Comic Review: Batgirl Annual #2 (DC Comics)

If you are a Batgirl fan, run to pick up Batgirl Annual 2, from DC. It’s a good one!

It starts off really well with the front cover by Emanuela Lupacchino; Batgirl in a retro 1960’s situation: kneeling in a prison corridor, with blood-soaked letters and envelopes around her. AND.. dialogue on the cover! What the??
The illustration is wonderful. Her cape spread out wide, the dramatic pose, all really really good.

Inside, the story by Mairghread Scott with art by Elena Casagrande (colors by Jordie Bellaire) is completely solid… Batgirl is investigating murders committed by a serial killer. Body after body, identically posed. Too perfect for coincidence, but reminding her of her brother, currently serving a murder sentence in prison. Hmmm, perhaps it’s time for a very uncomfortable sister and brother reunion.

As I have indicated, I really liked this story. Without revealing any more of the story, let me just say that the plot was allowed to unfold in a gradual way, with a perfect team up of words and visuals. Seldom said and seldom seen, this ‘dynamic duo’ is the secret to excellent comic stories. It’s hidden in plain sight, yet seldom achieved: write a solid story, and illustrate it so the poses are interesting, the lighting and visual angles help the story proceed, and then ‘get out of your own way’, as the U2 song says…

All said and done. Check out this issue, it is well worth the money.

DC Comics, Batgirl Annual 2, $4.99 for 39 pages of content. Rated Teen