The first group of criminals we see her confronting is a sadistic foursome of baddies who specialize in home invasion, an area of sensitivity for Barbara. Unfortunately, the emotional trauma of the experience still permeates. The difference in today’s DCU is that after 3 years of recovery, Barbara eventually overcame her crippling injury. The Joker still shot her, wounding her grievously. The original Batgirl is back in business, and it appears that large segments of her previously disclosed history remain intact.

Reminds me of my days in the call center industry. Perhaps no other segment of mainstream comics has had as much turnover as the Bat Family. Convoluted character histories are not uncommon within the superhero community. Unless you’re a regular DC reader, accurately identifying the woman beneath the mask was a difficult prospect. The character of Batgirl is a perfect example of why DC Comics has chosen to undertake a line-wide reboot. Then…after the changes introduced at the conclusion of Flashpoint, everything old becomes new again. For two years, writer Bryan Q Miller plotted a fan-favorite series that allowed Brown to let go of much of her personal pain and insecurities, and blossom into an upbeat superhero, more than worthy of the Batgirl name. Most recently, Batgirl was former Spoiler and Robin Stephanie Brown. Cain’s personal issues took precedent, and she stepped out of the role and effectively, disappeared almost completely from the DCU for several years. After a few years and costume modifications, Cassandra Cain stepped into the Batgirl spandex and waged a silent assault on Gotham’s criminal element. After suffering a crippling spinal injury at the hands of The Joker, Batgirl hung up the bat gear and began to help with crime fighting from behind the scenes, as the all-seeing, all-knowing Oracle. Previously: Originally Barbara Gordon, the daughter of Gotham City’s Police Commissioner Jim Gordon, took on the guise of Batgirl.

Publisher: DC Comics Will The Real Batgirl Please Stand Up? The original Batgirl is back in action but is she ready to face down her demons? Take the jump and learn more about DC Comics Batgirl #1.

Batgirl #1 by Gail Simone