Comic Review: BATGIRL #4
The first arc comes to an end this issue, bringing the villain Mirror’s story to a close.
Book: Batgirl #4Written By: Gail Simone Art By: Ardian Syaf, Vincent CifuentesCover By: Adam Hughes Published By: DC ComicsPrice: $2.99Pages: 32 The first arc comes to an end this issue, bringing the villain Mirrors story to a close. Im glad to see him go, as I felt Mirror was a lackluster character. As a result, the climax was underwhelming for me; after proving to be as troublesome as he was, to be taken out so easily seemed overly convenient. Barbara doesnt really hatch a brilliant scheme; she just kind of traps him and messes with his head. Yawn. Perhaps this storyline could have been shorter. In retrospect, portions of previous issues feel like filler, but I take solace in the thought that prior to the New 52, DC may have forced it to be lengthened to six issues. It wasnt a terrible story, but it did feel that Batgirls reintroduction should have featured a more notable threat. I doubt well ever hear from Mirror again and the book may have benefited from someone iconic. We do get to see Babs interact with her roommate, Alysia, admitting her history with the wheelchair. She also drops some clues to the circumstances of her recovery without delving into exactly how it worked. It helped the pacing of the issue and helps flesh out Barbaras personality some more. As far as the art is concerned, there are no obvious complaints. At some points, Batgirls arms appear slightly rubbery and Barbaras face looked a little too young during her conversation with Alysia, but generally everything works well. Not up to the same level as the first issue, but thats to be expected. Frankly, this issue was tepid and a bit of a weak conclusion, theres not much to pick apart but theres enough to keep you interested. The ending cliff-hanger is a good transition from one storyline to another. It builds anticipation and provides a great draw for next issue all in one image. (Its also the main reason for picking up the book at all, aside from eventually finding out how Barbara got out of the chair.) The Mirror story was beginning to get old and Simone was wise to wrap it up here. Bring on issue five.