Batgirl Annual #1
Writer: Hope Larson and Vita Alaya
Artist: Eleonora Carlini and Inaki Miranda
Colourist: Mat Lopes and Eva De La Cruz
Publisher: DC Comics
Let me start off by saying, that I’m really enjoying the current Batgirl and Supergirl books, and even Batgirl’s other title as well. For the most part the story is pretty interesting, in both, however I would say that the characterization in Supergirl is slightly weak, but you can get over it. Both books had pretty good first arcs and the next arcs are looking interesting. Having said all of that, this annual was really not great.
The first story kicks off with a Supergirl and Batgirl team-up. For me I was personally really excited for this since it seemed almost like a no-brainer for them to be friends or to work together. We have Jon and Damian, Tim and Connor, Batman and Superman and Batgirl and Supergirl basically writes itself, or doesn’t in this stories case. I have to say that the interaction between Supergirl and Batgirl is actually written really well, and makes me want them to be written together more.
In this first story they were basically trying to break into a Cadmus facility to retrieve a mysterious telepath. What is strange is the synopsis on the book says they are going into Arkham Asylum, which made me think it was going to be Saturn Girl, but the description may just be wrong.
One thing the story asks is what everyone is thinking, which is why does Supergirl need Batgirl. The reason given felt really lazy and moronic. The reason was that since Supergirl was an illegal alien, then people would feel uncomfortable around her, and I do understand what the writer was trying to do, but it’s Supergirl. The fact that she has that S on her chest is enough of a reason for her to break into Cadmus unquestioned. Like she’s Supergirl, this isn’t Mrs Martian, it’s a character related to one of the most well known characters of the DC Universe. The rest of the story really sets up for the next Phantom King arc, which I’m looking forward to, but feels empty and without much substance.
The second story is better, but still not a great story. This story deals with the typical trope of when a superhero brings their friend on a mission, however they are trying to conceal their identity. That is an interesting idea and the book does really make it believable that Batgirl wants to be around her friend but is to swamped, a feeling many people can relate to.
However a huge complaint I had with this story was the fact that Batgirl isn’t a lone hero. Batgirl could have sat down and had a nice time with her friend and instead got help elsewhere. I mean, Batgirl herself has the whole Batfamily and then also leads her own team, so I personally don’t find it believable that she wouldn’t just call at least just one of them. I do understand that people may think well you can always make that case, however the important aspect of this story was her not having time, and actually in the story one of her friends does offer to help and she actually turns it down. Having said this the overall story wasn’t bad.
In conclusion, this was an annual, so since it isn’t really part of the main story. However it doesn’t make the case for more Batgirl and Supergirl team-ups, which is something I would really like. I did find a few cases where they had teamed up, but never for long and only at random times.
Artist: Eleonora Carlini and Inaki Miranda
Colourist: Mat Lopes and Eva De La Cruz
Publisher: DC Comics
Let me start off by saying, that I’m really enjoying the current Batgirl and Supergirl books, and even Batgirl’s other title as well. For the most part the story is pretty interesting, in both, however I would say that the characterization in Supergirl is slightly weak, but you can get over it. Both books had pretty good first arcs and the next arcs are looking interesting. Having said all of that, this annual was really not great.
The first story kicks off with a Supergirl and Batgirl team-up. For me I was personally really excited for this since it seemed almost like a no-brainer for them to be friends or to work together. We have Jon and Damian, Tim and Connor, Batman and Superman and Batgirl and Supergirl basically writes itself, or doesn’t in this stories case. I have to say that the interaction between Supergirl and Batgirl is actually written really well, and makes me want them to be written together more.
In this first story they were basically trying to break into a Cadmus facility to retrieve a mysterious telepath. What is strange is the synopsis on the book says they are going into Arkham Asylum, which made me think it was going to be Saturn Girl, but the description may just be wrong.
One thing the story asks is what everyone is thinking, which is why does Supergirl need Batgirl. The reason given felt really lazy and moronic. The reason was that since Supergirl was an illegal alien, then people would feel uncomfortable around her, and I do understand what the writer was trying to do, but it’s Supergirl. The fact that she has that S on her chest is enough of a reason for her to break into Cadmus unquestioned. Like she’s Supergirl, this isn’t Mrs Martian, it’s a character related to one of the most well known characters of the DC Universe. The rest of the story really sets up for the next Phantom King arc, which I’m looking forward to, but feels empty and without much substance.
The second story is better, but still not a great story. This story deals with the typical trope of when a superhero brings their friend on a mission, however they are trying to conceal their identity. That is an interesting idea and the book does really make it believable that Batgirl wants to be around her friend but is to swamped, a feeling many people can relate to.
However a huge complaint I had with this story was the fact that Batgirl isn’t a lone hero. Batgirl could have sat down and had a nice time with her friend and instead got help elsewhere. I mean, Batgirl herself has the whole Batfamily and then also leads her own team, so I personally don’t find it believable that she wouldn’t just call at least just one of them. I do understand that people may think well you can always make that case, however the important aspect of this story was her not having time, and actually in the story one of her friends does offer to help and she actually turns it down. Having said this the overall story wasn’t bad.
In conclusion, this was an annual, so since it isn’t really part of the main story. However it doesn’t make the case for more Batgirl and Supergirl team-ups, which is something I would really like. I did find a few cases where they had teamed up, but never for long and only at random times.
A Look Inside
