[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: Hope Larson
Artists: Rafael Albuquerque & Dave McCaig
Summary
Batgirl continues her investigation in South Korea.
Positives
The cover by Rafael Albuquerque is amazing. I just love the use of color on it. The cover is very unique and awesome to look at.
The interior art is great as well. Pencils and inks are by Albuquerque while colors are by Dave McCaig. One of my favorite things about the art is how expressive the characters are, especially Babs. Facial expressions are certainly exaggerated but it works here. The style isn’t necessarily trying to be realistic but it captures mood and tone very well. McCaig’s colors are cool and add to the unique style of the book.
I like how much Barbara uses her eidetic memory in this story. There is an event that she cannot remember using her short term memory but is able to access with her eidetic one. That’s interesting and I like how she uses it to help her fight.
Negatives
I had a hard time getting into this issue. It’s a little dull. I think it’s probably a symptom of the trade problem. I experience this a lot where certain issues read well as part of a whole in a trade but, on their own, are a little dry. I think that’s the case here. This issue is probably better in context of what comes before and after. However, reading it on its own is not very satisfying.
Verdict
Ultimately, I just wish this issue stood on its own a bit more. I tend to want issues of a comic to be enjoyable on their own and I don’t think this one quite accomplishes that. It does have wonderful art and Hope Larson is still writing Babs terrifically. The characterization is spot on with nice little flourishes. I recommend waiting for the trade on this issue.
