“Batgirl” #22 is a standout title in comics today. All too often in comics, we see only three facial expressions…”Stern”, “Mad” and “Really P****d Off”. In other words, genuine emotional content is all too often missing from a lot of titles. If you are looking for something more…if you want to see what your favorite characters not only think, but feel…this is the absolutely perfect issue to buy. It isn’t just that there are a lot of emotions depicted in “Batgirl” #22 – it’s that the emotions are real, the reactions are genuine, and the story is truly moving. No Batgirl costume in this issue – Barbara is debating whether to continue wearing the Bat, after all – but the woman behind the cowl is all the more awesome in this issue.

SOME MILD SPOILERS

At the end of last issue, Barbara had a surprise at the door…a date she had forgotten with Ricky. The scene that follows is not just spot-on for Barbara…the interplay between Barbara and Alysia as she quickly gets ready is simply amazing and a whole lot of fun to read. As the date begins, Barbara is trying to enjoy the evening and trying to forget recent events at the same time. Danger still lurks around every corner…but there are moments of simple happiness that Barbara has missed for far too long. This is a difficult time for everyone named Gordon. Barbara is trying to decide whether she should ever wear the symbol of the Bat. Jim is reaching out to Barbara as a loving father concerned for the safety of his only living child…then reaches out to Batman in a way that certifies Jim as awesome, in a scene that should go down in the annals of DC History.

This is a powerful and moving story from beginning to end, showing once again the amazing writing talent of Gail Simone. The art team was given a tough assignment for comic book artwork…showing a variety of emotion through excellent facial expressions and body language. Fernando Pasarin and Jonathan Glapion, with Blond on colors, more than pass this test. This is easily a five-star issue – and if you have ever been a fan of Barbara don’t miss “Batgirl” #22!