VALENTINE'S DAY REVIEW SPECIAL # 1 - BATGIRL # 18

Batgirl #18

Written by Bryan Q. Miller

Art by Dustin Nguyen

DC Comics

Review by Darryll Carter (aka Yusuke T. Centre) 

You have to give credit where credit is due and I assure you, Bryan Q. Miller’s credit is due. Miller wrote all twenty four issues of the previous Batgirl ongoing series. He turned a spoiled brat into a wisecracking, mature (sort of), confident and respected heroine, affectively transforming Stephanie Brown into my favorite Batgirl. That’s why Batgirl #18 (Apr ‘11) is my Valentine. Here’s the review.

For those that don’t/didn’t know, Stephanie Brown, formerly known as Spoiler and one time Robin inherited the title of Batgirl from her predecessor, Cassandra Cain. She is then trained by Barbra Gordon, Oracle, also formerly Batgirl, but also currently… (Blame DCfolks.)

This issue was an interlude timed correctly with Valentine’s Day, but unfortunately thrown in the middle of an ongoing story arc. Placement aside, Batgirl #18 functions much like a one shot or an episode of Batman the Animated Series.

The readers are thrown right into the story where, a were-cat is going around ripping out persons’ hearts on Valentine’s Day evening. As it turns out this were-cat was not always a were-cat, but the familiar of one Klarion the Witch-Boy. In a mild bit of irony, pointed out by Stephanie, the cat is rampaging around ripping out hearts because Klarion denied him (the cat) a chance at love. Stephanie for most part takes the side of the audience and the phrase “are you fricking serious” comes to mind. After being trapped in a miniature globe and a few witty exchanges later; Stephanie and Klarion decide to form an “alliance” and track down the cat.

Once the duo reaches the cat, Teekl, they trap him in a globe and take him to Limbo Town, home of the Witches and find him a mate. The story closes with Klarion touring Gotham U campus with Stephanie and a short but, humorous run in with the campus “witch (euphemized)”, Jordana, being turned into a frog.

The story was great for what it was, a seasonal piece. It captured the spirit of the holiday and at the same time didn’t get too deep into it to turn someone off. The best part of the story was waiting to see what Klarion and Stephanie had to say next. The two characters really played well off of each other.

The artist for this issue is Dustin Nguyen (Batman: Streets of Gotham).  Nguyen produced 9 covers for the series and performed as penciller for a number of the issues. His art style is unique and there really isn’t anything quite like it. It stands out. When you see his art you can stop and say, “hey that’s Dustin Nguyen”. He does a great job at capturing facial expressions and just adds a sort of ‘fine art’ feel to the medium.  Just look at the painted sequences he did for yourself. Two words; gorgeous and elegant.

In all Batgirl #18, while an untimely detour from the ongoing arc, was still a delightful treat and beautiful Valentine’s day gift from Dc and the creative team. If you want a light read with a fair share of laughs instead of the usual gooeyness of Valentine’s day, this comic is for you.

The Hype factor this time around consists mostly of artwork and whimsical banter. Enjoy and…