ARC Review - Batgirl Vol. 4: Wanted

Batgirl Vol. 4: Wanted
by Gail Simone
Illustrators: Fernando Pasarín, Daniel Sampere
Publisher: DC Comics
Pub. Date: May 27, 2014
Retail: $24.99
ISBN: 9781401246297
Pages: 192

Review:

Comic books may seem like the thing of the past, but thanks to a surge of superhero blockbusters and hit television series (Arrow), not to mention reality TV (Comic Book Men), comic books are starting to become popular again. Publishers have finally entered modern times with digital comic books. 

In the comic book world, superheroes never age, as the comics eventually get rebooted, giving franchises a brand new start. This is exactly what happened with DC Comics with the launch of their New 52 line in 2011, including everything Batman related.

Thanks to NetGalley, I got to review an advanced digital copy of Batgirl Vol. 4: Wanted, which consists of issues #19-25, as well as Ventriliquist #1.

Being a superhero has its ups and downs, and Barbara Gordon has hit the lowest-part of her crime-fighting career with the recent death of her brother, which her alter ego, Batgirl, had a part in his death. She is a complete mess and she has even turn to drinking to try to help with the pain. Nothing seems to help her do deal with what has occurred, even visiting a shrink isn't helping her. To make matter worse, her father, Commissioner Gordon, has a personal vendetta to hunt down his son's killer, Batgirl.

While Barbara struggles with her personal life, chaos and madness has taken control of the Gotham streets, so she must shove aside her feelings and become Batgirl once again. Awaiting her is the crazy Shauna Belzer, the Ventriloquist and her killer ventriloquist dummy, Ferdie; along with the Hangman Gang, Knightfall and many other Gotham tugs. Batman and Nightwing make cameo appearances.

When you hear the words "DC Superhero," you probably think of either Superman and Batman, but there have been many co-superheroes over the years, including Batgirl, whom gets a darker re-imagining in the New 52 universe. With an intriguing storyline and vivid illustrations, DC Comics is proving that Batgirl can crawl her way from under Batman's cape and stand side-by-side with some of the best comic book heroes.

*Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.