Stephanie Brown 20-24

Batgirl (Volume 3) #20
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Ramon Bachs

Reviewing this series always made me a little queazy because I wish it was the real Batgirl Cassandra Cain and not Stephanie Brown who really should be the Spoiler but here we go…this issue was decent. The art was good and fit the title well. I am a tad but confused by the ending although it could be because I did not go back and re-read the last issue. I hated the annoying talk between Oracle and Steph confirming once again that Stephanie is Batgirl now. Gross.

Batgirl (Volume 3) #21
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Dustin Nguyen

Batgirl fights Harmony in this issue, another operative of the Order of the Scythe. It was rather uninteresting. The side story of Wendy Harris deciding to go to Nanda Parbat was interesting though. I wonder if this ever gets resolved or if Wendy is just MIA after this. I have to note that the cover of this issue has the wrong artist on it. Come on DC.

 

 

Batgirl (Volume 3) #22
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Pere Perez

In this issue Stephanie travels to London on Batman Inc orders and fights a a villain with the Squire. The whole thing was okay I guess as Stephanie realizes unlike the squire, she really is not a sidekick. Whatever. I miss Cassandra Cain as Batgirl and this issue would have been so much more fun to read if she teamed up with the Squire. Anyways, this issue ends with a cliffhanger said to be continued in Batman Inc #9…which never came out. DC clearly had no idea they were going to do the New 52 till the last second and it was horrible decision.

Batgirl (Volume 3) #23
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Pere Perez

Stephanie goes into the middle of a riot at Blackgate in order to find out who is behind the Order of the Scythe if I understood this issue correctly. She is helped out by Miss Martian, Bombshell, Supergirl, and Stargirl because she is not Cassandra Cain the real Batgirl and therefore could not pull this off herself. The cliffhanger was something I did not expect – the mystery is revealed to be Steph’s Dad, the Cluemaster!

 

Batgirl (Volume 3) #24
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Pere Perez

This is the final issue of this Stephanie Brown Batgirl series. I can’t say I am sorry to see it go because this is the series that broke my heart and gave the mantle of Batgirl to someone other than DC’s greatest character, Cassandra Cain (who doesn’t even make it on this cover!). Cassandra actually does appear in costume as Batgirl in a one panel where she is shown as part of Stephanie Black Mercy effected hallucination where all the Batgirls are working with the Blackhawks. It is such a shame we never go to see her team up with the Black Bat since they used to be best friends. Anyways, this was a decent issue.

Firewall

Batgirl (Volume 3) #19
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Ramon Bachs

 

Eh this was okay. The mystery and this slipstream character doesn’t really interest me and I know I am a Cass fan so one may think I am biased, but this series is wayyyy overrated. It was cool to see Batman Inc gave Steph her own “cave” of sorts though.

Birds of Prey 8 and 9

Birds of Prey (Volume 2) #8
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Guillem March

Black Canary is in trouble and as always the Birds are in a terrible situation. That is one thing that is great about the Birds – they always seem to be in these situations where I have no idea how they are going to get out of them but they always succeed. That is what makes them great to read about. Huntress’s reaction to seeing Bruce was great too!

Birds of Prey (Volume 2) #9
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Inaki Miranda

I like these Inaki Miranda’s art. I know she or he is not staying on this title but DC should put him or her somewhere. Anyways, this was a good issue as Dinah proves too strong for Mortis and Calculator believes he has killed Oracle (But we all know he hasn’t.)

Confusion

Batgirl (Volume 3) #16
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Dustin Nguyen

 

There were a couple of scenes in this where the action just confused me – I don’t know if it was Miller’s writing or Nguyen’s art but I just didn’t know what the hell was going on and I find myself not really caring about this whole “Order of the Scythe” thing. And yes I miss Cass.

Who Framed Batgirl?

Batgirl (Volume 3) #15
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Dustin Nguyen

 

Oracle returns just as Batgirl (Not Stephanie) is framed for the murder of a fellow student at Gotham U. Nguyen joins the creative team and I liked his work here. Cass being left out of the bat history lesson was explained here so I am not too upset about it. I liked Proxy’s new hair too. Good stuff.

Clay

Batgirl (Volume 3) #13
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Pere Perez

 

Batgirl takes on Clayface as he breaks into a bank in this one-shot issue. It was a fun romp but still no Cass…and seeing Steph as Batgirl just isn’t the same or give me that hell ya feeling as I did when I saw Cass kicking ass in her Batgirl costume. I do like Steph a lot though she is a fun character and in no way was this a bad issue. Great to see Wendy working as Proxy now.

Proxy

Batgirl (Volume 3) #12
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Lee Garbett and Pere Perez

 

The Calculator is defeated and Wendy becomes the new fill-in for Oracle as “Proxy.” I figured that was what was going to happen with Babs back with the Birds of Prey and I am glad it did. Too bad no Cassandra yet. Not much else to say ):

New Mentors

Batgirl (Volume 3) #11
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Lee Garbett and Pere Perez

 

I feel like despite being action-packed, not much happened in this issue. Calculator has gotten inside Barbara’s head but she is holding her own and Wendy is helping out Batgirl. It has some cool visuals but still no mention of Cassandra so I really don’t care. With Babs running the Birds of Prey again, Cassandra along with Wendy should be Steph’s new mentors.

Techno-Zombies

Batgirl (Volume 3) #10
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Lee Garbett and Pere Perez

 

Still no mention of Cassandra Cain and this was one of the weaker issues of the book…nothing really memorable occurred and the techno-zombie thing doesn’t do it for me. I guess I am just too sick of Calculator versus Oracle plots to enjoy this.

Recycled Story

Batgirl (Volume 3) #9
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Lee Garbett

AHHHH! I do not want to ever read another Oracle versus the Calculator story. How many times has this been done? 3,000 times. How many times have I cared? Zero. Why? Why must they keep recycling this plot. Where is Cassandra Cain, bring her in and I can forgive the recycled plot. Where is Kid Eternity for that matter? Calculator kidnapped him in Teen Titans, will he be involved in this? I really want to like this book. Steph is a great character and Miller writes well, but with this same old plot of Oracle versus Calculator and the still-lack of Cassandra Cain and no one even looking for her I can not enjoy it at all.

Where The Hell Is She?!

Batgirl (Volume 3) #8
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Talent Caldwell

 

I miss Garbett’s art I think his absence really hurt this issue. It was a sweet story where Tim and Steph finally recouncil sort of but at the same time Steph chooses not to take him back, proving that she is an independent woman now. And because you know I am going to bring it up, they did mention Cassandra in this issue. In one panel and all Tim says is Cassandra? He doesn’t even fucking ask Stephanie where Cassandra Cain is or why she is no longer Batgirl! This pissed me off. Remember that DC Nation where Didio said there were big plans for Cass in 2010, where the hell is she?!

I Want To Hate This Book

Batgirl (Volume 3) #4
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Tim Levins and Lee Garbett

 

I want so much to hate this book! Especially after watching Kyle Rayner died over in Green Lantern Corps, I really want this book to be awful because I love Cassandra Cain so much. Unfortunately, this book is a lot of fun. Stephanie is making for an interesting Batgirl. Can we at least see Cassandra though? Is Babs aware of where she is? Steph’s new costume is cool and make me miss Cassandra less now that we aren’t seeing Cassie’s Batgirl costume on the page.  So this is series is easier to read and less of a reminder that DC continues to disrespect my favorite comic book character. Barbara and Steph’s relationship is a lot of fun and Steph has great one-liners. I have to say that this issue was a definite success. I am not sure that putting Steph against Livewire was such a good idea. Could they not have had a Gotham villain to face? I am glad that I am enjoying this, don’t get me wrong, I know that I would enjoy it more if it was about Cassandra Cain or at least mentioned her.

Bittersweet

Batgirl (Volume 3) #3
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Lee Garbett

Scarecrow doesn’t know that there is a new Batgirl – so I find it hard to believe that he would call her a second-stringer considering he has faced Cassandra before – he has right? Cause she would have handed his scrawny ass to him if he did. This issue was bittersweet – while I like the idea of Babs working with Stephanie – I really wish it was Cassandra behind the mask. But Didio wanted a blonde white Batgirl I guess I don’t know. I really want to like this. But I still miss Cassandra Cain. At least Steph got her new costume this issue.

Cassandra Cain Will Be Back

Batgirl (Volume 3) #1
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Lee Garbett

You know I should really hate this book. My favorite character – after being disrespected by DC editorial since her series ended and ignored in other bat titles – gives up her role as Batgirl in this issue to Stephanie Brown! But I am actually not that upset, because it is totally in character for her. Cassandra thought the world of Bruce and I do believe Bruce’s death would cause her to not want to wear his symbol anymore. I hope it is only temporary and she comes back to help Steph or goes and helps Tim in his adventures – but I am okay with it for now. Granted though, this would have been a lot better if it starred Cassandra Cain, but Stephanie was someone Cassandra really liked and I understand why she gave Steph the cowl. I like Barbara’s involvement in this as well and I am curious as to where this is all heading. But please bring Cassie back sooner rather then later!

Bye Bye Birdie

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #66
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows

Barrows really hit it out of the park this issue. I loved how he draws Gotham City; makes me wish he was on a bat-book. Anyways, McKeever writes what is probably his best issue on this title so far. We are introduced to a bunch of teen characters that are vying to be on the new roster of the Teen Titans. The interactions between the characters is fantastic and amusing and makes me truly believe McKeever was the right choice for this book. Look at the interaction between Bombshell and Red Devil or when Wonder Girl and Robin part ways. That is the saddest thing about this issue; Tim is leaving the titans after 66 issues. Wonder Girl has earned her right to lead the team and I look forward to see her do it. It was sad to see the picture of the old team with Tim, Bart, Cassie, and Connor. I question why Speedy says no to the team, she isn’t even living with Green Arrow anymore. Unless I am wrong and Kreisberg plans to keep her over in that title. I can’t wait to find out what the new roster will be!                                                            

Teen Titans 50 – 63

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #50 Written by Sean McKeever, Geoff Johns, Marv Wolfman, and Todd DeZago Art by Randy, Mike McKone, George Perez, and Todd Nauck

This was a fantastic anniversary issue and a real treat to any fans of the Titans. We look back at different era of the titans history as well as reminisce on the life of Bart Allen, all along setting up the new arc and the return of the Titans of Tommorrow…John’s best arc on this book. So I am glad they are coming back. McKeever’s run has started off with a bang! Don’t you just love that cover!

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #51
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Ale Garza

Not sure what to think of this…it’s not bad and I like the hints to the future of the Teen Titans…and the idea that Bart and Connor will be alive in the future. But I think the art makes it less enjoyable….I really miss McKone and Tony Daniel’s work on this title.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #52
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Jamal Igle

Awesome ending spread there…it is fun to see these glimpses of possible future titans. This is actually the second time I have read this arc and I must say it reads much better this time around. Not to mention Igle’s art is fantastic this issue.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #53
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows

The Titans Army is pretty bad ass….I love that Cassandra Cain is the Batwoman of the future and that Misfit is Huntress (and still yelling Dark Vengeance!) but the coloring was quite off on her hair, along with Aquawoman’s. Anyways, there have been way too many artists on this one arc.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #54
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows, Joe Prado, and Greg Tocchini

Okay who else is really looking forward to a Miss Martian/Robin romance. Much better then Wonder Girl and Robin which seems kindve incestuous to me and it would parallel the relationship between Starfire and Nightwing. Anyways, this was a nice ending to this issue. I like that Blue Beetle, Supergirl, and the Ravager are the ones who will one day oppose the Titans Army. I have to say this arc was not as good as John’s Titans of Tomorrow arc….but it was still well-written and fun.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #55

Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Jamal Igle

I liked this in-between story. Robin and Wonder Girl end their romance….thank God. And Supergirl leaves the team, sad because I was actually liking her on the team. Poor Kid Devil is treated like crap throughout this issue…even by Robin. I wish Ingle was the regular artist on this title.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #56
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows

Okay I don’t know why Robin and everyone are being so mean to Kid Devil…it seems kinda out of character. I am intrigued by the Terror Titans and this issue had a lot of funny moments, especailly when Kid Devil throws the party at the tower. McKeever’s run on this title is seriously underrated.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #57
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows

I like that Ravager is worried about Kid Devil….but Wonder Girl really comes off as a bitch in this issue. I mean she has a right to not completely trust Rose but come on. The ending was pretty crazy….I am not sure what happened to the tower.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #58
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Carlos Rodriguez

I really liked the art this issue but why the hell can’t Eddy Barrows stay for more then a couple issues! This story was great because it features mostly Miss Martian who really deserves more attention as she is a great character. She has the battling her dark side aspect of Raven and the naivety of Starfire that makes her the perfect fit for the Titans. Good issue.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #59
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows

Clock King is pretty scary and the Dark Side Club is just as so. This issue was good but I feel this arc is a little long altogether. I think Barrows’s art reached an all-time high with this issue. Very nice stuff.
Teen Titans (Volume 3) #60
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows

Looks like Ravager is leaving the team…no thanks to Wonder Girl’s bitchiness….although the more I think about it the more I realize I would be hesitant about having a known killer on the team as well. This Terror Titans arc was good and it’s always fun to see new villains introduced for the Titans but it ran a little long.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #61
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Carlos Rodriguez

This was a sweet issue highlighting the relationship between Blue Beetle and welll….Red Devil. Kid Devil switches his name to Red Devil in this issue. I am not sure that I like the name…Kid Devil just flows better but I can deal with it. I like the bond formed between the two reluctant team mates. Good stuff.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #57
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows

Okay that was just fucking incredibly disturbing!!! I expected a sweet story about a cute god instead I got that before he transformed and slaughtered Wendy and Marvin. Not going to lie, I was pissed after reading this the first time. Miss Martian leaves the team and Wendy and Marvin who have been totally underused are now killed. What the hell right?! This seems like a Dan Didio idea to me. But on the second read-through, it’s actually pretty good and I am hoping McKeever has a good reason for killing off Wendy and Marvin, if they are in fact dead.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #63
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows and Allan Goldman

This issue was very decompressed…I don’t feel like much happened accept Bombshell fought the military and the Teen Titans and Wonder Girl has a headache. What the hell! I am glad to see that Wendy is alive, I wish I could say the same for Marvin though. I have the feeling they are setting Wendy up to become a metahuman/hero. I am not sure. Miss Martian is on the cover for some reason despite not being o nthe team anymore.

Teen Titans 37 – 40

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #37
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Tony Daniel

Wow, I mean just wow. That is the word that sums up this issue, wow. This was a very emotional read…so many great moments. Teen Titans is the best series that DC is putting out right now and I think everyone should be reading it. I feel like anything I say about this issue will be an understatement. It is just that good. The ending was kinda shocking but not unlikely, lots of people come together in the face of trajedy. I just hope to god it does not become a regular thing. I loved the scenes where the members talk to Cyborg and basically all of the other scenes in this issue too!

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #38
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Carlos Ferreria

That one page where they listed all the members of the Teen Titans in the last year with their picture, that got me so excited! I can not wait to meet each and everyone of them. This book is really making the most out of the one year gap. I love the rivalry between Wonder Girl and Ravager. The team’s roster is now Wonder Girl, Robin, Cyborg, Ravager, and Kid Devil. I imagine that more members will join up as this storyline unfolds.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #39
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Tony Daniel

I think I drooled a little bit while reading this. It was just that good. I love Miss Martian, I hope she joins the Titans full time. I hope she is not the traiter. Zatara is a brat but I still like him, don’t know why. Bombshell, I don’t like. She seems like such a bitch. I hope Ravager isn’t the traiter. I have loved her in this book so far.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #40
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Tony Daniel

I sure as hell am glad that Miss Martian nor Ravager is the traitor, but it the one character I hated, Bombshell! The Teen Titans kick her ass this issue too. I look forward to seeing Jericho back on the team and back alive. He may have a terrible costume, but he is a great character. Now that I think about it, the Titans seem to be always searching for Raven. Someone should tell her this time not to run off again. Great Issue. Can’t wait for the next!