MTV reports that DC is taking Barbara Gordon in a new direction. Veering away from the dark and grim run, Gordon moves to the hipster part of Gotham in preparation of attending graduate school. While the comic will have crimes, mysteries, and villains, the darkest parts of the Bat mythos are relegated to the other Bat-members. Cameron Stewart and Brenden Fletcher are on tap to pen the comic with Babs Tarr focusing on the artwork.
To signal this shift in tone and mood, Gordon’s alter ego Batgirl gets a new costume. Her new outfit features easily obtained items, both for Barbara and for any cosplayers. Gordon is forced to create a new uniform and scours the local shops. Since she, and the comic, is less doom and gloom, her outfit is lighter and combat friendly.
A leather jacket with the Bat logo in yellow, leather pants with a matte black stripe down the legs, heavy combat boots, and an easily detached cape make for a unique Batgirl costume. The writers and artist stated the costume concept draws influence from “Veronica Mars” “Girls” and “Sherlock.”
This new uniform signals a clean break from the previous Batgirl run and most of the Bat mythos. Fletcher states the stories will stand on their own within continuity, but remain outside of the other books. A clean break means that new readers can jump on easily without having to worry about cross-book events. The writers also state they plan to limit long story arcs, something that tends to repel casual comic readers.
A new location, a kick-ass uniform, and a clean break bode well for Barbara Gordon and comic fans in general. It is looking she will be an excellent female role model and thrill-a-minute read. The reboot starts in Batgirl #35 available October 8. It is rated teen with an MSRP of 2.99 USD.
DC released an official synopsis for the issue:
“Barbara Gordon is no stranger to dusting herself off when disaster strikes… so when a fire destroys everything she owned, she spots the opportunity for a new lease on life — and seizes it! Following the rest of Gotham’s young adults to the hip border district of Burnside, Barbara sets about building an all-new Batgirl… and discovers all-new threats preying on her peers! It’s a re-invention of Batgirl from the boots up, by the incredible creative team of Cameron Stewart (BATMAN INC.), Brenden Fletcher (WEDNESDAY COMICS), and rising star artist Babs Tarr!”