This is the Best Batgirl Story Ever Told

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As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my admiration for Batgirl, a pivotal character in the Batman universe. She not only embodies the female spirit within the team, but also shares the mantle, much like Robin, allowing various heroines to develop and transform with each new wearer. The arrival of Batgirl elevated the Dynamic Duo to the Terrific Trio, and she’s been a significant force in the DC Universe for years.

Throughout history, there have been several individuals who donned the Batgirl cape, but Barbara Gordon, Cassandra Cain, and Stephanie Brown stand out. Each one is remarkable in their own right, with captivating stories that have left a lasting impact. “Batgirl: Year One” offers an enlightening perspective on Barbara’s character, “Batgirl of Burnside” provides a refreshing modern take, and Stephanie’s brief tenure as Batgirl is unfortunately underappreciated. Tate Brombal’s current run promises to become a classic, but given its ongoing nature, I can’t include it in this discussion just yet.

There’s also “Shadow of the Batgirl,” an engaging story designed for younger readers that follows Cass as she grows into the role, inspired by Barbara’s example. Each interpretation brings something new and exciting to the table, making Batgirl one of my favorite characters in the DC Universe.

Among all Batgirl stories, Cassandra Cain’s original seventy-three issue solo series stands out as the most outstanding when she takes the lead. This series, which was the first ongoing for Batgirl, has made Cass a beloved character among fans for years. While there are many strong contenders, I believe this series deserves special recognition, particularly due to Kelley Puckett’s exceptional work on the first thirty-seven issues. Here’s why:

1. It was the first ongoing Batgirl series ever published.
2. Cassandra Cain, the character, became a fan favorite as a result of this series.
3. Despite fierce competition, I find this series to be exceptional, especially given Kelley Puckett’s impressive work on the first thirty-seven issues.

Batgirl is an Action-Packed Family Drama

In “Batgirl” volume one, Cass didn’t just embark on her first ongoing comic book series, but it also marked her initial foray into the comic book world. Fresh from her debut in the “No Man’s Land” event, she took on the role of Batgirl and leaped straight into her own series as that event concluded. At the outset, little was known about her other than the fact that she was David Cain’s daughter, struggled to talk, and was an exceptional fighter. Essentially a clean slate, what makes this run so unique is how skillfully it explores that aspect. Cass serves as an ideal character for introduction, gradually discovering the world in a way that someone who had a typical upbringing couldn’t. We witness Cass’s first night as Batgirl, observe her applying her extraordinary abilities to navigating the Gotham City streets, which are like a mental asylum minefield, and watch her evolve into the mantle she was bestowed. Simultaneously, because she never had a normal childhood, we get to see her learn about everyday things like movies with just as much amazement.

In their own struggles, Babs and Stephanie demonstrated their abilities despite skepticism from others, while Cass battled to redeem herself after a perceived irreversible mistake. She recognized her strength and chose to use it not just to survive but also to save lives, all while grappling with her past as an assassin. Despite wanting to end her life, she found a purpose that resonated with Batman and Babs.

Cass’s journey is about learning to be both a hero and an individual under the tutelage of Batman and Babs, revealing aspects of them unseen elsewhere. Bruce relates deeply to Cass because he recognizes her determination, something few can understand. On the other hand, Babs sees in Cass a young girl burdened by responsibility, trying to guide her on how to handle that weight without succumbing to it.

Batman and Babs draw Cass into an unexpected world, taking on mentor-like roles for her—a stark contrast to the self-centered and malevolent personalities of her biological parents, David Cain and Lady Shiva.

In this version of Batgirl, we follow Cass as she navigates life while grappling with a past she can’t escape, ultimately choosing to bond with a family driven by love instead of genetic ties. This tale is deeply moving yet never neglects the thrilling action, showcasing Cass’s exceptional combat skills against a diverse array of villains, from metahumans to the infamous Joker himself. The almost animated art style imbues it with a smooth flow that mirrors Cass’s graceful fighting style, and adds a touch of humor through various amusing reactions. Throughout the story, Cass’s genuine empathy in a morally convoluted world is both beautiful and heartrending to behold, as she gradually discovers her worth to live just as much as everyone else.

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2025-08-04 05:13