New year. New Batgirl issue. When we last left Batgirl, she and her mother, Lady Shiva, were ambushed by the mysterious monk-warriors, the Unburied, led by their leader Kalden. Cassandra and her mother narrowly escaped the assault, but Cassandra’s friends were not so lucky. Now, in full retreat mode on a train, Batgirl and Lady Shiva have to regroup and come up with a new plan. The previous two issues were action-packed and really fun. Let’s see if issue #3 keeps up the ecstatic pace.

This latest issue of Batgirl was pretty solid. It was my least favorite out of the three, but I’m still really enjoying this series so far. The story was more subdued compared to the first two issues as there were not too many action sequences and there was a lot of exposition. Cassandra is dealing with the guilt of potentially getting Bà Bao and her grandsons killed by the Unburied. She feels like she abandoned Gotham and has anger towards Lady Shiva for that. The artwork by Takeshi Miyazawa really emphasized Cass’s emotions during these moments with Lady Shiva where you can see the devastation, the guilt, and the anger in her face. The artwork in general has been outstanding throughout the series, especially during the action sequences, and I still felt all the emotional weight between the characters during the quieter moments. While I have been enjoying the artwork of the series, I felt that the story that writer Tate Brombal created for this issue was a little lacking in plot development and seemed like filler. I understand that Brombal wants the reader to know that Lady Shiva might not be as villainous as she has been depicted, but I just felt it took away from the momentum that the first two issues built up. It’s starting to feel like the main plot is being stretched too thin, but I’m open to change my opinion.

The Unburied were absent from this issue, and I’m starting to feel that they’re being underdeveloped. With three issues left, I just want more from them and to learn their motivations. I still think Lady Shiva has ulterior motives, and this issue tries really hard to depict her as a misunderstood person through the conversation between Cassandra and a high priest of the Order of Shiva, Jayesh. We’ll see if she is really genuine about protecting her daughter as the story progresses. There was also this part where Batgirl starts attacking members of the League of Shadows throughout train. While it looked cool visually in a full-page splash panel, it was unnecessary to me story wise. It just felt shoehorned in because there wasn’t a lot of action. That sequence leads to Batgirl meeting with a potential ally in the war against the Unburied in Nyssa al Ghul, the other daughter of Ra’s. And then the issue ends.

Recommended if…

• You like all things Cassandra Cain.
• You been enjoying the artwork by Takeshi Miyazawa, especially during the action sequences.
• You think Batgirl should listen to her mother for once and chill out.

Overall

This new Batgirl series has been really fun so far, and issue #3 is another solid entry. While I thought the story was a little lacking this time around, I’m still interested to see what happens next and how this potential alliance that Batgirl and Lady Shiva are about to make will affect their effort in the fight against the Unburied. And will Batgirl ever trust Shiva?

Score: 7/10

DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of review.