Nothing substantial happens in volume two of the Batgirl reboot, and I didn’t mind at all. Barbara Gordon and her gang of friends are fun to hang out with, regardless of whether this particular collection has a overarching story thread or meaningful character development. As an economical comics fan, I generally prefer to buy books of short runs and defined arcs. But, Batgirl’s characters and art are too fun to ignore. This collection carries along the best aspects of volume one (http://cbr.bgwdesigns.com/2015/10/when-superheroes-use-tinder-for-good/) while toning down the more groan-worthy hipsterness that occassionally popped up.
This trade, which collects #41-45 and a couple of rando issues, picks up more or less where volume one left off. Babs is established as Batgirl in Burnside (Gotham’s Brooklyn), her roommate is helping her out with IT stuff, and a parade of bad guys and buddies cycle in and out. Rather playfully, the art style of the book often shifts to match the cameos of other headliners such Batwoman and Gotham Academy (another of my current favorites).
In a lot of ways, this particular trade reminded me of good, long-running tv. What happens isn’t as important as the characters themselves. Babs Tarr’s art in particular makes me care about Babs Gordon, Dick Grayson, and the rest of the supporting cast. Batgirl is full of life and expressiveness. Tarr can convey a lot of humor through a single expression. That resulted in a lot of laugh out loud moments for me.
This book probably won’t win any awards, but I had a great time reading it. You can pick up volumes one and two on Amazon for $21 right now. If you want a fun read, give it a go.
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