***Contains Spoilers***
The story in Batgirl Special #1 follows Barbara Gordon’s final adventure as Batgirl before hanging up her cape for good. As she works to take down a human trafficking operation, Barbara is plagued by doubts about her role as a crime fighter. Ultimately, the issue serves as a prelude to her departure from the Batgirl mantle, setting the stage for her appearance in Batman: The Killing Joke.
What I appreciated about the issue was its historical significance. Seeing Barbara grapple with self-doubt and make the choice to leave her superhero life behind is a rare, introspective moment in comics. It added a sense of humanity to the character, which might resonate with readers who’ve ever faced the challenge of redefining their identity. The issue tries to give Batgirl a meaningful farewell, which deserves some credit.
That said, the execution is forgettable at best. The story feels formulaic, with generic villains and little in the way of compelling action or dialogue. While it aims to portray Barbara’s inner turmoil, her decision to quit comes across as abrupt and underexplored. The issue lacks the emotional depth and narrative weight needed to make her departure truly impactful. Instead, it feels more like a rushed attempt to tie up loose ends before The Killing Joke.
In the end, Batgirl Special #1 is mostly notable for its context rather than its content. It’s not an enjoyable read on its own merits, and I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re a completist trying to piece together Barbara Gordon’s history. For everyone else, this is one you can skip. 1 star – I did not like it.
Feature Image Batgirl Special #1 cover art by Karl Kesel and Mike Mignola
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