The
conclusion of the current story arc, as Batgirl faces off against Grotesque,
who is determined to wipe out Gotham’s elite because, well, because they’re the
elite. A (more) twisted form of social justice, I guess. Unfortunately,
Commissioner Gordon is in the line of fire. And that is something that just
will not do.
What sets
Batgirl apart from other characters in the franchise is her relationship with
her father. Bruce and Dick are both orphans, so are Jason and Tim, and Batwoman
has a rather fractured relationship with her dad. Barbara seems the only one
who gets along with any parent. And that comes through in this issue very clearly.
As far as
the narrative goes, I must say I’m a wee bit disappointed. I hate to give
anything away, so let me just say that it’s a bit of a deus ex machina for a
bad guy to suddenly develop a conscience. It diminishes the scope of the
conflict, as if the good guy isn’t much of a hero for defeating a bad guy that
isn’t so bad.
With this
storyline over, I do hope Paul Pelletier and Norm Rapmund will remain on the
title. Rapmund also inked this month’s issue of Batman Beyond, so he’s well
liked in the Bat-office, but I prefer his work with Pelletier over that of Brett
Booth. Fingers crossed.
Rating: 8/10