Batgirl # 45 Review

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Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Soul

Written by: Dylan Horrocks
Penciled by: Rick Leonardi
Inked by: Jesse Delperdang
Colored by: Jason Wright
Lettered by: Clem Robins
Editor: Michael Wright
Publisher: DC Comics

The best book in the Batman Family!

Batman has been great of late, Birds of Prey has been awesome, and Nightwing gets better each month, but none of these titles is the best Batman Family book. Batgirl has been of high quality since it began, but since Dylan Horrocks took over the with issue 39, it’s been the best of the Bat-bunch. Dylan’s taken Cassandra Cain to new heights as a character, and this month the new art team of Rick Leonardi and Jesse Delperdang bring a much-needed new look.

Dylan Horrocks puts forth his best effort writing effort thus far. Issue # 45 is a nearly perfect story, which summarizes who Cassandra is, while at the same time adding new depth. We’re also treated to great moments that show why Barbara Gordon, the original Batgirl, was so special. Action packed fight sequences still play a huge part, but Dylan Horrocks is weaving amazing character moments into every issue.

MILD SPOILERS AHEAD!

I don’t like to include spoilers in my reviews, but this is too good to not comment on. The classic Batgirl look is back! Well, at least for a little while. For those who glanced at the cover of this issue, but not the interior, yes that’s Cassandra in the famous original Batgirl outfit. The outfit that Barbara admits, elicited a “particular look Dick used to give me,” that clearly wasn’t platonic. We later see this particular look is inherent of the costume, as the current Robin ogles Cassandra.

While some may be annoyed that Cass threw on the classic outfit; I think it was a great move on the part of Dylan Horrocks. This will help to further bring Cass out of Barbara’s shadow, as the conclusion of the story clearly shows. This is just one more great moment in Dylan Horrocks very short run on the book thus far. Combining Cass’ moments in the “outfit” with her search for the meaning of the word “soul,” really brings out the best in the character of Barbara Gordon as well. This is prime stuff, and you shouldn’t be missing it.

END SPOILERS!

While my spoilers are over, the wonderful new art team of Rick Leonardi and Jesse Delperdang are quickly going to spoil me. Batgirl has been a title with an anime art style from the beginning. While Damion Scott’s artwork was the type that defines a character; Adrian Sibar followed with a far to similar style. I’ve said before that the new style should have come on with Horrocks, but they’re here now, and I couldn’t be happier.

Rick Leonardi’s pencils are stunning! He lends the book a more classic American comic book feel, but a touch of realism that the book has never seen. Leonardi and Delperdang complete the new team, and new era on this book perfectly. There is now a new direction and look, and I couldn’t be happier. This is the best writing/artistic change on any book in quite some time.