the story was quite slow. I did like the colors used in the graphics and the variety in graphics to dialogue ratios. Some of my favorite panels had little or know words. What I really liked was the central role the library played in Cassandra Cain's story arc -- not so sure about her using stacks of books for her kicking workouts. This is a great new graphic for kids who love the Batman story.

Thank you to DC Comics and NetGalley for digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice origin story for Cassandra Cain becoming a Batgirl. It's marketed as a graphic novel for young adults, but it seems appropriate to me for a younger audience. There are a couple of instances of cursing that seemed jarring and out-of-place in the context of the tone of the rest of the book, but aside from that it seemed primarily intended for younger-than-young-adults. Cassandra is raised as an assassin, with virtually no other education, but escapes into a heroic life thanks to the help of Barbara Gordon and an Asian-American mentor named Jackie. I liked the depiction of the library as a safe place to live and learn and accept guidance from the strong, older women. (She does kick some books, so warn your young readers that's not acceptable.) The art is nicely done, though I thought the characters of Barbara and Cassandra both looked way too young. Overall, it's a fun and positive story, not too preachy, and not too far out of comics continuity.

[Kadi P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much like Cassandra’s journey of self-discovery, this book felt aimless and without purpose.

A graphic novel with an interesting art style featuring a quasi-likeable protagonist with an irritating penchant for running away from those who mean well (and there are far too many who mean well). Then there’s the borderline non-existent and anti-climactic conflict and the random and unnecessary romance storyline that felt so forced and flat.

At first the “I can’t escape my before” felt poignant but much like in The Oracle Code the idea was overused to the point of rendering it cliche and meaningless.

The emotional exploration felt repetitive and childlike and the storyline was too meandering to allow this book to be given anything more than a lowly 3 stars.


Initial thoughts: (23/01/2020)
This book is coming out on my birthday!! I’m really excited to read this one! It looks and sounds great!

[Cisz Geverink - Strasters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow of the Batgirl ~ Sarah Kuhn & Nicole Goux
DC Comics, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Het was alweer even geleden dat ik een graphic novel las, en wat heb ik weer enorm genoten. Ik ben gek op Barbara Gordon sinds mijn cosplay research naar een vrouwelijke superhelp in rolstoel, maar kende Cassandra Cain nog niet. Dit verhaal was een hele leuke kennismaking met het personage. Het fijne van de graphic novels van DC, vind ik, is dat ze het laagdrempelig maken, en je op een fijne manier, in 1 verhaal, kennis kan maken met diverse helden en schurken. Het voorwoord van Sarah Kuhn maakte het een mooi, persoonlijk verhaal. De toffe art stijl van Nicole Goux maakt het voor mij helemaal af. Echt een aanrader ♡

www.facebook.com/thebookbabecisz

[Valery Tikappa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Con questo libro spunto la casella della Fuffy Reading Challenge: First man on the moon, un libro ambientato in un altro mondo.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJa82pnre_K/

Cassandra Cain è la figlia di un super-cattivo di Gotham City, una macchina pronta a uccidere almeno finchè non capisce di non voler più uccidere e scappa dalla sua vecchia vita.
Rifugiatasi in una biblioteca, comincia a farsi degli amici e a conoscere di più del mondo che la circonda.
Attratta dall'eroina Batgirl che sembra scomparsa nel nulla, Cassandra cercherà di trovare risposta a una domanda: cos'è che differenzia eroi e cattivi?

Il fumetto fa parte della serie di autoconclusivi dedicati a eroi e cattivi DCcomics rivisitati in chiave young adult e mi è piaciuto molto.

L'ombra di Batgirl è più introspettivo rispetto ai volumi precedenti, è tutto focalizzato sulla ricerca di se stessi e il fatto che in questo caso manchi la parte fantastica tipica del mondo DC me l'ha solo fatto apprezzare di più.

Cassandra è un'adolescente ma scopre la vita, le emozioni, le aspirazioni e la morale per la prima volta in vita sua. Impara a parlare, ad ascoltare, ad autoanalizzarsi e a comprendere davvero chi le sta intorno.
è stato come vedere un bambino crescere e diventare una brava persona.
Ho letto il fumetto come un viaggio in cui l'evoluzione del personaggio è tutto, non come supereroe ma come persona.

Davvero bellino, ottimo young adult.
I disegni mi sono piaciuti molto, sono colorati, dal tratto morbido, sempre dinamici sia nelle azioni che nelle espressioni dei personaggi.

[Jena · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Am I brave enough to say that this is the best Cass appearance since Puckett & Scott run? This is certainly the first time in a long time I've felt the sheer love for Cass radiating from a story. Kuhn worked her butt off to get the chance to write this series, and it's clear that she has such a deep love for Cass. IT'S WHAT SHE DESERVES.

But I may have lost all the new comic readers by talking about Cass' of DC past, so let's backtrack. This is a standalone story following Cassandra Cain, a young girl who has been trained all her life to be an assassin. This includes a healthy dose of emotional and physical abuse by her father, down to not allowing Cass to ever speak; instead forcing her to channel her communication kinetically. Consequently, Cass is extremely good at reading body language, but very bad at actually talking with other people. One day when Cass is out murdering some guy for her papa, her victim pleads for his life by longing for his daughter in a way that shakes Cass and starts her on the path of questioning her life. She runs away from home, taking refuge in a library. Here she discovers stories of Batgirl, a hero who protected Gotham. Cass decides she wants to be a hero too, and begins to truly start her life with the help of some new friends. I wasn't sure where it felt natural to mention this, but Cass is a half-Chinese heroine, written by an asian author. You love to see it.



I think new readers will really enjoy the character Cass presents. Cass has done terrible things, but she was manipulated into doing them. She carries a lot of guilt and PTSD, and the story does a great job of showing that without feeling bleak. There's been a lot of debate over the years in the comic community as to whether or not Cass is disabled because of her unique situation when it comes to language. I can't rule either way, but while her situation has no real-world equivalent, readers can certainly choose to interpret her character in any number of ways. Her struggle with understanding social norms is similar to how some experience autism, as well as some similarities to ADD, social anxiety, among others. Cass' backstory and way of seeing the world makes her feel truly different, especially from other stories in this same line of intro tales that DC has published.

This story also features Barbara Gordon in her wheelchair, which is fantastic to see again. For new readers, Babs serves as the older sister you wish you had: patient, understanding and loyal. I found the other two new characters that help Cass on her journey to also work well in the story, and from one we get this fantastic line: "It's ok to not be ok."



The art is also stunning in here. Each character is so expressive, and it's critically important for Cass since she doesn't start speaking until a ways into the story. It's also appropriate considering that Cass' is so adept at reading body language. We get to see that conveyed through the art. Additionally, we have some gorgeous backgrounds that really embody a strong mood. The art does have some shortcomings, but the positives outweighed them for me. Action scenes are not Goux's forte, and I hope you like chokeholds, because that's the only fighting pose you'll see. Additionally, there's some logical leaps when it comes to Babs navigating around in her wheelchair: Cass runs up a flight of stairs, and suddenly Babs is there too. No ramps or elevators are ever seen. However Babs is serving looks in this, so we forgive. Queen of librarian fashion and strong arms.

The last thing I will comment on for new readers is the age range is a bit dicey here. The book very vaguely defines itself as for young adults, but if you plan on giving this to a child or teen you may want to just give it a read first. Because of Cass' past there are references to violence and we see her try and murder people at several points (although it's not bloody), and there is also at least one swear. If it were a movie, it would be PG-13. Although, strangely, the writing feels like it's aimed at the 9-14 crowd, not older teens. For that reason, it's hard to pinpoint a specific age range for this book.

For you long-time Cass Stans like myself, there are a few notable changes to her origin and character. None of them bothered me because this is a self-contained story and getting into all the messiness of No Man's Land and Batman would really distract from the core themes. I get it. But brace yourself, there's no real Batfam interaction. I also saw some early speculation that the black male teenage character shown in the previews is Duke Thomas. While Cass/Duke is sort of a crackship, honestly I'm down. But I do have to sink that ship, he's not Duke Thomas. Feel free to write fix it fics as you see fit.



Additionally, Cass' relationship with language is tweaked here. In her original story, not only could she not speak verbal language, but she also couldn't understand it. In this story, she's able to understand language but was never allowed to speak it. Some may be turned off by that change, but again I think it works. The story needs Cass to be able to verbally communicate, and giving her the foundation of at least understanding verbal language allows that process to happen much faster. The last thing I will say is Babs. That is all.

WE HAVE AN ORACLE SIGHTING, BABY. I hope this and the newly-announced Oracle book are signs that DC is teasing bringing her back in some capacity. I love Babs in all her forms, but she really shone as Oracle.

This is really more in the 4 star realm, but I rounded up half a star because honestly I love Cassandra Cain with ever fiber of my being and I will give any story that treats her right a higher rating. As much as I did enjoy the Birds of Prey movie, this was so welcome after the DCEU's stale ass take on Cass. This, right here? THIS is my girl.

[Noura Khalid (theperksofbeingnoura) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you DC Comics for the gifted review copy!

Batman is one of my favorite DC characters and you can bet that Batgirl is too. This was one of my highly anticipated. All the latest graphic novels from DC Ink have been amazing and this was clearly no exception.

Cassandra Cain was one of those characters that you can't help but love. She's raised by a villain and that life is all she knows but we get to see her rediscover herself in the graphic novel. She shifts from being someone who is sent to take people out into a girl learning about the meaning of being a hero and inspiring others. This story feels like a tribute to all those out there looking for their calling and what life truly is to them. I adored every minute of this book!

The story was wonderful and had me emotional at times. The art was spectacular! so unique and I'm looking forward to more by Nicole Goux! I loved the characters that we meet along the way. There was also a lot of diversity in this and the story focused so much on found family. A lot of instances were heartfelt and others were funny. There was plenty of action too which is also just as important in a superhero comic! I read the comic in one sitting and just couldn't put it down. I flipped the pages and before I knew it the story was over.

[Ava :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

in my opinion, the best of the dc ink ya graphic novels. a real heartwarming tale that is an original story, but keeps true to her original character. also loved how babs was portrayed in this and the original character jackie

only notes: that batgirl costume? god awful. cmon guys batgirl literally has one of the best costume gallerys in all of dc and you give her this?? also the love interest was not necessary. not at all.

EDIT: I’ve decided to include an excerpt of the introduction bc i think it shows how much love went into this book and like made me tear up, its really beautiful.

“As I was writing my own version, I realized that Cass also has trouble seeing herself as a hero. She just can’t picture it. She thinks all she can be is a villain, a sidekick. She thinks she’s disposable.

I wanted to reach through the pages and tell her: you’re not. You are everything...

And if I can say just one more thing to Cass, it’s this:

Thank you for showing me I can be a hero. I hope you know you’re one too.” (Sarah Kuhn, author)

[exorcismemily · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Good, evil, hero, villain--these aren't things people just magically become. They're choices people make."

Shadow of the Batgirl is the first Cassandra Cain Batgirl story I've read, and the first book I've read by Sarah Kuhn as well. I had fun reading this one! The friendship between Cassandra, Barbara, and Jackie was really sweet, and I liked that Barbara was still involved as Oracle in this one. This graphic novel is really interesting because it only talks about Batgirl on her own, and never brings in Batman or the rest of the Bat Family, and it works for this story. I would definitely read more if this becomes a series.

[ikram · Rating 4 out of 5]

1/7 books read for The Reading Rush

Although Shadow of the Batgirl is marketed toward young adults, I feel like this book is more middle grade-y for me. The art is super cute and the story feels so light despite having some dark aspects on it. All I could think about during my reading is, "Cassandra, you're a baby. A baby wants to fight the bad guys." because like... Cassandra IS a baby.

[tazmeen ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was mostly alright. Will write review later

[Renata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassandra Cain's backstory is fuckin WILD but this is a fun spin on it, and again, great to see #OwnVoices super books for teens! I loved how it's about the inspirational power of role models and stories. YOU KNOW I LOVE STORIES ABOUT THE INSPIRATIONAL POWER OF STORIES!!

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow of the Batgirl follows trained assassin Cassandra Cain, as she explores who she is and who she wants to be after a life changing decision that she makes. I did not know anything about Cassandra before starting this, but I very quickly became invested in her story. I loved witnessing her journey as she explored her own identity, and her narrative was an enjoyable and unexpectedly heart-warming one. Unfortunately though the art style was not my favourite, especially as it was a little difficult to understand what was happening at times.

Cassandra straddles the line between hero and villain, as she tries to understand who she wants to be. Morally grey characters are always my favourite kind, so I really liked Cassandra. She was raised to interpret body language without the use of words and so she is mute. This was a fascinating part of her story but it was disappointingly not explored in as much detail as it could have been.

Shadow of the Batgirl was a fantastic read. I loved following Cassandra on her journey to discover her own identity, and the exploration of the line between hero and villain made for an incredibly interesting and engaging narrative.

Rating - 4/5
★★★★

There is also a link to this review on my blog here!

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It's okay to not be okay."

I love everything this volume does. It's just the sort of book I want these new DC OGNs to be. It takes elements of the DC Universe (Cassandra Cain, Batgirl, Gotham) and streamlines them for a younger audience. It's got clever reinterprations of DC continuity while still being a blank slate anyone can jump into. It invents new supporting characters that make the characters' relationships more complex and the themes of the story easier to get across. Cassandra Cain is this awkward young girl who doesn't know who she's supposed to be- she was raised to be a killer, but part of her wants to be a hero. She has her own traumas to deal with, her own obstacles, but she finds a new family that accepts her and helps her become who she wants to be. She has difficult communicating, but can understand nonverbal cues better than anyone else.

It's a great lesson in how we are not defined by our pasts, but instead by the choices we make. When Cass has the option, she chooses to help people. She may stumble, she definitely makes mistakes, but she chooses to be good. And that's what matters.

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sort of capsule version of Cassandra Cain's origin. On one hand, I love that Cass is getting any kind of attention, and Kuhn obviously has real affection for the character. Her initial attempts to be some kind of hero are endearing, and Kuhn uses her ability to read body language well. Babs and original character Jackie make for great, necessary mentor figures for her. On the other hand, her initial mutism is overcome really easily. By the end of the book, she's able to speak in complete sentences and have verbal conversations without any formal help, something that the main version of the character still struggles with. I also have mixed feelings about the romance she has here. It's totally unnecessary, but the boy is really sweet. I think this book could have some traction with readers who identify with Cass because they also struggle to express themselves and to find their places, though.

[Forever Young Adult]

Graded By: Mandy C.
Cover Story: Foreshadow
BFF Charm: Heck Yes
Swoonworthy Scale: 6
Talky Talk: Batgirl: Origins
Arty Art: More Than Meets The Eye
Bonus Factors: Found Family, Tasty Business
Anti-Bonus Factor: Patty Chase Award for Awful Parenting
Relationship Status: Is This Love?

Read the full book report here.

[Lucie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This story was fun to read. I thought it did a pretty good job as a one short/intro to Cassandra Cain and I really enjoyed it.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow of The Batgirl is a coming-of-age tale of self discovery in the form of an unexpected superhero transformation. DC Ink’s young adult graphic novel explores relatable themes for readers 13-17, including the search for identity, finding your true family, first love, discovering your abilities, and learning to believe in yourself. This is one of our very first diverse female superheroes. Cassandra Cain is breaking the barriers for young girls reaching for inspirational graphic novels on their favorite heroes.

Alright guys and gals, I am just going to get into this because I am completely blown away at how well executed this was for Cassandra Cain’s take on Batgirl. Cain grew up to be a child assassin. She can’t read, she can’t comprehend some things, and basically the only thing she knows how to do, is kill… Until one day she comes to a realization and takes refuge inside of a library where she learns about the views of Batgirl. She witnesses a bunch of kids marveling in Batgirl’s heroic tasks and missions, yet she doesn’t understand how one can defeat evil without killing it.
On the streets, she is taken in by Jackie, which essentially becomes her grandmother figure. Their relationship is absolutely adorable and I was blown away at the patience of Jackie and her understanding of Cassandra. She takes her in, gives her food, clothes, and a hot shower while asking nothing in return. What I love most is that Jackie isn’t pushing or trying too hard to get any type of information from Cain, she just allows her to do her thing.
While in the library Cain’s emotions are tested when she meets a very cute, book loving boy who tests her boundaries more than they ever have been before. Part of this is heartbreaking as Cain had never opened up emotionally to someone. All the men in her life had beaten, abused, and used her. So to see her transform even in this small aspect is monumental in her overall adaption out of being an assassin.


“I AM WHO I WANT TO BE.
I DECIDED.”


And now, onto my most favorite part. It wouldn’t be a Batgirl story without Barbara Gordon. Listen to me though, this novel is not centered around Babs at all. She is this positive light into Cain’s transformation, but it happens unknowingly. This take on the original story was absolutely transforming for these female heroes. Babs did not have to seek out a hero to take over as Batgirl.
Cain has a learning disability. She can’t read or comprehend things like other, but that doesn’t mean anything because she is very very smart. She is transforming herself into a hero instead of a killer.

So, I would love to just point out something else as well that this novel did for me.
My love for Batgirl started as Barbara Gordon. She will always be my favorite Batgirl and there will never be a doubt about that. Hear me out, Shadow of The Batgirl gave me an absolutely new perspective of her as Oracle. I’ve always been one to fight for the equality and diversity of women heroes. It still upsets me that the original Babs was shot and paralyzed just to advance a male character arc. Yet, in this novel Babs is in a wheel chair due to an accident. Nothing was ever specified. She makes such an incredible Oracle in this novel that it just opened up a new perspective on her to the new audiences. Not only do we have an Asian Batgirl but her best friend is paralyzed. This is an incredible movement into more diverse heroes for these younger readers who could be coping with their own struggles. I mean if there was a book academy award for best supporting character, it would, hands down, go to Barbara Gordon for this novel.
Thank you to DC Comics for allowing me the pleasure of reading this book and being able to reach out to you all to talk about it. Shadow of The Batgirl is one of the greatest journeys young readers will go on. It was very influential to those young minds.

[Lost in Book Land · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello!


For some reason, it's been a little while since I have gotten to read a graphic novel. I love reading them, I have just been preoccupied with so many other items and usually, when I would be reading a graphic novel recently I have been reading a manga. Anyhow, I recently got this graphic novel on my Kindle as an ARC and I really wanted to read it! So this weekend I spent a bit of time reading it and I loved it! I can not wait to see where they are going to go next with this series (fingers crossed for another book).


SPOILERS AHEAD


Cassandra is the daughter of super villains and knows nothing outside the supervillain life she has been trained for. That is until the day, she almost kills someone, this someone causes her to experience an identity crisis of epic proportions. Cassandra has nowhere to run and she knows no one. She eventually ends up at the public library where she begins to hear other words and meet kind people including Barabara. Barabara does a lot of different projects at the library but one of them is teaching kids to read and Cassandra has been sitting in the back of her classes for a little while now. Slowly, learning how to read and learning about Batgirl (also learning about her parents at the same time). One day, Cassandra speaks up in Barabara's class and from there her and Barabara become fast friends, helping one another out with their own projects. As the two work together Cassandra begins to prepare for her biggest challenge yet, facing her dad., will she be ready? Can she find or learn from Batgirl who has been missing for a long time? 

If I am honest, at first I was super confused by some of the things going on in this graphic novel. I do not know much about the DC universe but what I did know was not really lining up in the start of the graphic novel. However, as I read further I began to understand a little more and by the end, I was like woah! I definitely did not see some things coming in this graphic novel which I think made it more enjoyable for me and exciting. I am really enjoying learning about the DC universe in these graphic novels and I think they are beautifully done (artwise and storywise). I am giving this five stars on Goodreads and I look forward to a second book in this series! 

***Thank you to the publisher for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of my 365 Kids Books challenge. If you're following along, I am now 132 books reviews in, and the Top Readers list is still not fixed. For an explanation see my review for 101 Amazing Facts about Australia You can see all the books on their own shelf.

Unlike many of the reviewers, I wasn't familiar with the character of Cain, and not well up on my Gotham history in general. Cain recovers very well and quite swiftly from her horrible upbringing, but that doesn't bother me too much. I like the cast of characters, the look of the book, the origin story, the diverse characters. Quite fun and not dark in feeling, despite grim elements.

Library copy

[Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a boring origin story, but I really like this version of Cass, I wasn't really aware of her until I saw BOP, and I think this is a more interesting version of her than the film version, it's a shame she was only really the same character in name. I also really liked the other characters, especially Jackie.

I don't know how realistic it is that someone could live in a library and put things on the walls without anyone noticing, seemingly for weeks, but ok, I'm just glad a library was such a prominent part of the story (though a warning to book lovers: Cass kicks over piles of books, just wanted to warn you all. It hurt my soul).

I wasn't that keen on the art, but the colours were beautiful.

Overall, a decent book but I kind of wish it hadn't been an origin story. She's a cool character though and I'm excited to read more about her, and this was a good introduction.