Batgirl: Year One by S. C. Beatty

Bibliography
Beatty, S., C. Dixon, M. Martin, and A. Lopez. (2003). Batgirl: Year one. New York: DC Comics.

213 pages

Plot
Barbara Gordon is a young girl living in a decaying city with a protective father. Crime runs rampant in the city of Gotham, until a masked bat begins to clean up the streets. However, Barbara sees herself as one who can help. Her athleticism and level-headedness makes her a force to be reckoned with. Donning her own Batgirl costume, Barbara begins to fight initially unbeknownst to all including Batman and Robin. Her anonymity is threatened when Batman and Robin take notice of the new crusader. With her father, Commissioner Gordon hot on her heels, Batman skeptical, and the streets of Gotham violent, can Barbara earn respect as Batgirl?

Review
Batgirl: Year One chronicles the early years of Barbara Gordon and her introduction to Gotham as Batgirl. Beatty, Dixon, Martin and Lopez’s art and script makes for an exciting read. Fans of all comic books, but especially those of the Batman series should enjoy this novel. In true comic book fashion, the villains are simply misunderstood, Batman distant, and Robin eager for encouragement from both Batman and Batgirl. The banter between Robin and Batgirl is fresh, and Barbara’s character feels real. Batgirl makes mistakes throughout the book, but uses her ingenuity to make the most of these situations. Overall an entertaining read.

Genre
Comic/Graphic Novel

Reading Level/Interest Level
This comic would appeal to girls in grades 5th – 7th.

Similar Content
Graphic Novels by Faith Erin Hicks
Additional books in the series

Personal thoughts
Having little experience in reading Comics, I wanted to read Batgirl as it would be appealing to young girls as well as an introduction to the medium.

Subjects/themes
Identity
Crime Fighting
Family Dynamics
Adversity

Awards
No Known Awards

Series information
The first in a series of many.

Character names/descriptions
Barbara Gordon/Batgirl: Protagonist and daughter to police Commissioner Gordon.

Commissioner Gordon: Barbara’s father and police officer sworn to find out just who Batman, Robin and Batgirl are.

Batman: The original caped crusader of Gotham City. Initially very skeptical of Barbara and her ability to fight crime.

Robin: Batman’s sidekick, willing to give Batgirl a chance.

Killer Moth, Blockbuster, and Firefly: Villains in this comic.

Annotation
This time crime fighting in Gotham is no longer just a boy’s club.