Still Analog in a Digital World

I hadn’t really planned to review Batgirl #5, since I had been so hard on the title in the last review. I’ll admit that I was maybe too hard on it because it wasn’t really the book I wanted. However, the latest issue arrived with Barbara and Stephanie seeming to settle into their roles.  In fact, I believe that this issue was a major step in the right direction. So let’s see where the former SPOILER and her new boss are this issue. See how clever I was there? Not really? Okay clink the link already.

Batgirl is in the middle of a burning building, as we start this issue, trading quips and punches with some bad guy named Diesel. After several smart remarks between our ladies Oracle, Steph and the bad guy, the new Batman and Robin crash the party. Stephanie is not happy and watches bratty new Robin aka Damian rush into the fight recklessly as usual. She has to save Damian’s butt in way that pleases no one.

Back at home in Bat cave, Dick and Barbara get in a huge argument about what the other is doing. Dick yells “What in the hell are you thinking throwing someone so reckless into the field” Barbara counters correctly “Gosh Dick, I’m sorry I haven’t spent more time trying to train a murderous little twit.” Some couple counseling would not hurt these two. I can see why the Batgirl change was made from Cassandra, she and Damian are too similar. It seems the status quo has been set up for the title. It appears to be happy team Gordon vs. moody team Grayson.

Meanwhile Stephanie and the brat trade insults above the Bat Cave, and Alfred strolls by the to assure Steph that he’s got everything under control with the boy. Damian continues to be creepy and disagrees. The argument in the cave takes a turn for the worse when Barbara say the wrong thing and Dick tells her to get out of the Bat cave.

After that meltdown, we find Steph in her new work-study job at the library. This is a delight for this long time reader to see. The New Batgirl working in the same place where her new boss started and filing books away. Steph spies on a boy she likes. He may be nothing but trouble but she snags another meeting with him anyway.

Barbara is busy with new work as an assistant Professor at a diner waiting for her weekly meal with Dad. The commissioner is a no show and proves he is not a good matchmaker either. Detective “St. Nick” has been tricked into a setup with Barb but blows it literally by putting his foot in his mouth. Some accidental puns about legs lead Barbara to take out her frustration with Dick on “St. Nick.” and kills any romance for now.

Steph continues to try to get info out her new boy but is interrupted by Damian stalking her. He has dropped by to tell her he things like she is pointless and manages to insult her breast size at the same time. To say that the kid is jerk is an understatement.

The issue concludes with Steph rendezvousing with Oracle via headset and meeting her new boyfriend in a diner. Things go poorly for Steph as usual, and she is injured when her new guy is kidnapped. Although I am becoming more comfortable the title, Steph is still way too inept and that does her a disservice. While Barbara has a huge chip on her shoulder and still being too bitchy at times. Both could be toned down, but I think I am finally on board with this title. Hopefully, it is not too late sales wise already.