Batgirl #9

Writer: Hope Larson

Artist: Chris Wildgoose

Colorist: Matt Lopes

Publisher: DC Comics

Ahh Batgirl...you will always be one of my first childhood crushes (along with Mary Jane Watson). I have been a Batgirl fan since I first saw her in the 1960s Batman TV series, and that love has continued to this day. I'm a big fan of the current Rebirth Batgirl, and issue #9 continues that excellence.

Before I get into the story, I want to talk about Chris Wildgoose's art. I have long been a fan of Stuart Immonen's style, and while I hate to compare artists to each other, I always perk up when I notice an art style that reminds me of Mr. Immonen. So while making a comparison to another artist may seem like a slight, believe me when I say that in Mr. Wildgoose's case, it is 100% a compliment. The one aspect of Wildgoose's art that I like best is Batgirl's costume. Under his tenure, Batgirl's costume actually looks like something she cobnbled together from stuff she had lying around at home. Gone are the days of the skin tight spandex; this more “real-world” take on her latter New 52 costume looks very plausible.

Issue #9 presents an internal struggle for Barbara, as we are treated to how she deals with problems inside her head...like literally inside of her mind. We get a peek at how Babs enters what is essentially her “mind palace” in order to study and write a paper.

At the same time, the world outside is obsessed with a new app called Doggo, and let's be clear; this issue is not shy about the dangers of having all your business out there on the interwebz. The topic is brought up more than once, and with today's heavily connected world, it certainly is a warning that should not be taken lightly.

Another side story is Barbara's relationship with the younger Mr. Cobblepot. His intentions aren't exactly clear and he has more than one creepy secret going on with his new app. Of course, there's always the problem with him being a Cobblepot; is he actually in league with is father?

Batgirl #9 was a very busy issue that tackled a number of different plot points and different locations. It runs into the danger of cramming too much into one issue, but under the deft hands of Hope Larson, we have a story that moves smartly from one plot point to the next. We'll have to wait until #10 to see how this all plays out!