There's a small Black Canary and Green Arrow cameo that I absolutely loved. there are still pretty great things in this story: Batgirl meeting Batman and Dick (and Alfie) for the first time and being tested without knowing. Look, even though the reason of why Babs was wearing the costume was freaking ridiculous. well, she keeps doing it just to prove everyone else that she can, in fact, kick ass and help others. A bunch of coincidences take place in one important gala and Barbara gets in the middle of the action wearing her all new, batman inspired, costume.

What hurts Barbara the most and what gives her reason to keep going is the fact that his father doesn't believe in her potential. Then, she's reminded, not in a nice way, that she has nothing new and special to offer. So, in a way to defy Gordon's expectations of her she decides to break into the JSA headquarters and leave a note for Black Canary asking for help, for a chance to be noted and to learn from her. She's annoyed because she's too young, too short. Barbara is angry, angry because her father doesn't believe in her potential, she's angry because her martial arts teacher says that she's not brave enough, not good enough. Being too short is the main reason she's rejected. When Barbara tells his father her wish to become a police officer she just get a laugh for an answer. I know that Babs is a very well known character, more as Oracle than as Batgirl, but still, I wanted to know more of the character, I wanted to root for her from the beginning and see the motivations that inspired Barbara become Batgirl. Look, this is an origin story so there are things this book should have accomplished and it didn't.

') to Kevin Costner in the film The Untouchables. It wraps up with a few chilling-in-hindsight scenes recalling Sean Connery's admonition ( 'If you open the door you must be prepared to go all the way. Some dynamic duo we'd make.' cracks BG), and of course the DARK KNIGHT play important second-banana roles in the plot.

The 'Gotham' supporting cast is also a plus - a helpful Robin (referred to as 'Pixie Boots' by BG, as he's attired in his original but questionable outfit), a caring / paternal Alfred the butler, the always-welcome Black Canary ( 'We've teamed up for less than an hour and I've already lost count of how many times she's saved my life. Batgirl's voice-over narration (thought boxes, but you know what I mean) is often amusing, and it certainly becomes increasingly difficult for her to conceal her new secret identity from the policeman father. It's has a great mix of drama and action, with even a few touches of romance and horror thrown in as well. It's stylishly illustrated with bright, popping colors, and appearance-wise is reminiscent of the Batman: The Animated Series TV show from the 90's.

Executed to near-perfection, Year One recalls Barbara 'Babs' Gordon's tumultuous and never-boring debut year while wearing the cape & cowl.

Batgirl and robin year one