Batgirl Vol

Gr 9 Up—Barbara Gordon (aka Batgirl) is still busy protecting Gotham, but now she has to be even more careful: her father is filling Batman's shoes. That is the least of Batgirl's issues, however. Villains have been escaping Stryker's and causing more problems; there is an amateur superhero getting in her way; and rogue killer tigers are on the loose. Even her regular life as Barbara Gordon is complicated; her best friends are getting married, and Barbara is having a hard time being fully present—Gotham always needs her attention. It doesn't help that once she gets closer to romantic interest Luke Fox, she realizes that she hasn't come to terms with the death of her former flame Dick Grayson. This new installment achieves a great balance of action and real-life drama. A well-rounded character, Barbara is fiercely loyal to her friends but also knows how to kick villain butt. The difference in illustration style throughout isn't jarring; rather, it adds further to the appeal.