Saying Goodbye to Batgirl...Review of Batgirl: Futures End #1

Batgirl: Futures End #1
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Javier Garron
Cover by Clay Mann
Published by DC Comics

It’s five years later, and Barbara Gordon has become Bête Noire – a.k.a. The Black Beast! Part Batman and part Bane, she leads a squad of female agents through the Gotham Underground!

 This is an emotional book for fans of Gail Simone's Batgirl.  It is her last issue on Batgirl and it hurts a little.  I started reading comics when the New 52 launched and Batgirl became my favorite character in the DCU.  Gail Simone obviously loves Barbara Gordon and fans can read that in the way she writes her.  Now that Gail Simone is leaving, I feel a little sad because the Batgirl I know and love is gone.  I have high hopes for the new writers of Batgirl and I know the artist Babs Tarr will do great, but part of me isn't ready to move on.  Anyways, on to the story!

After a traumatizing event at her wedding, Barbara goes on a crime cleaning spree.  One by one, she knocks out baddies like The Riddler and Oswald Cobblepot and has her sights set on the man who broke the bat: Bane.  She infiltrates his camp and works her way up to being trained by Bane.  When she returns to Gotham, she is no longer Batgirl.  She is now Bete Noire - The Black Beast.  She has gathered two previous Batgirls and one new addition!  Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain are back in their suits with Lucius Fox's daughter Tiffany Fox.  It is a cute idea and I wish we could have a League of Batgirls title!  It was great seeing the previous batgirls back in action.  Ultimately, Barbara has a final showdown with Bane and we get to say our final goodbye to this very much loved version of Batgirl. I think Gail Simone did a great job picking a story that was fun, filled with action, but also emotional.  If you are a fan of Barbara Gordon as Batgirl then make sure you pick this issue up.  A big thanks to Gail for writing such a wonderful character.  Batgirl has brought me so much join since I have started reading comics.  I have high hopes for the new direction, but your version of Batgirl will always be my first love. 

Rating 8.5/10