Batgirls, Vol. 1: One Way or Another

Batgirls (2021)

by Becky Cloonan, Michael Conrad, Jorge Corona (Illustrator)

Two Bats are better than one! Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown star in the team-up book you’ve been waiting for—under the mentorship of Barbara Gordon, the original Batgirl!

Batgirls Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown are only able to navigate the dark, gritty, and oftentimes scary city of Gotham by leaning on the bright light that is their best-friendship.

Mentored by Oracle, the Batgirls move to the other side of town where Barbara Gordon can keep a better eye on them while the hacker Seer is still invading their lives. Steph may be too rash sometimes, and Cass doesn’t speak much—but what they lack in similarities, they make up for with their mutual respect and love for each other…and what makes them stronger together as Batgirls! And they may be good at kicking ass, but they are just trying their best to be normal teenagers—who’ll borrow the keys to a muscle car that belonged to a bad guy and perhaps give it a joyride around town without a driver’s license, then race to get back home to Oracle by curfew!

Splashing the pages with bright colors against a dark backdrop of Gotham, Batgirls is the pizza slumber party you don’t want to miss!

This volume collects Batgirls #1-6, and the Batgirls short stories from Batman #115-117.

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

144 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2022

About the author

Becky Cloonan is an American comic book creator, known for work published by Tokyopop and Vertigo. In 2012 she became the first female artist to draw the main Batman title for DC Comics.

Reviews

[Diz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art is interesting in this, but the story is too chatty, so level of chat to action is a bit high for my tastes. Also, the villains in this volume are not that interesting. Plus there are a few jokes that don't land.

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I was not sure about the artwork. It looked a bit cartoony and kiddie. However, it works for the most part.

During the Fear State, the Batgirls lose their home, are framed, and are wanted by the authorities (Gotham PD). So, they can not even count on the support of a friendly commissioner or the Oracle network. That is all issue one.

I like the way the story comes together. If there is one thing I would really change are the fights. I think all the Batgirls get an even time in the spotlight. A bit more character development would have been good, but enough was done.

A good companion to the Fear State. The book finishes with a varient cover gallery and character sketches.

[Steph · Rating 2 out of 5]

I try not to hold the fact that I had such high hopes for this book against it. But... man. Is it disappointing. I've enjoyed Cloonan and Conrad's previous work, particularly Gotham Academy. But this... there were rumors on the internet that Steph and Cass were being written as being around 14, back when this book first debuted, and even though I believe they were pushed back against, it certainly feels as if Cass and Steph are being written as silly, incompetent teenagers who need to be babysat by their competent babysitter Babs. The erasure and handling of Babs's disability continues to hang over all Bat Books, but this one... I had hopes! But nope. Steph and Cass have to be incompetent so we can be reminded, at all times, that Babs is the best. Perhaps it's not fair on the book, that I want the characters to be, well, good at their jobs, and treated like adults. But when Damian, an actual child, is treated with more gravitas than Steph and Cass, who are supposed to be adults, I can't help but find it irritating.

The art is fun though. It's a great style, and the colorists do an amazing job, and it absolutely matches what Cloonan is going for, tonally. It does what it's trying to do! I just... don't enjoy what that is.

[Molly™☺ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than expected, it treads the line between childlike goofiness and attempts at more advanced story telling. However, much of the character work feels slightly off, and the art mediates between looking quite good to down right horrible. Each page flip is a gamble where you're not quite sure whether to prepare for disappointment or satisfaction.

[Oscar · Rating 4 out of 5]

RIP Bondo 😔 3.7 🌟

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like all the Batgirls individually, but it really annoys me to have them all in one book together all using the same Batgirl codename. At one point, they briefly address how stupid it is for them all to turn their heads when someone says, "Hey, Batgirl," but then they never do anything about it, tabling it for another volume I guess.

What also annoys me is reading a long-ass comic book collection where the heroes spend most of their time sitting around doing nothing while all their opponents sit around conveniently giving them time to do nothing. The scattered script spends sooooo much time treading water. And when they do do something it usually just involves punching stuff and running away if it punches back too much so they can have some more down time to recover.

Boring, pointless, and tedious. I'm not coming back to this series.

[Artemis Crescent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's show some Batgirl love! Come on, now!

These girls sure love being Batgirls - yes, crimefighting partners Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain are both called Batgirl here, don't know how that's not confusing, but anyway--! - they talk with each other about being Batgirl a lot. Whether there is one of them, two of them, or three of them, being a Batgirl is the best, let no one forget that.

And Batgirls stick together, and are the best of girl-friends.

The comic volume, 'Batgirls Vol. 1: One Way or Another', is far from perfect. It continues a DC storyline I'm hopelessly ignorant of, so in the beginning, issues from there are put in here, in an attempt to properly begin these Batgirls' story and bring readers up to speed, which doesn't end up working. Parts and events are outright skipped, other stuff is still going on, and it's all rather jumbled and confusing.

BUT...I got more invested the further I read on, when the book's own storyline receives a more appropriate starting point. The structure and pacing can still be iffy, but the characters and colours make it appealing.

A lot is happening - the main plot basically revolves around Spellbinder, and this is yet another 'Batgirl' mind control story (she gets many of those); meanwhile on the sides, there is a hacker called Seer, a main-threat-to-back-burner-nuisance who is out to destroy Barbara/Oracle's life for some reason (cool name, Seer, for an adversary of someone called Oracle, though); there is a serial murder mystery going on; thieving's going on, too; there're these Magistrate mercenaries called the Saints who're out to kill the Batgirls; said Batgirls - Babs, Steph and Cass - are also fugitives (LONG story there) in hiding, and are readjusting to living in a new headquarters in a Gotham precinct called The Hill; Steph and Cass steal obtain a Batgirl mobile called Bondo; and in the end, Babs obtains a pet robot dog. I think?

It sounds complicated. It is complicated. But overall, taking everything into consideration, it isn't so annoying and clunky. Moments of deep thought, introspection and clarity, expressed in both dialogue and art, show up more often than not. As mentioned above, the characters more than make up for any deficiencies in the plotting.

The three Batgirls are a great team. They care deeply for one another, they clearly have history and experience together, and they have their funny moments, banter and quirks; they are like a comfortable family unit in a most definitely uncomfortable, difficult and dangerous situation. They go above and beyond as superheroine friends and comrades. Theirs is a bat-bond that's wonderful and meaningful, flaws and dysfunction and all. They feel like real women and young girls living together, who love each other dearly. They are the Bat Family women (minus Batwoman, sadly).

Babs is a kindly and reasonable but strict-when-need-be mentor and big sister figure to the two younger Batgirls, who remains Oracle and slightly disabled (she has a limp, I think; she has a cane at one point), but the redheaded brainbox dons her classic Batgirl costume and gets into the action in one issue (she's also currently dating Dick Grayson. I approve). Steph is the impulsive, hyperactive, emotional, blonde-and-blue-eyed cheerleader type, who needs all the support she can get. Cass is the same as she's always been - raised to be an assassin since birth, now fighting for truth and justice. She's also still naïve about some social interactions, different word meanings, and figures of speech, and she is freaking adorable. Her newfound love of reading, combined with her serious and scary/cute face, is iconic! Or it should be. Cass is the quiet (and deadly) one to Steph's loud chattiness. Other than their Batgirl monikers and vigilante identities, daddy issues is another common ground they share.

Further note: Barbara Gordon may not be as smart and observant in this comic as she normally is, when she's at her best, but she is and always shall be a computer and intel genius, and the ending makes up for her previous misgivings by showing how she's trained and used her upper body strength for years while tied to a chair. There are glimpses; evidence of why she is an equal to Batman, why she deserves the same amount of respect as him, and it's part of the reason why I love her so much, why she is my favourite superheroine:

It's because she can defeat her enemies by outwitting them. By being clever. It's not all punching. She has brains and tech as well as heart. She shows the many strengths there are to being only human, to having limitations. She shows how a single person can overcome multiple traumas and tragedies, physically, emotionally and mentally. Life is painfully unfair to her, but she will never give up, never stop fighting, never stop finding reasonable solutions from every angle, never stop loving, never stop laughing.

Barbara Gordon will never give up her goodness, her humanity.

To quote Babs in 'Batgirls':


"[...]--Being routinely underestimated by people like you who think they know what's best for me! As if I don't know myself! I've faced so much worse than any vision from your toxic gas will ever be. Pain is an old friend. And as for fear... [...] I thrive on overcoming it."


Bravery, thy name is Barbara.

Not that the other Batgirls aren't brave, mind you. They certainly are. They're amazing.

Another flaw in the comic: you know the serial murder mystery and mass thievery plots I mentioned? They're pretty much forgotten about in the last couple of issues. They won't be resolved in this volume. Dang.

'Batgirls Vol. 1: One Way or Another' - a treat for Batgirl fans, once they get past the confusing beginning and roll with the rest of it. I also love the colourful and expressive art, and the issue covers, plus those from the variant galley, are massively bold, gorgeous, creative and cute!

Batgirl(s) returns. And she is forever.

Final Score: 3.5/5

[Adam Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.
There can't really be a "Batgirl" if multiple ladies go by the same title, hence we get "Batgirls"! OG Barbara Gordon (though usually acting as Oracle), Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown (usually known as Spoiler), evacuate the Clock Tower after its destruction by Magistrate Forces and move to "The Loft".
Four villains are making themselves known here in Volume 1:
1) Seer - a hacker who is able to crack even Oracle's databases and generally acts like a terrorist to the girls. There's more than we know to her, as she shows up at the end of the Volume asking for help.
2) The Saints - 3 heavily armored and specialized Magistrate troops who continue to follow the orders of the Magistrate, even after Simon Saint's death. They are being controlled by outside forces.
3) Tutor - A Street artist who uses his powerful speeches and hypnotic art (mixed with fear gas) to control mobs of people. He seems to be the primary target they should focus on, but he is actually being controlled by...
4) Spellbinder - a master of mental manipulation. Knows Barbara from college and even dated him. When the three Batgirls work together, they are able to take him down.

Overall, this was a fun read, though a bit long and wordy. Great vibrant art style. Very interested to see how this book will unfold.
Recommend.

[Vinicius · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comprei essa HQ porque eu amo a Cassandra, e no Brasil, é muito difícil sair algo da personagem, e admito que a leitura foi agradável, me tirou algumas risadas ao longo da trama.

Acredito que o mais legal dessa HQ, é a dinâmica entre a Cassandra, Bárbara e Steph. As três combinam muito e resultam em interações bem divertidas e de personalidades que se complementam.

No que tange a trama, é uma trama bem ok, nada demais. Existem alguns vilões genéricos que foram criados apenas para essa trama, que servem para serem antagonistas pontuais, mas nada marcante que empolgue o leitor.

Contudo, acredito que a HQ consegue trabalhar bem o tema da manipulação, da mídia e de fakenews nos dias de hoje. Não é nada aprofundado, mas é possível interligar que as ações dos vilões e da população fora manipulada, mostrando consequências das fake news.

O que eu tenho de crítica em relação ao lançamento da HQ aqui no Brasil, é que demorou muito para sair. A trama da HQ se passa nos acontecimentos do Estado de Medo e do Magistrado em Gotham, e isso ocorreu na revista do Batman a mais de um ano atrás. Isso faz com que a leitura de Batgirls não seja 100% aproveitada por já sabermos que aquele arco do Batman acabou e já sabemos o que acontece.

[James DeSantis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I truly dislike this first volume.

Cass feels nothing like how she normally does.

Barbara is SO annoying.

Stephanie is so "dumb" in this it's a insult to her character.

The storyline and "bad" guy are so shitty.

This whole volume is garbage really.

[Mariano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3. A little bit inconsequential from the plot (basic villains and stuff) but I really enjoyed the dinamic between the 3 of them.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

More engaging than I expected...but not by much. Batgirl (Barbara) is joined by Batgirl (Stephanie) and Batgirl (Cassie) to form The Batgirls. Not sure when/why they all had to become Batgirls, but now they're living together, taking on Magistrate goons (this volume mostly takes place in the aftermath of Fear State).

With three heroes, it should come as no surprise that low-key interpersonal drama plays a big role in the storytelling, often at the expense of interesting villains or plotlines. The trio moved to the Hills, a run-down section of Gotham, because the Seer (a mysterious tech villain) broke into Barbara's system. From there, they tackle minor league villains, like a graffiti artist who might be infusing his artwork with fear gas.

Jorge Corona pulls his weight in the artwork department, propping up the bland plots with garish/gorgeous colors and designs. Some scenes are incomprehensible, others are stunning. In any case, you're eager to turn the page and find out what's next. I'd read more Batgirls, but this first volume isn't going to set the world on fire.

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should please any fan of any of the Batgirls. They’re all written wonderfully here, and the book is a lot of fun. 5/5 stars.

[Shaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Roman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Перша арка нової серії про Бетдівчат вийшла дуже і дуже хорошою. Зав'язка серії полягає у тому, що Барбара, Стеф та Касандра, внаслідок подій "Стану Страху" переїхали в занедбану частину Ґотему.

Перед нами дуже весела та приємна арка, усі героїні прописані досить добре і за тим як вони взаємодіють одна з одною цікаво спостерігати, що як на мене, в командній серії є одним з найважливіших аспектів. Порадувала також різноманітність лиходіїв тут Бетґьорлс зіштовхнуться як з недобитим елітним тріо магістрату так і з одним новим та з одним напівновим лиходієм. Загалом дует Клунан та Конрада продовжує мене радувати. З великих плюсів також виділю просто розкішний малюнок Корони.

Так що дуже рекомендую цю серію усім хто хоче почитати, щось фанове і сподіваюся, що далі цей онгоїнг продовжить тримати таку високу планку.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rating is a tad high, and the reason why might resonate with some people. But, as someone who raised a daughter (now an adult) I felt that Cloonan really got the dynamic between the three leads damn near perfect.

I bought that Barbara, Cassandra, and Stephanie were in the work/hang out/buddy situation and the it was real enough for me that I enjoyed their non-crime fighting scenes much more than the action scenes (and Cloonan does a fine job with the central action part of the story).

Its just that I bought into the joy of Cassandra and Stephanie joyriding, eating thrown together meals with Barbara, and the three different approaches to problem solving.

In some ways this brought back memories of Tamora Pierce.

[Mia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

More me so Steph and Cass, but characterization here is something.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could read Steph & Cass stories all day, these best-friends-badass-batgirls are so relatable & charming. Love Barbara Gordon supporting them. The artwork is unique & delightful.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Barbara is mentoring two Batgirls: Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown as they take on the Batgirl mantle. The trio are stalked by a fellow hacker, named Seer. Seer seems to know everything about them. The Batgirls have to fight off a villain using a version of Scarecrow's fear gas, a former ally from Barbara's past, and a trio of assailants throughout this volume.

I like the Batgirls. I like Barbara in the Oracle role versus as Batgirl herself. I like Cass and Steph's hideout. I like the costume designs between the two Batgirls and how it's different from Barbara. I liked the story and I found myself enjoying every issue I read. Originally, I wasn't a fan of the art, but it grew on me as I read more of the issues.

The villains are pretty forgettable except for Barbara's former college buddy but I like seeing the three of them take on their enemies.

This was fun, I would keep reading the series in the future.

[Guilherme Smee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Um quadrinho com uma equipe de Batgirls estrelado por Barbara Gordon, Cassandra Cain e Stephanie Brown parece ser um quadrinho divertido, não? Nem teria como dar errado, né? Mas o fato é que deu bem errado. Isso porque Becky Cloonan e Michael W. Conrad carregaram na emoção e empolgação que colocaram em Cass e Steph. Parecem duas criancinhas de dez anos. E Barbara, em vez de equilibrar a equação quase vira uma Batman "de saias", sendo carrancuda e chata, sempre nas sombras. Depois que a franquia Batman passou pelo Estado Futuro, ganhou um personagem chato que está em todas histórias, que é o Magistrado, colocando Gotham City num estado policial permanente, ou melhor, ainda mais permanente. Neste primeiro volume (são dois), as meninas morcegas enfrentam os Santos, ciborgues militarizados, a Vidente, uma hacker, e o Feiticeiro, bem, um feiticeiro satanista. Achei chato pacas esse encadernado e não via a hora de acabar a leitura dessa porcaria. Nem sono chegou a me dar...

[theo · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderful art style
a) appreciated the homoerotic tension between Steph and Cass but it should be gayer imo
b) although the references to Barbara's disability (showing her with the cane ~once~ and her upper body training it would be nice to see her with the cane more or perhaps a wheelchair at times

[Sarospice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really want to like Cloonan as I think she does all ages pretty well but here her too young characterization doesn't fit the heroes. The art is an absolute eyesore. The villains are interesting but left out to dry .....

[Joe Bogue · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars. I wanted to like this way more than I did. It's very dialogue heavy for how thin both the plot and character development are. Cloonan is just continuing a trend started by others, but I liked Orphan so much better when she only spoke a couple words at a time.

[ely r · Rating 5 out of 5]

girls night 🦇 girls night 🧨 girls night 🥷


this comic run is SO cute. too many antagonists to keep up with in my opinion but the art style is so dynamic and colorful and i love seeing each of the batgirls get their spotlight. also RIP bondo you will be missed 🫡

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

*disgusting fangirl noises*

[WormOn AString · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Cass

[Gryphon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very colorful and very sassy.

[Eva B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm, maybe a 2.5? I loved the dynamic between Cass (a new fave), Babs, and Stephanie, but the plot left a lot to be desired.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art in this was not my favorite but Cass and Steph are darlings.

[Elyrria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful art, lackluster story.