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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great update of the original Batgirl, January 26, 2004
This review is from: Batgirl: Year One (Batman) (Paperback)
Chuck Dixon, at the time this book was written, had spent several years chronicling Barbara Gordon as Oracle in "Birds of Prey." That combined with his own great work on "Robin: Year One" made him a natural choice to work on this volume. Together with Scott Beatty, he did a great retelling of the original Batgirl, getting rid of some of the campier elements from her 60s-era debut and making her a powerful female superhero. The writers also managed to work in some foreshadowing to future events in Barbara's life such as her relationship with Dick Grayson (a.k.a. Robin I, a.k.a. Nightwing) and set up the pieces for her eventual role in "Birds of Prey" -- also a great series. The artwork in this book has a very clean style, almost a hybrid between traditional comic book artwork and the style you see on "Batman: The Animated Series" People who like the character will be in no way disappointed... although I must admit, I find it very interesting (almost amusing) that Barbara Gordon's Batgirl seems to have a lot more fans now than she did before the Joker put a bullet in her spine in "The Killing Joke."
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Dynamite Damsel, January 16, 2004
This review is from: Batgirl: Year One (Batman) (Paperback)
The Batman family seems to do well by Year Ones, and Batgirl is no exception. These mini series are almost always superior to the regular ongoing series, as they are not tied down by subplots and the rush of a monthly deadline. "Batgirl: Year One" is an excellent amalgam of the old and the new, incorporating important elements of Batgirl's mythology, such as Killer Moth and the costume party she makes the Batgirl suit for, while successfully incorporation new Batman lore such as the jump lines and modern technology. Gone is the Utility-Handbag and the Batgirl who would stop fighting the Joker (nice foreshadowing of the Joker, by the way) if she got a run in her stocking. The modern Barbara Gordon is a capable partner in crime fighting. The art in the series is excellent, and stays in tone with the rest of the Year One series, maintaining a slightly retro-feel. The colors are dark and mysterious, lending a nice tone to the story. An altogether excellent mini-series.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Winner of Wizard Magazine's Best Mini-Series of 2003!!, January 13, 2004
This review is from: Batgirl: Year One (Batman) (Paperback)
This is the collected volume of the acclaimed nine-issue "Batgirl: Year One" limited series published in 2003 by DC Comics. It features the beginning of Barbara Gordon's life as a superhero. While it is a deviation from the 1967 origin, the story is interesting, smart, and fun--making this volume a page-turner. Also, the art is very "retro" and appealing. Batman, Robin, Firefly, Killer Moth, Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, Jason Barde, Blockbuster, Black Canary, Spectre, Wildcat, and Green Arrow make guest appearances, but what makes this book special is seeing Barbara evolve from a determined young girl who simply wants to help people into an all-out vigilante named Batgirl. Also, the fact that she and Batman are more rivals than partners adds a wonderful aspect of independence and competition to the story. Plus, you get to see Batgirl kick a lot of things--always a good time. Pick up this book and learn all about Batgrrrrrrrrl Power.
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