BATGIRL #15 (DC COMICS)
Cassandra Cain is on a path of vengeance.
Being the daughter of Lady Shiva, Cain is accustomed to handling herself in a fight. The Unburied are advancing in their plans. Samsara is their prime target. This has led to a recruitment by Nyssa al Ghul to join her war. This doesn’t sit well with Cain, who has revenge on her mind.
The moment of Truth has arrived for Batgirl. Where will her actions take her now?
BATGIRL #15 by Tate Brombal, Stephen Segovia, Rain Beredo, & Steve Wands (DC COMICS) leads Cassandra Cain further into self-reflection and mystery.
Let’s take a look at how this all plays out.
BATGIRL #15 by Tate Brombal, Stephen Segovia, Rain Beredo, & Steve Wands (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Brombal opens with a dark dream of Cassandra’s past. The pain that she carries can’t be ignored. Before being swallowed in the despair, a voice pulls her out: Jaya. She provides enough strength to snap back to the present. Waiting in wing is Cain’s half-brother Jade. Their dialogue throws the family bond into a new light. Brombal has Jade seeming in way over his head. It is very much contrast to Cass, who’s ready to right without fear. If not for Jaya’s re-appearance, who knows how this would have played out.
Readers watch as Jaya proves to be a calming influence to stabilize Cass’s view. It slows up the pace long enough for Cass to meet up with Nyssa about the current state. Their talk is filled with much of the Faustian style that comes with the name of Al Ghul. The plot moves in the background as Brombal sets up the major players on the chess board. With the wheels set in motion, the story shifts into its highest gear. The result is a solid finish teasing who is full of lies and truth . A great set-up for a final showdown forthcoming.
Segovia & Beredo are no strangers to bringing the action. Their work on Secret Six speaks volumes. Cass’s nightmare is fast-paced. It leaves a nightmare panel for readers to witness. Cass slipping further into the dark is a great visual effect. Once events snap back to reality, the combat picks up. There’s a few quick moments to build up the tension. It snaps back once Jaya hits the scene. The reactions of Cass hearing Jaya’s words have a profound effect. It sets up the conversation with Nyssa to have a fresh look very well.
Their moments are balanced with either giving up their stances. Nyssya comes off cold and focused. Cass’s expressions remain steady unlike her half-brother. Jade’s story takes a few turns. The art never lets him feel comfortable in his own shoes. There’s always a constant look of worry which adds to his scenes. Readers watch as the building of the final act succeeds in its’ rising drama. Cass’s panicked expressions mirror Jade’s shock and awe. This walks into the final page. A near full shot leaves quite the reveal as the real fight is about to start. Very solid work.
FINAL GRADE: 8.4
The calm before Cassandra Cain’s storm hits readers with much wonder behind it. Brombal’s writing walks Batgirl’s fine line of panic and poise. Segovia & Beredo deliver on stellar art to set the stage for something greater in the wings. Cain’s evolution of a character is on full display with this series.
Let me know your thoughts on Batgirl #15 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
