With the DC Comics Relaunch taking place this September a few changes have been made, and let’s just say some fans aren’t happy. One of the biggest disappointments among the changes is the comic giants decision to revamp (so to speak) the story of Batgirl, aka Barbara Gordon. Bringing the crime fighting heroine, and daughter of Police Commissioner James Gordon, back into action, DC has also given Batgirl her ability to walk again after twenty years.
Back in 1988 Batgirl was shot through the spinal cord by The Joker, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. At the time, the edition (entitled Batman: The Killing Joker) where she fell victim to the evil villain, was also met with outcry.
Now this September comic book writer Gail Simone (Birds of Prey), who says she was at first hesitant, has defended the decision to change the history of Batgirl for her upcoming debut.
“She’s been removed from the action and danger for a long time,” Simone told ‘Newsarama’. “With this relaunch she is still very much Barbara but she can reclaim part of her history and legacy with modern stories – in her own book and elsewhere – drawn by some wonderful artists. It seems remarkable but this is the first time in DC history that Barbara Gordon has had an ongoing solo book.”
Although Simone makes a good point about the relaunch making changes a possibility, I have to say I’m a bit undecided on this modern day revamp. Sure, it would be cool to see Batgirl make a comeback, but messing with history is a little like playing with fire. Drop us your comments below. Is DC making a big mistake? Let us know what you think!
Barbara isn’t Batgirl anymore. Stephanie Brown is and should continue to be. Stephanie has earned the mantle and shouldn’t have it ripped away. Steph hasn’t even been mentioned as existing in the DCnU. It’s disappointing and annoying. Right now I get Batgirl every month because I love Steph. Come Sept. I will be dropping that title from my pull list.