Batgirl issue 45, from DC, concerns itself with “Who Owns Gotham?” Let’s see how this issue fares, as we delve and plunge and immerse ourselves in some socially distancing drama.
The main cover, by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Cam Smith and Jean-Fancois Beaulieu shows us a physically powerful Batgirl poised for action atop a Gotham building. The variant, by Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson, focuses on Batgirl in medium shot, her flashlight positioned in front of her chest.
Inside, the art is strong inline direction and colour. Figures have accurate anatomy, rooms and surroundings have real perspective. It’s all very capably handled, from ankles to angles, stem to sternum. It’s a lot of work at the drawing board for Carmine Di Giandomenico (Jordie Bellaire on colours) but this careful work really helps to anchor the story by Cecil Castellucci.
Now that we’ve praised the creators, how IS the story? Well, there is a lot going on here, especially for ‘drop-in’ readers like me: Gotham City is being restored, and metal statues are beginning to appear around town. Jason’s attacked in an alley by a mysterious figure. A philanthropist is contributing to energy conservation and enlisting alternate energy sources from unlikely places.
All good and well structured. The intertwined story strands seem to make sense if you take your time reading this issue. And isn’t it time to pick up this one from wherever you can, and take your time to enjoy some solitude and deep reading?
DC Batgirl #45, $3.99 for 20 pages of content, Teen
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