Mini-review: Shadow of the Batgirl

Title: Shadow of the Batgirl
Author: Sarah Kuhn, Nicole Goux (Illustrator)
Genres: Superhero, graphic novel
Pages: 208
Publisher: DC Comics
Review Copy: Library
Availability: Out now!

Summary: Cassandra Cain, teenage assassin, isn’t exactly Batgirl material…not yet, at least. But when Batgirl goes missing from Gotham, can Cassandra defy her destiny and take on a heroic mantle of her very own?

Cassandra Cain is the daughter of super-villains and a living weapon trained from birth to be the ultimate assassin. But that doesn’t mean she has to stay that way, right? She’ll have to go through an identity crisis of epic proportions to find out. But how do you figure out who you’re supposed to be when you’ve been trained to become a villain your entire life?

After a soul-shattering moment that sends Cass reeling, she’ll attempt to answer this question the only way she knows how: learning everything she possibly can about her favorite hero–Batgirl. But Batgirl hasn’t been seen in Gotham for years, and when Cass’s father threatens the world she has grown to love, she’ll have to step out of the shadows and overcome her greatest obstacle–that voice inside her head telling her she can never be a hero.

Sarah Kuhn, author of Heroine Complex and I Love You So Mochi, takes on her favorite hero of color for a new audience of readers. Featuring the edgy art style of Nicole Goux, Shadow of the Batgirl tells the harrowing story of a girl who overcomes the odds to find her unique identity. [Image and summary via Goodreads]

Review: I watched Birds of Prey last month, and ever since, I’ve been craving superhero content. So when I picked up Shadow of the Batgirl, you can imagine how happy I was — and the graphic novel did not disappoint.

First of all, the art is amazing — fun, charming, and perfect for action-packed sequences and quieter moments. Also, the outfits? So good. I love a good floral auntie outfit, and Shadow of the Batgirl would have won me over on that alone. But of course, that’s not all that’s awesome about Shadow of the Batgirl. It’s a fun, thrilling read with plenty of heartwarming moments — Romance! Libraries! Ramen! Friendship and found family!

If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, or just a solid superhero graphic novel, Shadow of the Batgirl is it.

Recommendation: Buy it now!