DC's Not-So-Hidden Gem: Batgirl

I have done multiple posts in which I discuss various series’, how they fit into the New 52, and how strong they were/how well I liked them. Some of them good (Aquaman or Blackhawks) others bad (Superman or Green Arrow) this series is the only one I have discussed so far that fits comfortably in my top 5. Hell, its top 3. If I lost everything, I would make the effort to buy this comic.

Let me explain. Aside from it being Batgirl (All Batgirl’s have been done very well) and aside from it being Gail Simone (everything she touches is golden) this series thrives off of the one thing most other series’ are missing. Humanity. While some might get close, only this series touches a character at the very core of their being. Gail Simone combines her talents with Barbara Gordon’s own terrific legacy to create a pure super hero. A hero with doubts, with fears, with confusion, and pain. While many heroes are human, they are not presented that way. Batman spent the year fighting a secret society bent on ruling Gotham. It was thrilling, but it doesn’t strike the same nerve that Batgirl does. And while there are many brilliant writers on many brilliant series from all companies, there is something remarkable about the Batgirl title. It’s real draw is that she’s a real character. She’s someone you’d meet on the street. She is presented so human, that people can relate to her. That’s something very few comics can do. While they might thrill us, and we might love the character in the comic, only Batgirl adds upon that with a touch of realism that makes it sincere. This isn’t gritty Marvel realism, this is realism, this is real emotion and feeling flowing effortlessly through the pages of the comic.

I apologize. This post is far from as well thought out as most of my other posts. It’s just hard for me to phrase exactly what the Batgirl series is. What it means to me. As a human being who has struggled, has fallen, been afraid,been battered, the Batgirl series offers a glimpse into the eyes of someone who’s been there. Someone who didn’t quite because of it. As a human, I need that encouragement more than I need most other things.

So I hope this was coherent, and I hope that you understand why I love this series and why I will continue to read it. It’s so much more than Batgirl or Gail Simone. It’s a combination of a brilliant writer with a well done character. Existing in a medium where people would much rather see gods of death and secret societies. It’s only because of this that Batgirl is really able to shine as the gem of a comic it is. So, if you pick up one book in zero month. Pick up Batgirl. Give it a spin. Then come back here, and we can have a nice heart to heart. As you struggle to find the words to describe the book.

Until the next time, read Batgirl.

Rn

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