This is Batgirls: Girls to the Front. This is the third and final volume of Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad’s run on Batgirls. The Prime Illustrator for this book is Robbi Rodriguez. The other Illustrators are Jonathan Case and Neil Googe. For Issue 16, Finishes are done by Geraldo Borges. The Coloring is done by Rico Renzi and Jonathan Case. The Prime Letterers are Becca Carey and Jonathan Case. The other Letterers are Dave Sharpe and Frank Cvetkovic. The cover used above is Illustrated by Jorge Corona with Sarah Stern. Trigger Warning: This book contains elements that one might find concerning including kidnapping and terroristic violence. Readers discretion is advised. This book follows Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cane, who have found themselves in a strange predicament. They have swapped bodies suddenly and they don’t know how it occurred. And, of course, the day this happens is when their parents want to have a family reunion of sorts. How will this situation conclude, and what other adventures come after?
I found this book to be quite enjoyable. I will admit, it took a little time getting used to. I have never really been a big fan of the plot that two people switch bodies and antics ensue. But this book does have an interesting spin on it, while also having great character moments. One specific thing in this story line would be the main antagonist, Cluemaster. He is Stephanie Brown’s father and he is rather terrifying. He has been resurrected and now is looking to harm Stephanie for his own twisted goals. He is creepy while still being a fun villain to watch. I think he is a very complicated and conniving villain. The other big antagonist of this story would be The Mad Hatter. He is just the same he has always been. He is quite unnerving while having a rather light-hearted gimmick. So overall, some rather scary villains this time around.
One thing that did take a bit getting used to with this book, and overall series, is it’s overall tone. This one series is massively different in tone then pretty much any other Batman title currently being published. It is quite light-hearted, but in the area of a story for the teenager demographic. This originally was a factor that turned me off of the book. But by the end of my reading, it became this book’s biggest strengths. I really enjoyed the friendship between Stephanie and Cassandra because it reminded me of those teenager shows such as iCarly and Drake and Josh. It really is a breath of fresh air and it is a great addition to this book.
Spoiler Alert: The best part of this is book would have to be issue 14. This issue is completely in Cassandra Cain’s perspective as she tries to find a kidnapped Stephanie Brown. One thing that I truly appreciate with this issue specifically is that it has no dialogue throughout the entire thing. It really adds uniqueness because it relies primarily on visual storytelling. This issue is also showing a big character moment for both Cassandra and Stephanie. Cassandra finds a letter that Stephanie wrote to her if she were ever killed. This letter is so well done because it exemplifies how much Cassandra and Stephanie care for each other. And the art for this book, Illustrated by Jonathan Case, is so beautiful that I really wanted him to do the rest of the book. So overall, this one issue is perfectly executed and is my favorite part of the book.
Another Spoiler Warning: The final arc of this book and series, named From Hell’s Heart, is so good. It is surprisingly darker in tone then the rest of the series. It has to do with Stephanie, Cassandra, and Barbara finding a sniper who has been terrorizing the community with fear and destruction. There is a particular moment with this arc which I love. And that would be Cassandra and Stephanie’s conversation with Batman. It is a very short moment but it is perfect in exemplifying how much Batman cares for his family. And the final moment for this arc, and the series as a whole, is a very poignant finish.
The art for this book is really good. Robbi Rodriguez is the Prime Illustrator and he is great. But honestly, he might be my least favorite artist for this book. Neil Googe really adds a vibrancy toward the Batgirls with his more cartoonish and goofy style. And Jonathan Case’s illustrations are nothing short of a masterclass. Also with his lettering and coloring, which is also phenomenal. Overall, this book has amazing artwork and I can’t wait to see what these Illustrators have to offer in the future.
Overall, this book is really great. it is the most unique title in the Batman books right now. Both the story and the artwork give a sense of youthfulness and humor which isn’t seen in most comic books on the shelves. I am really going to miss this book since this is the final one. I hope more books like this are made in the future.