Bloodshed among sibling rivalry!
Right in the introduction readers witness a flash of James Gordon's unraveling as the two siblings watch a horror movie from years past. Young Barbara sits idly by in one corner over watching young James as he criticizes the sloppiness of the killer's handy work. Little did Barbara know that this memory is the beginning of James deviancy. Back to present day, Barbara returns to her roommate, Alysia. Barbara had left her behind oh so long ago during the issues of Death of the Family--where she had to deal with Joker and the plans he had for her. Back to the roommates, they express their emotions and history between one another. Tears are shed and secrets are greatly revealed. Shortly after their brief reunion, Barbara must attend to her family. News is quickly shared among the Gordon family. James contacts his father, the commissioner, while as the two siblings reunite with their mother at the old Gotham Bay Aquarium. It is at this aquarium Batgirl and her brother James come to battle in the clash of sibling rivalry.
The Good:
The artwork shines within the latter half of the comic. As the story arc between Barbara and James comes to a close, we see Batgirl come face-to-face with James in bloodshed. Sorrow, pain, and suffering are expressed as the battle is confronted on a location held special in their memories. Readers will see Batgirl release her anguish as she and her mother had just enough of James tyranny.
The Bad:
The history of Barbara and Alysia picks up very quickly and, quite honestly, out of place. The overall resolution between the two feels awkward and abrupt. In addition to the brief exposure among the roommates, the writing and artwork are weak in comparison to the latter half of the comic. It is night and day in the artwork comparing Barbara and Batgirl.
Overall:
The comic falls on a wide range of expectations. One half resolves the battling among the siblings with great anger and anguish. The other half feels very abrupt and could have been better developed or placed towards the aftermath of the comic. Overall, overlooking the pages between Barbara and Alysia, readers will appreciate the style and resolution that has led Batgirl and James that one should not miss!
