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Batgirl #7
Writer: Gail Simone
Artists: Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes, and Ulises Arreola
Cover Artist: Adam Hughes
Publisher: DC

With seven issues now behind us, Batgirl is still sailing over some troubled waters. While it deserves to be mentioned that this issue is the best the series has seen yet, it is still riddled with problems. The best part of the issue, and the entire series so far really, is when Black Canary makes a guest appearance in order to smack some sense into Barbara. Everything Black Canary says sums up what has been wrong with the past six issues, like Barbara’s lack of confidence, and her lack of strength (both mental and physical). For seven issues now, including this one, we’ve all been subjected to a Barbara Gordon who feels as if she’s too busy setting up for the prom to be Batgirl, which is a terrible shame, because growing up Barbara was always the one who seemed older, more mature, smarter. This issue also marks the third villain to make an appearance, and while this one is as interesting as the last two, not one of these villains seem like they’ll be having any sort of lasting impact. They just don’t have the staying power you usually see in Gotham’s rogue gallery. All in all, it was yet another decent issue in this lackluster series. Black Canary’s appearance is just the kind of spark this title needs, unfortunately it just wasn’t a big enough spark. 3.5/5

Batman and Robin #7
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artists: Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, and John Kalisz
Cover Artists: Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, and John Kalisz
Publisher: DC

Without a doubt this was the best book of the bunch this week. The end of the last issue revealed that Damian had never intended to betray Bruce’s trust, but in fact had been deceiving Nobody. Suffice to say, Nobody was not pleased and decided to take out all of his anger on Damian. Ever since his creation, Damian has been a source of much discussion amongst fans; he’s either hated, loved, or both, but regardless of how anyone feels for him, he’s always interesting. My only concern with his portrayal in this series has been the depiction of him as a borderline psychopath, which is a huge jump from his portrayal in nearly every single other story. He’s pretty much become the Red Hood, except he’s still Robin. Batman’s fight with Nobody was excellent reading. The verbal combat was just as good as the physical, which was illustrated remarkably well by Patrick Gleason. Batman crashing through the ceiling with the Batmobile, Damian struggling from having been beaten, the whole sequence was done terrifically. This issue is leaps and bounds better than the first, which bodes well for the next arc. 4.5/5

Batwoman #7
Writers: J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman
Artists: Amy Reeder, Rob Hunter, and Guy Major
Cover Artists: Amy Reeder, Rob Hunter, and Guy Major
Publisher: DC

The second arc powers forward as we are presented with multiple points of view of, what can only be assumed, is the same story. As I mentioned in last month’s review, the way this arc is set up, having multiple points of view and multiple time frames, adds nothing to the story in terms of substance or importance. Rather, it makes for a very convoluted story, with awkward pacing. Admittedly, with this being the second issue to the arc, things weren’t nearly as confusing. However, the setup seems like it would truly be suited for reading in a collected edition. Pacing aside, the story itself is strong, though not without faults. Kate’s relationship with Maggie and Jake’s relationship with Bette make this issue. An entire issue dedicated to those four characters and their intertwining relationships would be fascinating. Unfortunately, in this issue we also get Agent Chase and the villain named Falchion. Chase seems a little too cocky, and it makes no sense why she thinks just because her weapon is alien technology Batman wouldn’t have it; I mean, he’s on the Justice League, a team full of aliens. Meanwhile, this new villain bears so much of a resemblance to Doctor Aesop that he doesn’t seem very threatening. Amy Reeder-Hadley continues doing an excellent job filling in,  however, J.H. Williams’s unique artistic storytelling skills are missed. 4/5

Superboy #7
Writers: Scott Lobdell and Tom DeFalco
Artists: RB Silva, Rob Lean, Richard Horie, and Tanya Horie
Cover Artists: Shane Davis, Sandra Hope, and Barbra Ciardo
Publisher: DC

Much like with Teen Titans and Red Hood and the Outlaws, Scott Lobdell has brought out the fun in comics with Superboy. Month after month we’re getting issues that are filled with an interesting story, a bit of intrigue, and a whole lot of action. Rose Wilson, who has always been a fascinating character, continues to be one in this new rebooted version of the character. Her and her father, in the past, have been presented almost as the anti-Batman and Robin, and this issue demonstrates, at least on her part, why that title wouldn’t be unfounded. Superboy it still acting like a child, which to be fair he still is, but it certainly isn’t doing him any favors. In the past, it’s been noted that Superboy appears to have a limitless power set, more powerful than even Superman, but now that he has been blasted by Kryptonite and is being scientifically prodded, it would make sense to bring that power set down to a controlled level that is more suited to a younger superhero. The biggest problem with this book, which actually isn’t really a problem for myself, is how heavily intertwined the book is with the Teen Titans, to the point where reading one without the other would be ill advised. Seeing as I read Teen Titans, I have no problem with this, but for many people who read on a budget, having to maintain two books for essentially one large story can be problematic. 4/5

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Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net