Batgirl #1

The first issue of the new Batgirl solo-series takes Barbara Gordon to Japan on a pilgrimage in search of elite martial artists who can help improve her fighting skills. In Okinawa, Barbara runs into an old friend who it seems has drawn the interest of some unsavory locals as well as meeting the elderly Fruit Bat who, after showing off some still impressive skills, shares some cryptic advice with our heroine.

Batgirl #1 has the right tone I want in a Batgirl series. Sure, it would make much more sense having Stephanie Brown bouncing around as Batgirl (with Babs as Oracle), but the ship apparently has sailed. Japan is an interesting destination to take Batgirl especially as we're still a bit unsure how much training Barbara got from anyone other than Batman her first go-around as Batgirl.

I don't know that I'm quite sold enough on this first issue to begin picking it up monthly, but at least it has the more lighthearted feel of what a Batgirl comics should be and is staying away from the dark and gritty (at least for now). Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]