***Contains Spoilers***
The story in Batman: Batgirl #1 (1997) centers on a tense first encounter between Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) and the Joker. The plot follows Barbara as she pursues Gotham’s most notorious villain on her own, culminating in a resourceful and clever confrontation. Set before The Killing Joke, the issue cleverly foreshadows Barbara’s future while showcasing her determination, intelligence, and grit. Despite its standalone nature, it carries significant weight due to its exploration of Barbara’s growth as a hero.
What stood out to me was how the issue handled Batgirl’s encounter with the Joker. It’s her first time facing him, and Puckett does an excellent job of emphasizing the sheer terror he embodies, not through gore but through psychological intensity. Barbara’s strategy for taking him down was both creative and reflective of her sharp intellect. The writing respects her character, allowing her to shine as a capable hero without feeling overpowered or implausible. As a story set before The Killing Joke, the narrative plays with layers of irony and foreshadowing, giving readers a bittersweet sense of dread about what’s to come. It’s subtle but effective, adding depth for fans familiar with her tragic future.
However, the pacing feels a bit rushed, especially during the climactic confrontation. While Barbara’s victory over the Joker is inventive, it’s over too quickly, making the resolution feel less satisfying than it could have been. Additionally, the Joker’s portrayal, while menacing, leans a bit too much into caricature at times, lacking the nuanced depth he often has in other stories. Finally, as a standalone tale, it doesn’t leave much room for character exploration outside of the central conflict, which makes it feel slightly limited in scope.
Overall, I’d give Batman: Batgirl 2 stars. It’s a story I liked and would revisit for its historical context and its clever depiction of Barbara’s resourcefulness. It doesn’t reach the heights of greatness, but it’s an enjoyable and meaningful read for fans of Batgirl and the Bat-family mythos.
Feature Image Batman: Batgirl #1 cover art by Brian Stelfreeze
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