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Batgirl (2016) (Single Issues)
Batgirl (2016-2020) #1
“BEYOND BURNSIDE” Chapter One
The Batgirl you know and love is going global with Eisner Award-winning and New York Times best-selling writer Hope Larson (A Wrinkle in Time, Goldie Vance) and all-star artist Rafael Albuquerque (AMERICAN VAMPIRE). In order to up her game, Babs travels to Japan on a quest to train with the most elite modern combat masters of the East. But when a chance meeting with an old friend puts a target on her back, Batgirl may need to use her new skills to solve a deadly mystery.
The Batgirl you know and love is going global with Eisner Award-winning and New York Times best-selling writer Hope Larson (A Wrinkle in Time, Goldie Vance) and all-star artist Rafael Albuquerque (AMERICAN VAMPIRE). In order to up her game, Babs travels to Japan on a quest to train with the most elite modern combat masters of the East. But when a chance meeting with an old friend puts a target on her back, Batgirl may need to use her new skills to solve a deadly mystery.
25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2016
4 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Hope Larson
141 books720 followersHope Larson is an American illustrator and comics artist. Hope Larson is the author of Salamander Dream, Gray Horses, Chiggers, and Mercury. She won a 2007 Eisner Award. She lives in Los Angeles, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 1, 2016
Given how sexist & lame the Burnside's arc was, this first issue of Rebirth-ed Batgirl is a good surprise. Not the most intense start, the key points of the plot felt quite forced (Kay being her roommate is just lazy writing, let's be honest!) but I'm intrigued by Fruit Bat and her abilities, and it's refreshing to see a superhero outside of America. I hope we'll follow Babs on her travels for some time, but I also hope Batgirl goes back to Gotham at some point. I also hope the writers will explore her recovery more, that they won't simply write Batgirl as she were when she started out, that they will talk about her "survivor" guilt & her traumas, and that her characterization will include bits and pieces of Oracle and everything she's done under that identity. Long story short, I have huge expectations for this new era of Batgirl comics, and I pray to the gods of DC, hoping they will never again let Barbara-fucking-Gordon's character get butchered by awful writers like they did with Burnside!Babs.
EDIT : I read "Batgirl & the Birds of Prey (Rebirth)" just after posting my review. I should have waited because most of my hopes and wishes were met in the Birds of Prey's first issue ^^ Now, my expectations for Julie Benson's Batgirl are even bigger! Fingers crossed she gets to stay as the comic's writer for the whole Rebirth era.
EDIT : I read "Batgirl & the Birds of Prey (Rebirth)" just after posting my review. I should have waited because most of my hopes and wishes were met in the Birds of Prey's first issue ^^ Now, my expectations for Julie Benson's Batgirl are even bigger! Fingers crossed she gets to stay as the comic's writer for the whole Rebirth era.
July 29, 2016
2.5 stars
This isn't bad. It's just not my cup of tea. Although this Barbara/Batgirl is less annoying than Batgirl from Burnside, since she's grown up some, I prefer a darker, more mature Barbara (e.g. Gail Simone's run), or even Oracle. I feel a little badly for that, since part of me wants Barbara to be happy and do young people things, since I have a love for the character.
I'll have to wait an see, because I literally rolled my eyes at the thought of Barbara going to "exotic" (gag me) Asia to train and broaden her horizons. It's unpleasantly reminiscent of privileged Americans going abroad (even worse when it's for service work) and then coming back with the impression that they've "grown so much." I'm hoping that this doesn't turn into freaking Eat, Pray, Love Batgirl-style.
Although I'm a big fan of Rafael Albuquerque's art, I wasn't enthralled with the art in this issue. I think that it might be Albuquerque's art in conjunction with bright, primary colors that makes things look weird sometimes, including faces.
This isn't bad. It's just not my cup of tea. Although this Barbara/Batgirl is less annoying than Batgirl from Burnside, since she's grown up some, I prefer a darker, more mature Barbara (e.g. Gail Simone's run), or even Oracle. I feel a little badly for that, since part of me wants Barbara to be happy and do young people things, since I have a love for the character.
I'll have to wait an see, because I literally rolled my eyes at the thought of Barbara going to "exotic" (gag me) Asia to train and broaden her horizons. It's unpleasantly reminiscent of privileged Americans going abroad (even worse when it's for service work) and then coming back with the impression that they've "grown so much." I'm hoping that this doesn't turn into freaking Eat, Pray, Love Batgirl-style.
Although I'm a big fan of Rafael Albuquerque's art, I wasn't enthralled with the art in this issue. I think that it might be Albuquerque's art in conjunction with bright, primary colors that makes things look weird sometimes, including faces.
November 29, 2016
I’m way past angry, now I just weep when it comes to Batgirl.
I mean this isn’t bad per se, but it’s not great either. It’s just sorta there. The problem that seems to have plagued Batgirl since Gail Simone left, is that they have very much turned her into a YA story. When it shouldn’t be like this, and honestly I am tired of screaming about it again and again. They seem to think that Batgirl needs to be oriented to a YA audience, why? I don’t know. (Ok, I do know) And as much issues as I have had with Simone’s later volumes now I just want her back. And I don’t how much the writer of the comics is to blame for this, or how much of this is the “new” direction DC decided to take Batgirl in.
And speaking of “new” direction. Yeah, that whole Burnside phase is still canon. As is the new ugly Batgirl suit.
Stop treating Barbara like this. Give her the stories she deserves.
Oh and yeah, on the actual story of the issue, Barbara is travelling on a tour of Asia where she meets people and other heroes. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
July 28, 2016
Another "Meh!" comics of the week , Batgirl is my favourite Female character (Yeah i like her more than Wonder Woman , Deal With it!) and she has had some amazing stories in the past infact the new 52 run involving her was one of the few gems of the whole maligned new 52 era sadly this comic had nothing special , the plot revolves on Barbara going on a tour of Asia and meeting a 100 year old superhero and then decides that she wants to train and the hint given to her by the Granny 100 year old superheroine is .. MMA? LOL WHAT? tell me that doesn't sound crazy to anyone else .
The whole icterus tone of the art didn't help and i was really waiting in anticipation for Batgirl's rebirth comics , so dissapointed but again there were a few parts that i liked like how the tone and dialogues all reminded me of the pre new 52 barbara so basically not good enough to praise , not bad enough to insult (again!)
The whole icterus tone of the art didn't help and i was really waiting in anticipation for Batgirl's rebirth comics , so dissapointed but again there were a few parts that i liked like how the tone and dialogues all reminded me of the pre new 52 barbara so basically not good enough to praise , not bad enough to insult (again!)
July 28, 2016
3.5 stars??
honestly not a huge fan of it so far, but im just glad babs is out of burnside.
(get her a new suit)
honestly not a huge fan of it so far, but im just glad babs is out of burnside.
(get her a new suit)
August 21, 2020
Since I enjoyed batgirl so much in the joker wars plot, I decided to start from the beginning.
Batgirl is great. Fruit Bat is insanely amazing (though it's kind of stupid she also has a bat related name while she isn't related to batman and all.)
Not the biggest fan of the artstyle, but that's bound to change a million times anywsy, isn't it?
Batgirl is great. Fruit Bat is insanely amazing (though it's kind of stupid she also has a bat related name while she isn't related to batman and all.)
Not the biggest fan of the artstyle, but that's bound to change a million times anywsy, isn't it?
July 29, 2016
3.5ish/5.
Unfortunately, this wasn't as great as I was hoping. Albuquerque is the real star, as his art's always been absolutely fantastic (I've been picking up all of his covers for Detective Comics, for example, just because I can't resist), and it continues to be so here. However, it kinda took a while for the story to pick up for me. It was only with the last couple pages that I finally became invested. I'll probably pick up the next chapter, but if it doesn't grab me from the start it'll have to be the next book I drop from my pull.
Unfortunately, this wasn't as great as I was hoping. Albuquerque is the real star, as his art's always been absolutely fantastic (I've been picking up all of his covers for Detective Comics, for example, just because I can't resist), and it continues to be so here. However, it kinda took a while for the story to pick up for me. It was only with the last couple pages that I finally became invested. I'll probably pick up the next chapter, but if it doesn't grab me from the start it'll have to be the next book I drop from my pull.
July 27, 2016
This wasn't bad, and it was great: it was just okay.
I did like Fruit Bat, but everything else about this floppy was just a bit meh. I think maybe once she actually starts her training things will pick up.
Also, why was this not a Rebirth one-shot? It very much had that feel to it, but for some reason there doesn't seem to be one for this title. I dunno. I feel like it might have made me feel differently about the book if it had been a one-shot and not the first issue.
I did like Fruit Bat, but everything else about this floppy was just a bit meh. I think maybe once she actually starts her training things will pick up.
Also, why was this not a Rebirth one-shot? It very much had that feel to it, but for some reason there doesn't seem to be one for this title. I dunno. I feel like it might have made me feel differently about the book if it had been a one-shot and not the first issue.
September 7, 2016
My thoughts on this comic may not be the most accurate due to this being my very first Batgirl comic (!!! I'm so late, I know!!!) Personally, I really enjoyed the storyline and how Barb is trying to find an escape in a new country. Boy how I wish I could do the same sometimes. The plot did jump around a little bit and it did fall flat in some spots, but I feel like it was a pretty decent start to where this series is headed. Hopefully it picks up a little more later on.
July 30, 2016
Not a bad issue but I'm a little side tracked from the birds of prey issue. I liked the arc but this journey for Barbara feels a little odd, time will tell.
December 9, 2016
Gotta go interview this 104 year old superhero...oh Babs! Batgirl in Japan sounds interesting, but it's only the first issue, so it hasn't hooked me yet.
August 2, 2016
Meh story... Didn't impress and didn't like the art... But will see how this plays out
July 21, 2025
I remember reading a few of the Batgirl Burnside books and not being terribly impressed, but I thought I’d give them another try from the beginning. I do hate the costume though. It looked dated from the beginning.
"Beyond Burnside: Part 1"
Barbara Gordon is in Japan. She calls Gordon Clean Energy to check in. At the hostel she runs into an old friend, Kai. They knew each other as children. She tells him she is here to research Fruit Bat, a female superhero from the 1940s.
She meets Fruit Bat at the parade. She is 104 years old. Barbara tells her she used to be in a wheelchair too.
She hears a scream. Kai is being attacked by a female martial artist in a school girl uniform and make-up. She’s asking Kai where a formula is.
”And you’re, lemme guess—Sailor Clown?”
Sailor Clown runs but she is stopped by Fruit Bat, in fighting togs!
Fruit Bat scares the girl off. Batgirl asks Fruit Bat if she can teach her, but Fruit Bat collapses. Batgirl runs off.
That wasn’t bad, actually. Some clues dropped to a past I’m not familiar with. Some good action, some good lore. A good start. 3 stars.
"Beyond Burnside: Part 1"
Barbara Gordon is in Japan. She calls Gordon Clean Energy to check in. At the hostel she runs into an old friend, Kai. They knew each other as children. She tells him she is here to research Fruit Bat, a female superhero from the 1940s.
She meets Fruit Bat at the parade. She is 104 years old. Barbara tells her she used to be in a wheelchair too.
She hears a scream. Kai is being attacked by a female martial artist in a school girl uniform and make-up. She’s asking Kai where a formula is.
”And you’re, lemme guess—Sailor Clown?”
Sailor Clown runs but she is stopped by Fruit Bat, in fighting togs!
Fruit Bat scares the girl off. Batgirl asks Fruit Bat if she can teach her, but Fruit Bat collapses. Batgirl runs off.
That wasn’t bad, actually. Some clues dropped to a past I’m not familiar with. Some good action, some good lore. A good start. 3 stars.
June 1, 2019
Great introduction to the series. Batgirl is such a likeable and realistic protagonist, and I am so excited to continue reading her series. This issue sets up the first arc very well, and in my opinion, this “road trip” style story is executed far better than the Force Quest arc in the Flash. The artwork is stunning, especially when using a lot of colours. So bright and vibrant, which really fits with the character. The story is really interesting and the pacing is perfect. One of the (if not, THE) best first issue of Rebirth.
January 16, 2018
Realmente no paso mucho como para que de mi opinión.
February 13, 2018
El comienzo es un poco flojo y a menudo me perdía con el argumento, pero los dibujos valen mucho la pena.
June 20, 2019
I love Barbara Gordon. The writing, so far, doesn't quite match up to Gail Simone's portrayal of Babs, but Hope Larson does a pretty good job. I'll be reading more later.
May 18, 2020
Meh... mostly unremarkable. The Fruit Bat thing was lame...
August 4, 2024
Good to be reading a Batgirl series again, though the art could've used a bit more work.
July 27, 2016
Enjoyable set-up of this new storyline, but not much happens plot wise, it's very much "exposure-y".
I like the idea of Batgirl getting out of her confort zone by leaving her old turf of Gotham. I'm looking forward to seeing how Larson makes this work in the long run.
I've never been that keen on Rafael Albuquerque's art to begin with, but I must admit the artwork kinda grew on me throughout this issue. The cover is stunning, its coloring is insane.
I know it's not fair to him to compare Albuquerque's work to Babs Tarr's, but I do really miss her :( She brought such a distinctive and modern feel/aesthetic to this title, that it's hard to adjust to another artist's take.
I like the idea of Batgirl getting out of her confort zone by leaving her old turf of Gotham. I'm looking forward to seeing how Larson makes this work in the long run.
I've never been that keen on Rafael Albuquerque's art to begin with, but I must admit the artwork kinda grew on me throughout this issue. The cover is stunning, its coloring is insane.
I know it's not fair to him to compare Albuquerque's work to Babs Tarr's, but I do really miss her :( She brought such a distinctive and modern feel/aesthetic to this title, that it's hard to adjust to another artist's take.
August 3, 2016
My own bias is keeping me from enjoying this. I still can't consolidate Babs as a hip youngster who has the chops of the Babs I grew up with. She's young. She's cool! Off she goes to have adventures, but she's still a n00b, but seasoned by experiences.
I'm really trying. And the story (if I remove everything I know and love about Babs) is okay. I really want Rebirth to be the thing that draws me back into comics, but it's been hit and miss. This first issue seems like one I'll take a pass on, but we'll give it a story-arc first.
I'm really trying. And the story (if I remove everything I know and love about Babs) is okay. I really want Rebirth to be the thing that draws me back into comics, but it's been hit and miss. This first issue seems like one I'll take a pass on, but we'll give it a story-arc first.
January 12, 2017
3.0 stars
Barbara Gordon travels to Japan to meet Fruit Bat. She ends up being roommates with a childhood friend, Kai. She finds out that he is in trouble (or she already knew?) since he was attacked by a girl asking him for a secret formula. Babs suits up as Batgirl to take the girl down & Fruit Bat suits up as well. Kai suspects Babs is Batgirl.
It was alright, but gets a higher than normal rating due to my love for Babs.
Barbara Gordon travels to Japan to meet Fruit Bat. She ends up being roommates with a childhood friend, Kai. She finds out that he is in trouble (or she already knew?) since he was attacked by a girl asking him for a secret formula. Babs suits up as Batgirl to take the girl down & Fruit Bat suits up as well. Kai suspects Babs is Batgirl.
It was alright, but gets a higher than normal rating due to my love for Babs.
July 28, 2016
Exciting start with great art. I'll miss Tarr forever, but I'm much more excited about this than I thought I'd be.
http://pop-break.com/2016/07/28/revie...
http://pop-break.com/2016/07/28/revie...
July 27, 2016
Not the best but definitely not bad
Not the greatest start to Batgirl rebirth. The story is odd but does have some potential and mystery that makes me want to continue reading.
Not the greatest start to Batgirl rebirth. The story is odd but does have some potential and mystery that makes me want to continue reading.
July 28, 2016
Strong colors, unusal artwork and story, well told.
July 28, 2016
It was good but didn't grab me as much as Batgirl and the birds of prey did.
I still really liked it and I'm looking forward to seeing where it leads to next.
I still really liked it and I'm looking forward to seeing where it leads to next.
July 29, 2016
I'll always love Babs, but I miss the Burnside team. Looking forward to seeing how the story progresses.
July 31, 2016
Czyli Barbara Gordon w Japonii robiąca wywiad z jej odpowiedniczką w kraju Kwitnącej Wiśni. Fajnie napisane i narysowane, trzeba będzie śledzić serie.
No i oczywiście Batgirl pije piwo craftowe! :D
No i oczywiście Batgirl pije piwo craftowe! :D
September 7, 2016
The art were poorly done.
The story is lil bit "meh"...lets give it another shot in her upcoming issues.
The story is lil bit "meh"...lets give it another shot in her upcoming issues.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews