“Mother” – Part 2 of 6
Writer: Tate Brombal
Artist: Takeshi Miyazawa
Color Artist: Mike Spicer
Letterer: Tom Napolitano
Review by Fay Clark
Cassandra Cain has burst back into the Comics universe with a great 1st issue. I never know what to expect with her character. However, being a sassy child who is determined to stand tall and beat down whoever is after her pretty much sums her up. Batgirl is not one to run away from a fight, so what do you think will make her listen to her Mother in Batgirl #2?
Batgirl or Catgirl?
Tate Brombal seems to have a really good handle on the character of Cassandra Cain. From the first few pages on Batgirl #2 I noticed a little Greek mythology reference sprinkled into the inner monologue and I love that so much. The specific myth being referenced is due to Cassandra’s name. The prophet was cursed so no one would believe her visions. I can see some similarities to our Cassandra, and appreciate it being added in. The dialogue of Cas Cain is a difficult line to walk, she speaks very little, but always has much to say in those few words.
Brombal has managed to capture the speech of Cain well, and has her inner monologue “speaking” more. This is a perfect version of Cassandra Cain. She thinks and sees a lot more than people give her credit for, because she doesn’t speak a lot people think she is slower on the uptake. That is so wrong it’s laughable. Tate is honouring the character well. Seeing Batgirl be so steadfast in staying in the city she loves, with the family she has created is a beautiful tribute of how far she has come as a character.
My Grandma could beat up your Grandma.
Takeshi Miyazawa has already got me hooked on his art style. The way he makes scenes come to life with fluid movement and violence. Miyazawa is only two issues in and yet creating fully realised scenes and fleshing out the world around us. When you add in the gritty darker coloring style of Mike Spicer you get a Gotham city that we all know. There are several indoor scenes in Batgirl #2 that have lighter and more playful colors letting the reader know this is somewhere that is safe and Cas feels okay to let her guard down a little.
Conclusion
I love the start to this series. Having no idea where this is going in the future, I can still definitely say that I will be reading this series for as long as it runs. Tate seems to have a plotline in mind that will help flesh out Cas more, and keep her within the BatFam continuity.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
