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Batgirl (2000) - Original TPBs
Batgirl, Vol. 2: A Knight Alone
1st printing. Collects Batgirl (2000-2006) #7-11 and 13-14.
160 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2001
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262 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Puckett
249 books40 followersKelley Puckett is a comic book writer. He is the creator of the character Cassandra Cain, the Batgirl who succeeded Barbara Gordon and who was succeeded herself by Stephanie Brown, as well as the second Green Arrow, Connor Hawke.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 26, 2016
I found this second volume of Cassandra Cain as Batgirl a lot easier to digest, somehow, than the first one. Unfortunately for the character concept, it probably helps that she’s now able to express herself in words and understand the words of people around her. There were still some issues for me in understanding the backstory — for example, wtf is Batman’s relationship to the assassin who trained Cassandra? Why did he ever train under an assassin himself? Also, a couple of aspects were skimmed over — like the training Cassandra received from Lady Shiva.
Sometimes, reading this, I felt like the panels were badly ordered; sometimes it seemed to make more sense to read the page right to left. Which is fine, but it’s really not the convention in Western comics, so it throws me every time. Or maybe it’s just experimentation with layout — either way, it didn’t work very well for me, alas. The whole train of events feels unhinged sometimes. I just can’t see how we get from A to B, how the stories relate to each other. It feels like a much less defined arc of events.
Again, I’m still not a great fan of the art, though some of the expressions are great. I’m a little leery of the attention given to highlighting Cassandra’s breasts and butt; come on, she’s practically a kid, let’s maybe not sexualise her.
Still, Oracle continues to play a part, Cassandra proves her worth, and we see her being desperate to do justice. It’s a solid volume, and if I used half-stars, I’d give it 3.5 to show that it improved from the first volume for me.
Originally posted here.
Sometimes, reading this, I felt like the panels were badly ordered; sometimes it seemed to make more sense to read the page right to left. Which is fine, but it’s really not the convention in Western comics, so it throws me every time. Or maybe it’s just experimentation with layout — either way, it didn’t work very well for me, alas. The whole train of events feels unhinged sometimes. I just can’t see how we get from A to B, how the stories relate to each other. It feels like a much less defined arc of events.
Again, I’m still not a great fan of the art, though some of the expressions are great. I’m a little leery of the attention given to highlighting Cassandra’s breasts and butt; come on, she’s practically a kid, let’s maybe not sexualise her.
Still, Oracle continues to play a part, Cassandra proves her worth, and we see her being desperate to do justice. It’s a solid volume, and if I used half-stars, I’d give it 3.5 to show that it improved from the first volume for me.
Originally posted here.
April 14, 2025
Batgirl, Vol. 2 continues everything I love about Cassandra Cain. She remains one of the most compelling characters in the Bat-family, and this volume really puts her through it. After losing her ability to predict her enemies’ moves, a skill that made her nearly unstoppable, Cass still refuses to give up the fight. That determination leads her to a showdown with none other than Lady Shiva. She gets absolutely wrecked, and in a desperate move, returns to Shiva to regain her edge… but not without paying a serious price.
What really hits hard is that even with her abilities restored, Cass learns that she still can't save everyone. It's a sobering moment that adds depth and perspective to her journey.
Overall, this volume delivers some of the best Batgirl storytelling out there. Highly recommended for fans of intense character arcs, killer action, and moral complexity.
What really hits hard is that even with her abilities restored, Cass learns that she still can't save everyone. It's a sobering moment that adds depth and perspective to her journey.
Overall, this volume delivers some of the best Batgirl storytelling out there. Highly recommended for fans of intense character arcs, killer action, and moral complexity.
August 21, 2018
Cass is amazing. She has an interesting backstory and she'll be really loyal. Anyways, here Dick was a pain in the ass, I expected Bruce to be the annoying one... Cass being finally adopted is such a pretty thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2011
I was a little iffy about Cassandra Cain as Batgirl, because for me Barbara Gordon is my Batgirl--and she always will be. I read Silent Running and enjoyed it but didn't love it. This was much better than the first volume, exploring her pain and struggle to become Batgirl, training with Oracle and Batman until she's ready. It's a darker story and really solid.
Puckett brings in some more of Cassandra's origins and develops her Batgirl mythology. She's no girl scout, seeking Batman's approval above all things or playing by the rules. She reminds me a lot of Damien, in fact.
So, while Cassandra Cain isn't the ultimate Batgirl for me, she's a good one and getting better.
Puckett brings in some more of Cassandra's origins and develops her Batgirl mythology. She's no girl scout, seeking Batman's approval above all things or playing by the rules. She reminds me a lot of Damien, in fact.
So, while Cassandra Cain isn't the ultimate Batgirl for me, she's a good one and getting better.
December 10, 2015
Batgirl ,batgirl,well,It held my interest and was pretty good. I liked the mystery and the forward telling of the story. The mystery of Lady Shiva and her relationship with her. The skills she possess and her style. I enjoyed reading this tradepaperback.
May 11, 2025
After being given back the gift of speech and literacy, Cassandra Cain discovers that she's lost her near metahuman ability to predict a person's moves during combat. It has put Cassandra in a bit of a funk and made her lose her confidence. Being unexpectedly shot will do that to a person. Originally, Cassandra was allowed to be Batgirl without formal martial arts training because of her ability to know when her foes were going to strike before they did. Now the Batman has benched her until she can master the art of defense.
Endless nights of research and practice has become boring for the young women. Cassandra is just itching to get back out on the streets and dispense some vigilante justice. Thus she will make a literal deal with the devil, in the form of Lady Shiva, just for a taste of being a hero again. Batgirl had better enjoy it because in return for regaining her sixth sense in battle, Cassandra Cain must agree to combat Shiva in a year's time in a battle to the death.
Cassandra is the daughter of David Cain and a woman named Sandra. Cassandra was raised to become the perfect bodyguard and assassin for Ra's al Ghul. Cassandra is not taught to read or read; only how to interpret the body language of others. Her training by David is abusive and callous. But deep down, David loves her and seeks to repent from his wicked ways in hopes of one day rekindling a relationship with the daughter he never really had. As for Sandra, she leaves Cassandra almost immediately after the child's birth. But mother and daughter will be reunited because Sandra will one day become Lady Shiva.
The character of Cassandra Cain was created by Kelley Puckett and Daimon Smith. Her debut in comics was Batman #567 (July, 1999). A month later, she would become the next Batgirl in the pages of Legends of the Dark Knight #120, during the 'No Man's Land storyline that saw Gotham devastated by an earthquake. A fan favorite character, she became the first Batgirl to star in her own title just a year later.
Cassandra's journey to restore her abilities to understand human behavior and body language precognitively were chronicled in issues #7-11 and collected in the trade paperback Batgirl: A Knight Alone. Also included in this collection is a fateful meeting between Father and daughter, Cassandra gets tangled up in a CIA mission gone awry and a new Bat Cave is christened.
Kelley Puckett pens all of the stories contained in this trade. Daimon Smith pencils with some assists by Coy Turnbull (Koi Turnbull). Along with Smith, covers are penciled by Robert Campanella, Aaron Dowd and John Lowe.
All 7 issues would be reissued in a 2025 omnibus edition titled DC Finest: Batgirl- Nobody Dies Tonight.
Endless nights of research and practice has become boring for the young women. Cassandra is just itching to get back out on the streets and dispense some vigilante justice. Thus she will make a literal deal with the devil, in the form of Lady Shiva, just for a taste of being a hero again. Batgirl had better enjoy it because in return for regaining her sixth sense in battle, Cassandra Cain must agree to combat Shiva in a year's time in a battle to the death.
Cassandra is the daughter of David Cain and a woman named Sandra. Cassandra was raised to become the perfect bodyguard and assassin for Ra's al Ghul. Cassandra is not taught to read or read; only how to interpret the body language of others. Her training by David is abusive and callous. But deep down, David loves her and seeks to repent from his wicked ways in hopes of one day rekindling a relationship with the daughter he never really had. As for Sandra, she leaves Cassandra almost immediately after the child's birth. But mother and daughter will be reunited because Sandra will one day become Lady Shiva.
The character of Cassandra Cain was created by Kelley Puckett and Daimon Smith. Her debut in comics was Batman #567 (July, 1999). A month later, she would become the next Batgirl in the pages of Legends of the Dark Knight #120, during the 'No Man's Land storyline that saw Gotham devastated by an earthquake. A fan favorite character, she became the first Batgirl to star in her own title just a year later.
Cassandra's journey to restore her abilities to understand human behavior and body language precognitively were chronicled in issues #7-11 and collected in the trade paperback Batgirl: A Knight Alone. Also included in this collection is a fateful meeting between Father and daughter, Cassandra gets tangled up in a CIA mission gone awry and a new Bat Cave is christened.
Kelley Puckett pens all of the stories contained in this trade. Daimon Smith pencils with some assists by Coy Turnbull (Koi Turnbull). Along with Smith, covers are penciled by Robert Campanella, Aaron Dowd and John Lowe.
All 7 issues would be reissued in a 2025 omnibus edition titled DC Finest: Batgirl- Nobody Dies Tonight.
March 23, 2019
Batgirl: A Knight Alone picks up where the previous volume left off, collecting seven issues (Batgirl #7–11, 13–14) of the 2000 on-going series.
Cassandra Cain as Batgirl is stripped of her ability to sense an opponent's next move. She continues her quest to regain her former battle prowess and more importantly, her confidence. However, as she struggles to recapture her fighting capabilities, the deadly Lady Shiva returns to Gotham City with her usual agenda of finding a worthy foe and challenging them to a deathmatch. Now in her weakest state, Batgirl must face her toughest rival with her life as the price of failure. And even if she is lucky enough to escape her encounter with the lethal Lady Shiva, she also must be able to stay out of the grasp of the government agency that has targeted her to become one of their own.
Kelley Puckett penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it is written rather well, it chronicles the reeducation of Cassandra Cain. After losing her ability to read her opponents' movement, she tried to regain her abilities to where it once was. However, Lady Shiva has returned to Gotham City and Batgirl is tasked to battle her. More of her back story is revealed through David Cain, her father, and what he did to her to make her the perfect, albeit silent, assassin.
With the aid of Coy Turnbull on one issue (Batgirl #11), Damion Scott is the penciler for the trade paperback. Since he was the only penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. For the most part, I enjoyed his penciling style – it accentuates the narrative rather well, albeit a tad too cartoonish at times.
All in all, Batgirl: A Knight Alone is a wonderful continuation to what would hopefully be an equally wonderful series.
Cassandra Cain as Batgirl is stripped of her ability to sense an opponent's next move. She continues her quest to regain her former battle prowess and more importantly, her confidence. However, as she struggles to recapture her fighting capabilities, the deadly Lady Shiva returns to Gotham City with her usual agenda of finding a worthy foe and challenging them to a deathmatch. Now in her weakest state, Batgirl must face her toughest rival with her life as the price of failure. And even if she is lucky enough to escape her encounter with the lethal Lady Shiva, she also must be able to stay out of the grasp of the government agency that has targeted her to become one of their own.
Kelley Puckett penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it is written rather well, it chronicles the reeducation of Cassandra Cain. After losing her ability to read her opponents' movement, she tried to regain her abilities to where it once was. However, Lady Shiva has returned to Gotham City and Batgirl is tasked to battle her. More of her back story is revealed through David Cain, her father, and what he did to her to make her the perfect, albeit silent, assassin.
With the aid of Coy Turnbull on one issue (Batgirl #11), Damion Scott is the penciler for the trade paperback. Since he was the only penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. For the most part, I enjoyed his penciling style – it accentuates the narrative rather well, albeit a tad too cartoonish at times.
All in all, Batgirl: A Knight Alone is a wonderful continuation to what would hopefully be an equally wonderful series.
May 7, 2019
Desperate to get back the edge she's lost and have her life mean something, Batgirl ends up making choices, making sacrifices, without necessarily understanding the value of what she's giving up until it's too late. It's fascinating watching her develop as a character and wondering how her choices will shape who she's becoming and where she's going.
The art quibbles I had in the previous volume have been ironed out, just in time for some glorious combat between Batgirl and Lady Shiva. I'm enjoying the heck out of this series.
The art quibbles I had in the previous volume have been ironed out, just in time for some glorious combat between Batgirl and Lady Shiva. I'm enjoying the heck out of this series.
December 13, 2025
loved this one too 🦇 i like this series’ episodic nature, it’s very much ‘a day in the life of batgirl.’ overall gloomy and at times miserable, but cassandra herself is having the time of her life rescuing good guys/beating up bad guys, so much so that she doesn’t really care about ever doing anything else. i love also the effects her decisions have on other people, strangers and family alike. last note, babs’ little post-it reminders are so cute...i miss oracle ⭒
June 5, 2020
Another solid volume. I enjoy Cassandra and the relationship she has with the people she saves and the people she works with. Though I wish there was more of an over arching plot.
May 15, 2021
A solid read despite having read what's in here already.
October 24, 2025
Wasn't so sure about the First volume but the second one!!!! This definitely lived up to the hype.
April 12, 2025
(I'm using this as a placeholder for reading issues #7-12)
3.5 stars. I wish they hadn't given Cass speech so quickly. It feels like it takes what gave her an interesting struggle and resolves it in an underwhelming way. This could have been a long term slow burn challenge she overcomes.
3.5 stars. I wish they hadn't given Cass speech so quickly. It feels like it takes what gave her an interesting struggle and resolves it in an underwhelming way. This could have been a long term slow burn challenge she overcomes.
August 31, 2022
I liked this one a lot more than the first. Was nice to have the backstory to help understand the character better.
October 22, 2015
The second volume collects Issues 7-11, 13 and 14 of the Cassandra Cain Batgirl stories. Issues 7-9 focus on the aftermath of the events in the prior story where she lost her amazing skills that allowed her to anticipate her opponents moves when she was given the gift of communication. Her costume has been taken away by Batman who doesn't think she can be safe. These stories show how important being the best is as it leads her into a confrontation with a Lady Shiva and Batgirl shows there's little she won't do to be good for as long as she can. How her skills are returned is a bit of a cheat, but it's interesting.
The rest of the book is made up of one shots. Issue 10 features a frustrated man with a gun in an alley. Batgirl is kind of an ineffectual afterthought. Issue 11 focuses on Cain's lowlife father David who escapes from the hospital but not from trouble. Issue 13 sees her give a young criminal an opportunity to go straight by saving him out of costume and Issue 14 ends with a new milestone in Cassandra's life as a result of that decision.
Overall, despite some merely okay stories, I enjoyed the book because Cassandra continues to be just an amazing character.
The rest of the book is made up of one shots. Issue 10 features a frustrated man with a gun in an alley. Batgirl is kind of an ineffectual afterthought. Issue 11 focuses on Cain's lowlife father David who escapes from the hospital but not from trouble. Issue 13 sees her give a young criminal an opportunity to go straight by saving him out of costume and Issue 14 ends with a new milestone in Cassandra's life as a result of that decision.
Overall, despite some merely okay stories, I enjoyed the book because Cassandra continues to be just an amazing character.
December 14, 2012
Batgirl was once the greatest martial artist in the world. Trained from birth, she was taught fighting instead of words. But a run-in with a telepath rewires her brain, and now Cassandra Cain must learn fighting all over again.
This volume is an improvement over the last. Lady Shiva is introduced as a villain for the whole volume, rather than just a bunch of side stories. David Cain also gets a very nice issue of his own.
The writing is improving, but I still dislike Damion Scott's ultra cartoony style. It kind of undermines the seriousness of the writing when everyone looks bobbleheaded.
Other than the art, this volume was an improvement.
This volume is an improvement over the last. Lady Shiva is introduced as a villain for the whole volume, rather than just a bunch of side stories. David Cain also gets a very nice issue of his own.
The writing is improving, but I still dislike Damion Scott's ultra cartoony style. It kind of undermines the seriousness of the writing when everyone looks bobbleheaded.
Other than the art, this volume was an improvement.
December 18, 2011
Slightly better than the first volume, but still disappointing. The characters were a little more even, the narrative a bit more sound, but the artwork still left a lot to be desired.
I guess I'm just sad that they did not pour as much money into Cassandra Cain as Batgirl as they did Stephanie Brown.
I don't think I will continue reading this series and just wait for her to appear in Batman Inc.. Oh, the things Grant Morrison could do with her:-)
I guess I'm just sad that they did not pour as much money into Cassandra Cain as Batgirl as they did Stephanie Brown.
I don't think I will continue reading this series and just wait for her to appear in Batman Inc.. Oh, the things Grant Morrison could do with her:-)
February 25, 2013
THis incarnation of Batgirl is bad but I'm afraid this book is. Cassandra Cain has an interesting back story but has no personality or reason to read about her other than watching her mindlessly fight. She has the slighest of supporting cast and they both serve the same purpose. Puckett is rushing Batgirl along and readers have no time to get to know her or why we should care. The art is serviceable but too cartoony for me. Overall, a book worth skipping.
August 10, 2008
Here the story-arcs and themes of Batgirl's run really take root. The conflict between Cain and Batman over her destiny (and, implicitly, whose 'daughter' she will be), the abandon and commitment of her confrontation with Shiva...here, Cassandra is vulnerable and admirably strong, a character worth holding onto.
October 28, 2014
I love this Batgirl the most. I've read almost all of her comics. I hated when her mind was translated into normalcy. I felt so bad for her! So when she had the chance to be herself again... Of course she would take the chance!
I also liked how it still told what happened to her without being out of place or boring. The author really integrated it into the story.
I also liked how it still told what happened to her without being out of place or boring. The author really integrated it into the story.
March 24, 2015
Cass is such an awesome character, but I just can't get into these books. Something about the storytelling comes off as a bit disjointed to me, so even though I enjoy the character I feel like there isn't that much going on. I think I'm going to have to give up on this run and just hope they bring Cass back for good.
May 31, 2015
Part of my massive Barbara Gordon Re-read which I had a glorious amazing time with. The art in the early Batgirl stuff was very touch and go to me, which made me wince a while reading through it, but I definitely appreciated the beginning of Cass' story, and Bab's involvement in that with Cass and with/against Bruce.
February 16, 2009
Knowing the path certain characters in this series would eventually take, I was hesitant to read these. I'm glad I did. I fell in love with Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown, completely against my will, and was once more reminded why I read graphic novels in the first place.
August 27, 2012
An interesting successor for Barbara Gordon. I wasn't quite sure about her at first, but watching her evolve over the course of the volume she rather grew on me. Looking forward to seeing how the character further develops.
January 4, 2016
I have to say its interesting these stories on Batgirl Cassandra Cain, after an event that causes her to relapse some of her training while being able to process her speaking skills better has her become very frustrated.
All things considered this was an okay read. C+
All things considered this was an okay read. C+
November 10, 2008
too many bat characters in the dc universe today.
Want to read
September 12, 2010Lo leeré cuando ya tenga leído todo "Tierra de Nadie" del coleccionable español "Batman: El Caballero Oscuro" y cuando consiga el primer tomo.
October 7, 2012
Definitely liking Cassandra as Batgirl. Shiva showing up was extra fun. Always enjoy seeing her.
December 17, 2014
The fight scenes and action in this book were really great and the story was interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews