Customer Reviews

Batgirl: Year One (Batman)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
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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."

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.

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.

"Batgirl: Year One," by Scott Beatty and Chuck Dixon, is a nine-chapter comic book about Barbara Gordon, the daughter of Gotham City police officer James Gordon. The book tells the story of how this young woman becomes the masked and costumed crimefighter known as Batgirl.

I've loved the character of Batgirl since seeing Yvonne Craig's spirited portrayal of her in the 1960s TV show "Batman." Beatty and Dixon's version is likewise a great Batgirl. Although Batgirl is part of America's venerable superhero tradition, she is in her own way one of the most down-to-earth and accessible of these characters: she has no fantastic "superpowers" and is not a millionaire; as dramatized in this book, she builds her superhero persona from the ground up, with sweat and brains.

This story shows Batgirl/Barbara's dealings with her dad, with fellow crimefighters Batman and Robin, and with the villains Killer Moth and Firefly. The story is rich in action, humor, and interpersonal drama. There are nice down-to-earth moments, such as details of Batgirl creating her costume and assembling her hero gear. Along the way the artists and writers enhance the story with clever touches and thoughtful details which really help immerse the reader in Batgirl's world.

Batgirl is a feisty, courageous, and very human character--she's a heroine I could really cheer for. Ultimately I found this book as genuinely inspiring as it is entertaining. Believe in Batgirl!

The writer and artist made a super update on the character and origin. The streamined art was perfect for the story... capturing a bit of old-fashionedness and nostalgia without looking campy and/or dated. Excellent correographed action, the storyline got confusing visually rarely. Barbara Gordan has spunk and in the would of Powerpuff Girls and realistic female heroes they showed her strong, compassionate, smart, and funny without dumbing her down. Brought some of the "modern sensibilities" of the current female characters to an origin story. Best mini-series of 2003.

DC Comics' Batgirl: Year One trade paperback collects the entire 9-issue 2003 series by Scott Beatty, Chuck Dixon, Marcos Martin and Alvaro Lopez.

I'll admit to having a total fanboy crush on Batgirl, so I was eagerly anticipating this re-telling of her origin. Given the fact that Robin: Year One (Batman) was quite good and Batman: Year One is one of the greatest Batman stories ever, the bar was set pretty high for this series. For the most part, Dixon et al do not disappoint.

Chuck Dixon is uniquely familiar with the Batman supporting cast, so he was the perfect choice for this project. He and Beatty serve up a relatively lighthearted tale in which Barbara Gordon's attempt to defy her father's wishes turns into an unexpected career fighting crime. The series covers her initial adventures, her unlikely nemesis the Killer Moth, early encounters with Batman, and team-ups with the Black Canary and Robin. The only drawback is that Batgirl's motives never seem equal to the choices she makes. Even Batman pointed this out when asking her why she chose this particular life. Still, the series is enjoyable, and maintains a fun and lighthearted feel throughout, particularly the times where Batgirl and Robin interact.

The fanboy in me might have preferred someone like Adam Hughes or Terry Dodson to provide artwork for this series, but Marcos Martin and Alvaro Lopez do an admirable job. Their work is very similar to Steve Rude's on the Worlds Finest miniseries, and is reminiscent of both Robin: Year One and the Batman animated series, which makes for a great complement to the type of story Beatty and Dixon provided.

Overall, Batgirl: Year One was an enjoyable look back at a classic character that, for obvious reasons (and if you haven't read Batman: The Killing Joke, you need to do that now) doesn't get much attention. The creators involved have crafted a fun and exciting adventure that is a perfect match to the nature of the character.

Why is this book not in print? Its an absolute joy to read and every panel is a little pop-art masterpiece that will quickly seduce your eyeballs. Run down to your used bookstore and see if you can still snag a copy!

I have always been a fan of the Batman universe. And, me being a girl with a fondness for amazing redheaded heroines, Batgirl was an obvious ultra-heroine.

Batgirl Year One is like the Holy Grail of graphic novels. It has wonderful art paired with amazing writing and a favorite character just being generally awesome throughout.

I'm told (but can't confirm) that it's the best out of the "Year One" books, but I can say that if you like Batgirl and don't pick it up, you'll regret it!

I can't believe how much I enjoyed this. This was a perfect blend of story and art and another fine blending of rehashing and retconning. Chuck Dixon, who used to have a huge hand in many of the Bat books, shows why as he pens a terrific character and setting. The artwork by Marcos Martin is so spot on its hard to put into words. The early tales of young Barbara's career along with foreshadowing of future events is phenomenal. I would recommend this to anyone. Great stuff!

This mini-series escaped my radar I was unaware how entertaining Batgirl can be written and drawn. There's been more than one occasion where I laughed and was thoroughly engaged in the action. The story is truly a winner, smart writing and witty banter won me over. Don't underestimate Marcos Martin simplistic artwork his visual storytelling abilities is top notch with clear staging of action and whimsical acting. Probably one of the best character interaction I've seen in a Bat title for a long time. Highly recommended. You can find cover price edition at your local comic shop. Avoid the speculative 3rd party sellers for twice as much.