ArtsBeat | Graphic Books Best Sellers: Barbara Gordon Reimagined
Graphic Books Best Sellers: Barbara Gordon Reimagined
By Adam W. Kepler
In Volume 1 of "Batgirl," which lands at No. 4 on our hardcover graphic books best-seller list this week, Barbara Gordon returns to the world of costumed super-heroics for the first time since being shot in the spine by the Joker in the 1988 classic "Batman: The Killing Joke" (which happens to be No. 3 on the hardcover list). The series, written by Gail Simone and illustrated by Ardian Syaf, was part of the "New 52" initiative from DC Comics last September, and was the subject of some controversy after it was announced that the character would suddenly be able to walk again after years of being in a wheelchair.
The first six issues of the series, collected in this volume, alleviate the initial concern that DC would simply cast aside this unique aspect of the character's history. This is thanks to the work of Ms. Simone, who does not casually dismiss Barbara's former paralysis, but instead treats it as an ongoing and integral part of her life with physical and emotional consequences.
When George Gustines reviewed the first issue of the series, he wrote, "'Batgirl' achieves a deft hat trick: a well-shaped reintroduction to a character, an elegant acknowledgment of fundamental history and the establishment of a new status quo. This is a must-buy series."
As always, the complete lists can be found here, along with an explanation of how they were assembled.
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