Batgirls: Girls to the Front

12-26-2024

 That was definitely more enjoyable than volume 2 but not as good as volume 1. This volume included the annual and issues #13-#19. It was definitely solid and brought back some of that energy that was missing before.

 The annual was fine. A plot about Cass and Steph switching bodies after receiving a magic coin. And Cass(in Steph's body) being kidnapped by Cluemaster (Steph's dad). It was alright. Middle of the road comic. Don't have much to say about it.

 The rest of the arc is really fun. Steph(in Cass’s body) meets with Lady Shiva (Cass’s mom and member of the League of Assassins). Shiva instantly figures out it isn't her daughter and has a whole heartwarming discussion about how much they both love Cass. This happens right after they try to kill each other, LMAO.

 The b plot has Barbara solving the swapped body situation with Batman. They find a character named Madame Zodiac made the coin, and she reveals they'll only be switched for 24 hours. They then switch back. I really like this set up. Steph is now suddenly strapped to a chair in her Dad's and Cass is now back in her own body with Shiva.

 The next issue has no spoken dialog. Everything is in notes Cass writes. It's a really atmospheric issue that goes so incredibly hard. It's All gas and no breaks. 10/10 issue. One of the best I've ever read. It ends with Cass making it to the Cabin with Steph tied up.

 Turns out Cluemaster has gone crazy because he apparently died at some point? Took some of that Lazarus Pit juice and now he's crazy. He has this whole set up where he quizzes Steph, but he shocks her every time she answers. They successfully break out of his crutches and Steph had an empowering moment where she calls him out for his shit. He tries to shoot Cass, and Steph takes the bullet and dies. I really hate that they do this because they instantly bring her back with some Lazarus Pit juice. I don't even really know where she got it. There's a note that Cass stole it from the Justice League, but I'm 99% sure that doesn't happen in this run. Probably some crossover issue I didn't read. Dad gets arrested and he's a broken man.

 The last part of this arc is regarding the Mad Hatter. He invites the Batgirls to a tea party. There's a really cool scene of a table full of mannequins resembling the bat family, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. I refuse to accept them as part of the bat-family. They are actual war criminals who have killed countless innocent people, but whatever. They come to life and attack the Batgirls. Likewise, they're easily defeated, but it leads to Steph being with Man-Bat serum.

 Steph takes pretty much all the punishment in this run. She mind-controlled by Tutor, goes out with the dude from Gotham Academy, shot by her dad, and now turned into a Girl-Bat. It makes you feel bad for her.

 Anyway, the Mad Hatter is defeated. Cass and Steph get to fly around the city for a bit. Since, she's still a Girl-Bat.

 The final arc isn't too special. Don't have many opinions on it. It's just a plot by one of the people from The Saints pretending to be Gunhawk. A character I've never heard about. The day is saved and everyone loves the Batgirls.

 It was a sweet ending, and I'm glad I read the book. Volume 1 was definitely the best story, but the first story arc of this Volume was a very close second. I've definitely gained a bigger appreciation of Cass and Steph. I genuinely love these characters and I hope they make another run of these two fighting crimes.