“Bad Reputation” – Part two
Writers: Becky Cloonan & Michael W. Conrad
Artist: Robbi Rodriguez
Color Artist: Rico Renzi
Letterer: Becca Carey
Review by Fay Clark
The Batgirls are swinging back into our hearts with another issue. The last time we checked in, the ladies were having some trouble with The Seer, and we got to see the Iceberg Lounge in the distance. All of this was setting up Batgirls #8, so let’s chill out and check-in.
Team Up Time
You can definitely tell that Becky Cloonan and Michael Conrad are having the time of their lives writing this series, as you can feel the excitement and love for these characters. This issue does present one of my least favorite tropes in writing, however, the Miscommunication trope.
Cloonan and Conrad have been doing excellent work and the rest of the issue’s fantastic, it’s just those few pages. It felt like a bit of a cheap way to get the story moving again. I do have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between certain other characters… *cough* the lovebirds… *cough*.
Once again, the conversations and one-line quips are amazing. I love the level of sass we get from Stephanie Brown as it definitely feels right for her. We’re even graced with a little from Cassandra, which is always welcome and loved. When you put all three Batgirls in the same room, sarcasm becomes the primary dialogue and the writers really went for it in Batgirls #8. There were so many bubbles and little inserts to read! This issue was jam-packed with good writing.
Keep it Cool
Everything about Robbi Rodriguez’s work mixed with Rico Renzi’s color is so cool! Three things stuck out to me in particular, though one of them’s a bit of a spoiler; so, we’ll just stick to talking about two of them! I clearly have a thing about hair in comic books and Stephanie Brown’s ponytail in Batgirls #8, when she’s all suited and booted, looks so cute and comfortable.
It’s such a small thing, but as someone with long hair, I always find it somewhat unbelievable that people can fight with it down and blowing all over the place, therefore, I appreciate a good ponytail. That, ladies and gents, is exactly what that was. The other thing that stuck with me was the actual depiction of the Iceberg Lounge. Rodriguez and Renzi must love the cold, as they’ve somehow mixed the classic look of the Iceberg Lounge with their own, and it looks very cool!
Conclusion
This was a great issue. I loved the furthering of the plotlines, while still leaving room for a few more issues! Batgirls #8 was a fun, fast-paced read. If you love Babs, Cass, and Steph, then where have you been? Pick up this series and get to love them even more. The relationships between them have grown, which is such a great thing to see. I’m also very happy that there is more to be had!
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
