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Batgirl #14 Review

By J. Skyler
November 22, 2012 - 16:09

One thing I have always admired about Barbara Gordon (whether as Batgirl or Oracle) is the fact that she is undoubtedly effective at whatever it is she sets her mind to, in spite of the fact that she is not a physically imposing character. In every variation she has ever been depicted in, she has more or less expected her opponents to underestimate her, which ultimately gives her a tactical advantage. Still, a part of me has always wanted to see her able to send a chill down someone's spine in the same way Batman can just by being within proximity. After reading Batgirl #14, "A Courtship of Razors", I'll admit even I'd be scared to be in the same room with a pissed off Barbara.

Gordon's mother, Barbara Gordon Sr. has been captured by the Joker, and Barbara Jr. is frantic listening to her mother's petrified screams over the phone. The Joker is intent on recreating the events of The Killing Joke, sending three henchmen to beat down her apartment door in the same way he and his cohorts did three years ago. Despite the Joker's attempts to dehumanize and strip Barbara of her confidence, she goes on the offensive, brutally wiping the floor with the deviants who have invaded her home. A stark contrast between Batman and Batgirl illustrated here is that while Batman hates firearms, Batgirl can handle a gun with ease; not surprising, being the daughter of a police commissioner. She may not like guns, but drawing one on her is a clear fallacy.

A revelation dawning on various members of the Batman Family is that the Joker is now aware of all of their secret identities, not only that, but seemingly their entire life stories. To add insult to injury, James Jr. makes his allegiances perfectly clear. Through her inner dialog, one can infer Batgirl may have to consider giving up civilian life altogether; a prelude perhaps, to the new "status quo" described in solicitations for upcoming issues. The Joker is sadistic as expected in this issue, but this is clearly Barbara's story and the ramifications of the Joker's "proposal" to her are as mystifying as they are unsettling.

Rating: 8 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12