Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: TESTLINE
Written by: Andersen Gabrych
Penciled by: Jeff Parker
Inked by: Robert Campanella
Colored by: Jason Wright
Lettered by: John Costanza
Editor: Michael Wright
Publisher: DC Comics
BATGIRL has been one of the most solidly plotted comic books on the racks since its inception more than three years ago. Scott Peterson and Kelley Puckett wove an intricate storyline from the start, which built the character of Cassandra Cain into one of my favorites. Peterson left after issue 6, but Puckett didn’t miss a beat. Cassandra’s character developed with each successive issue, including the interesting relationships Cassandra has had with the myriad cast from the other Bat-Books. The most interesting plot points have been those revolving around Cassandra’s Father, the assassin David Cain. Not to mention Damion Scott’s art, which was near perfection each month.
So you may ask, what is the problem? Well, Puckett and Scott left the title last month, and new regular writer Dylan Horrocks, currently penning the now cancelled HUNTER: AGE OF MAGIC, and new regular artist Adrian Sibar won’t join the book until next month. So what of issue 38? What about this month? Would BATGIRL #38 be a poor fill in issue that doesn’t work in the context of the series? The answer, thankfully, is a strident no!
The story centers on Cassandra’s relationship with Spoiler, who is now estranged from the rest of the Bat-Clan. Batman forbids Cassandra from working with Spoiler any longer, and even goes so far to imply a friendship with Stephanie Brown (Spoiler’s secret identity) would be frowned upon. Andersen Gabrych, a newcomer to the comic world, is well prepared for this assignment. The fast-moving action-packed story centers on a gang war in Gotham, and Batgirl and Spoiler’s attempts to end it. Gabrych understands Steph and Cassandra, how they should act, and advances both characters. What more can you ask from a single-issue fill in?
Jeff Parker attempts to conform to the artistic style of BATGIRL, but comes up a little short. The arms, legs, and especially the feet are very odd looking, and the faces aren’t quite right in many panels. The action, probably the most important aspect of the art in a BATGIRL comic, is well rendered and interestingly laid out on the page.
BATGIRL is a book that I have very high expectations for each month. This fill in issue was far more than I would have hoped for, and only helps to build my excitement for the arrival of Horrocks and Sibar next month!
