Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Death in a Bottle
Written by: Dylan Horrocks
Penciled by: Adrian Sibar
Inked by: Andy Owens
Colored by: Jason Wright
Lettered by: John Costanza
Editor: Michael Wright
Publisher: DC Comics
BATGIRL has been an underrated read since its inception several years ago. Month in and month out this was the place I knew I could get my action fix for the week, hell even the month. It’s funny that a book with so much testosterone features a female lead. While the stories were very cool, they really lacked characterization. Yes Batgirl learned about her past, and trained to become the best combatant she could be, but that was about it. In just four months since he took over the title, Dylan Horrocks has brought new depth to the current Batgirl, Cassandra Cain.
Dylan Horrocks first two stories saw the introduction of a potential love interest for Batgirl, in the mysterious Black Wind. Cassandra went on vacation and met another love interest, Superboy. Horrocks didn’t stop there though. Almost immediately upon reaching solid ground, Batgirl was off on a train expedition to Smallville, to visit Mini-Supes. All of this served to open up BATGIRL pulling it out of the grim confines of Gotham for a while. Something not only Cassandra needed, but the book as well.
This month Batgirl and Batman see a lot of action together. Don’t even say it! The pair must stop screwy villain Dr. Death, from selling off a cache of deadly chemical weapons to the highest bidder. Horrocks infuses the book with some much-needed comedy, and actually might take it a little too far. Since the book has lacked humor for basically the entirety of its run though, I can live with it. While Doctor Death’s auction is a bit on the ludicrous side, the funniest moment goes to the meeting between Superman and Batman. It’s a priceless moment when Batman and Superman discuss their very different opinions on the potential sparks between Superboy and Batgirl. The fact that Batman uses the term “sniffing around†was hilarious.
By far the best part of Dylan Horrocks run has been the character development of Cassandra. He’s really gotten into her head, and shown us just how problematic the shortcomings of her childhood, like not being able to read, are now causing. Cassandra learning who she is, and not what she’s capable of seems to be the central focus of the series now.
Damion Scott has been a tough act to follow artistically on BATGIRL. Adrian Sibar has a similar Anime influenced style, but it’s just not as successful as Scott’s work. With the recent writing change, I think an artistic style change was needed as well. That does appear to be the case now, as Rick Leonardi will be joining the book in the near future. A more traditional style of art, for a mainstream DC book, will be seen in these pages for the first time, and I think will better complement Dylan Horrocks storytelling.
This has been one of my favorite titles for a long time now. It’s remarkable though, just how much more I like the book since Dylan Horrocks has taken over. While physical conflict still plays a big part, it’s been wonderful to see the new direction he’s taking with the book. BATGIRL isn’t the comic you can read in two minutes anymore.
