Off My Mind: Will Nightwing and Batgirl Hook Up in DC's 'New 52'?

Off My Mind: Will Nightwing and Batgirl Hook Up in DC's 'New 52'?: "
Whether comic readers want to admit it or not, comic books are like soap operas. Besides the serial nature of the writing, love and relationships are often a factor when the heroes aren't punching villains in the face. There have been some great relationships portrayed in comics such as Spider-Man and Mary Jane, Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman, Superman and Lois Lane and so on.
You'll notice that some of those 'great couples' up above are no longer together. Part of the reason is reading about them trying to get together adds more spice to the stories. Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon are another couple that are meant to be together but for various reasons seem to be apart more than they're together.

With the changes we'll be seeing in DC's 'The New 52' relaunch, what will happen between these two young lovers? We know Dick is going back to his roots by becoming Nightwing again and Barbara will be jumping back into her Batgirl identity. With the freedom these roles allow them and the minor tweaks being made to their characters, will we see Nightwing and Batgirl get back together again?

What went wrong with them before? There was always a flirtation and attraction between the two. It never fully had a chance to go anywhere. The biggest blow in their relationship was when Barbara finally decided she wanted to make things official. Finding the nerve to fully tell Dick how she felt, she went to his apartment to tell him exactly how she felt. The problem was she waited just a little too long. Dick had started a relationship with his fellow Teen Titans member, Starfire. When Starfire answered the door, Barbara was shocked, embarrassed and heart broken. Even though Dick's relationship with Kori lasted a while and the two almost got married, it's always been clear that Barbara was his true love.
Over the years, the two have shared their feelings towards each other. During the 'No Man's Land' storyline, they came to terms with how they felt and Dick even proposed to Barbara right before the 'One Year Later' storyline. It was Barbara that pulled away, wanting Dick to be sure he had time to find himself.
Even though Barbara getting shot by the Joker put an end to her Batgirl identity, she stayed in the superhero game by becoming the information broker, Oracle. Despite this, Dick and Barbara didn't quite have the opportunity to operate side-by-side. This is the problem some other comic book couples face. Spider-Man and Mary Jane or Superman and Lois Lane may have had committed relationships but with one not being a hero in the thick of the action, it almost becomes hard for the other to relate to their world.

What will the relaunches mean for the characters? We're seeing some interesting tweaks being made with some characters but Batman writer Scott Snyder has Tweeted that events in the Batman Universe will still stick. Dick has always been carefree and a bit immature but we've seen incredible growth with him during his time as Batman in the pages of Detective Comics. As he may be ready to set down roots in Gotham City, this could also mean he's ready to have Barbara by his side as he creates those roots.

Starfire may have been a sore point between the two. From what we've seen and heard about Starfire's role in the upcoming Red Hood and the Outlaws, it almost sounds as if this Starfire won't have had a history with Dick. That means no awkward memories or resentment from when Barbara discovered they were an item.
Of course it there's also the fact that Barbara doesn't necessarily need a man in her life. She's done a superb job re-establishing herself after being shot by Joker. Her heart may belong to Dick and Dick may be showing signs of maturing, but he might not be completely ready or deserving quite yet.
Dick will be spending time in Gotham but will also be hanging out with Haley's Circus trying to find out more about his past (at least by the look of things in the first few issues of the new series). Barbara will somehow get her superhero identity back and maybe it'd be better for her to adjust to these changes before heading back to Dick's arms. And from the look of the cover to Batgirl #3, they might not be hooking up just yet.
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'Batgirl: Year One' Gets the Animated Treatment

'Batgirl: Year One' Gets the Animated Treatment: "
Last night the final episode of 'Batman: The Brave and the Bold' aired on Cartoon Network in Great Britain, and our friends across the pond got more than they bargained for with that episode. The final episode of the popular Batman series, 'Mitefall,' ended with a short film starring none other than Barbara Gordon as Batgirl. The clip, obviously based on the Chuck Dixon 'Batgirl: Year One' mini-series shows Batgirl in her original blue and yellow costume.

Can I just say how awesome this is? If you've seen previous episodes of 'Batman: The Brave and the Bold' featuring Bat-Mite, then you probably remember the mini movies set in an alternate reality. I'm going to guess that this is just another short movie, and that there probably won't be a Batgirl television show based on the 'Year One' graphic novel. Oh, but how I wish that weren't the case.
Is it a coincidence that Barbara Gordon is returning to the Batgirl mantle this fall and that this teaser is coincidentally added to the final episode of the series? Perhaps, perhaps not. After all, this wouldn't be the first time that a we've seen hints of an animated 'Batgirl.' After all, Warner Brothers animation director (Wonder Woman, Justice League) Lauren Montgomery had cited interest in doing a Batgirl animated film based on the 'Batgirl: Year One graphic novel in the past. Check out the clip from the final episode featuring Barbara Gordon as Batgirl below!

Do you think there's a chance that we'll see a Batgirl animated series? Is it something you would wan to watch?
Thanks to Cosmo111687 for the tip!
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READ MORE - 'Batgirl: Year One' Gets the Animated Treatment

Adam Hughes Reveals Batgirl #2 Cover

Adam Hughes Reveals Batgirl #2 Cover: "
It feels like we've been looking at the same images for the DC's new 52 titles for a while. All we've had are the covers to the first issues. Soon we should start seeing the solicits to October's batch of #2s. Last night Adam Hughes revealed (via Twitter) the cover to Batgirl #2.

In Adam's words, 'Read this comic cos Batgirl's way cuter than Batman!'
What I find interesting is the way Barbara Gordon is positioned. It almost looks like she still does not have the use of her legs. She's propping herself up trying to get into a defensive position against a mysterious gun-totting adversary.
Whatever the case is, the cover looks pretty dang good. What do you think?
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READ MORE - Adam Hughes Reveals Batgirl #2 Cover

Why It's about Time Barbara Gordon Became Batgirl Again

Why It's about Time Barbara Gordon Became Batgirl Again: "

Long before I ever started reading comic books I watched Barbara Gordon as Batgirl on Batman: The Animated Series. It was the Batman animated cartoon that introduced me to the world of Batman, the caped crusader, and to Barbara as his feisty sidekick- full of life, ambition and determination. In fact, one of the first graphic novels I ever purchased (and one that remains at the top of my list as one of my favorites) is Chuck Dixon's Batgirl: Year One, published in 2003. This incarnation of Barbara is one of the few that depicted her as Batgirl post Killing Joke. My first encounter with Barbara Gordon was Barbara Gordon, Batgirl. It wasn't until I started reading back issues of the first volume of Birds of Prey that I became aware of Barbara as Oracle.
I think I really fell in love with Barbara after reading her on BoP as Oracle. Her strength both mentally and emotionally, when written to her fullest was remarkable- and it is her story that was the first to bring me to tears over a comic book character. There is something about Oracle that is empowering to many girls- I know she was to me. In a world of female characters who use their sexuality first to get things done, Oracle was starkly different. It wasn't just the fact that Oracle used her smarts first, either. Oracle also became a symbol for a grossly misrepresented part of society- she became a symbol for people who could relate to her because they too suffered some kind of disability. In a sense, Oracle became greater than herself because of all that she represented. A woman who used her intellect and cunning and who refused to ever allow a physical disability to hold her back. Perhaps that's why the decision to make Barbara Gordon Batgirl is such a controversial one.
News first broke late Monday morning that Barbara Gordon would become the new Batgirl in an all new series launching fall, 2011. This new Batgirl would be written by Birds of Prey writer Gail Simone with artists Ardian Syaf and Vicente Cifuentes. The news was revealed with an accompanying cover by the great Adam Hughes. Simone revealed similar sentiments regarding Barbara as the new Batgirl on the DC Source blog.

'Barbara Gordon is pretty much my everything. Because of the Batman TV show, she was the reason I fell in love with superheroes. Because she was a redhead who could kick ass, she is the reason I fell in love with comics. She was always forward-looking as Batgirl, a girl who was smarter than the male characters, who had class and elegance and style, as well as tough-as-nails grit. For a long time, there was simply nothing else like her in comics, and for me and a lot of other readers, her every appearance was joyful and explosive.

For many years, I got to write the character as Oracle, and there is to this day, no character who means more to me. This is classic Barbara as she was originally conceived, with a few big surprises. It's a bit of a shock, to be sure, but we're doing everything we can to be respectful to this character's amazing legacy, while presenting something thrilling that a generation of comics readers will be experiencing for the first time...Barbara Gordon leaping, fighting, and swinging over Gotham. Now, when citizens of that city look up, they are going to see BATGIRL. And that is absolutely thrilling.'

Since the announcement, several people have cited both the controversy in making Barbara the new Batgirl, as well as the weight that kind of change holds; I point to Andy Khouri's blog on Comics Alliance and Jill Pantozzi's blog specifically. I think Batgirl's new writer, Gail Simone is right; Barbara's every appearance is indeed 'joyful and explosive' and I hope they will continue to be so under her pen. However, the question remains, is this the right decision for the evolution of Barbara's character? It's true, Barbara has been in a wheelchair longer than she had been out of it, which is partially why this change to her character is so dramatic; but does that mean that in order for Barbara to evolve she must walk again?
When you become a symbol, the changes made to your character weigh much heavier on everyone invested. While Barbara in the black and yellow costume is as identifiable as Barbara in a wheelchair, isn't reverting back to Batgirl a step backwards? Barbara has evolved as a mentor to not only both Batgirl's that followed in her footsteps ( Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown), but also to her teammates. Just because Barbara was confined to a wheelchair, doesn't mean she had any trouble teaching and leading the Birds of Prey. As the Oracle, Barbara was not only a well of information; she was also a fountain of wisdom that guided other characters through their hardships- Oracle helped push other characters. Her inability to race across the rooftops of Gotham meant that she could evolve in ways other comic book characters don't.
Saying goodbye to Barbara as Oracle will be bittersweet, and I don't know if that's something I'm comfortable with quite yet because I feel her role as a mascot for both young female readers and for people with disabilities is more important than seeing her don the cape and cowl again. Having said that though, it will be nice to see Barbara in the costume swinging across the skyline of Gotham City; something sometimes secretly hoped for, but that I never thought I would see again. Barbara Gordon as Batgirl will give the character the ability to evolve in other ways. Perhaps she may even rekindle the romance she lost with former 'Boy Wonder,' Dick Grayson. I'd be lying if I said those weren't some of my favorite stories, and I wouldn't want to see that again...
What do you think of the news of Barbara Gordon as the new Batgirl? Do you think her role as Oracle is more important than returning to Batgirl? Are you looking forward to the 52 new titles coming from DC later this year?
Source DC Source
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Join the Oracle Draw-a-thon!

Join the Oracle Draw-a-thon!: "
It’s safe to say DC’s news of turning Barbara Gordon’s Oracle back into her previous persona of Batgirl has rattled a few cages. Mine for one. But the great thing coming out of this distressing turn of events is the visibility it’s giving to the physically challenged. Now one artist is calling you to arms to help keep that exposure going.

Much like the Adam Hughes commission above which shows Oracle in all her glory, artist Elena Barbarich, known as Yamino online, is suggesting any and all artists get their preferred tools out to illustrate Ms. Gordon in her chair. Yamino writes on her Tumblr, “I think we should do a big Oracle Draw-a-thon, to support visibility for disabled characters in mainstream comics, and comics in general. Heck, it doesn’t have to be just visual art. How about an Oracle Create-a-Thon? Whatever it is you do, fanart, fanfic, music, sculpture, cakes…. let’s do it!”

Yamino, creator of the webcomics Sister Claire and Nightingale, wants some help reaching out and organizing and since I know a few people who know a few people, I figured I could help out a bit. Feel free to send your creativity to me to post on my Tumblr (EDIT: The official Oracle Create-a-Thon Tumblr has been made!) and spread the word to artists everywhere. Show Oracle being blocked by obstacles or overcoming them but most importantly, show her as the strong, capable character she is.
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Off My Mind: What's Next For Cassandra Cain?

Off My Mind: What's Next For Cassandra Cain?: "Last week I brought up the question of what the next step should be for Bucky Barnes. Let's talk about the former Batgirl, Cassandra Cain. When it appeared that Batman had been killed by Darkseid in Final Crisis, we were given the impression that Cassandra was done being a part of the Bat-family. She gave up her costume and identity of Batgirl, passing it one to Stephanie Brown (the current Batgirl). Cassandra left Gotham City and not a whole lot had been seen of her.

We later found out that this was part of a bigger plan. The intention was for Stephanie to develop into being a better hero if she accepting being the new Batgirl. This makes sense since Batman did allow her to be Robin for a short while, even if part of that was to convince Tim Drake to return to the Batcave.

Cassandra has been secretly fighting crime in Hong Kong. Most of the comic universe and comic readers had no idea where she was or what she was doing. Apparently Tim was in contact with her the whole time. Bruce Wayne returned from the dead (he wasn't really dead of course, only trapped in time) and Tim traveled to Hong Kong to convince Cassandra to return. She refused, saying Stephanie needed to be Batgirl more than she did. Tim gave her her old costume in the hopes she return to fighting crime wearing the bat-symbol.

The question remains, what should Cassandra's new role be and what should she call herself?

As fans of Cassandra already know, we are going to be seeing more of her. She will play a role in Scott Snyder and Kyle Higgen's Gates of Gotham miniseries that explores the secrets of the city's history. She will also be appearing in Red Robin as a contestant in an assassination tournament. She is seen wearing her old costume but has she gone back to her killing ways?

I doubt it. She's there to put a stop to the assassination tournament and to lock up all the deadly killers, right? Wearing the costume is a first step but what can she call herself? Batgirl is out and Cassandra has moved beyond that role now. She might not be quite old enough to be a Batwoman and that too is already taken. She could simply create a new name for herself but that's not as easy as it seems. We know all the good names are already taken. The last thing I would want in a character as good as Cassie is for her to be stuck with a lame or cheesy name.

I did see a suggestion last week but I forget where it was at or who said it. I can't remember if it was in the forums, a p.m. or on Twitter. Some people might be strongly against this but what if Cassandra took on the mantle of Nightwing? Dick Grayson is now Batman (along with Bruce Wayne). I have no idea how long he will remain Batman and if we'll ever go back to just having Bruce as Batman. When Dick became Batman, it was like he graduated. Yes, Nightwing had become his identity but It would be weird to see him step back down. Just like there's no way he could ever be Robin again (the same goes for Tim as well). Dick also gave up being Nightwing so (from a publishing perspective) Chris Kent could use the name and fight along side Flamebird. Chris is out of the picture an no one is currently using Nightwing.

Whether or not Cassandra takes on this name or another, we can all agree that something more needs to be done with her character. She's come too far to simply sit in a dark corner of the Bat-universe, only seen on rare occasions. If she doesn't take on the name Nightwing or reclaim Batgirl, what would be a good name for her?

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BATGIRL #21 Previews - in stores this week!

BATGIRL #21 Previews - in stores this week!: "

On sale this week, Batgirl #21



This Bryan Q. Miller and Dustin Nguyen book looks pretty cool!

DC Comics has released some preview pages. See them after the jump.



After reluctantly taking on a sidekick (an unstable young man calling himself the Grey Ghost), Batgirl finds herself stuck in between a rock and, well, another rock at the beginning of BATGIRL #21. Not to mention there’s a Reaper bent on putting an end to Stephanie’s career once and for all…



BATGIRL #21 is on sale this week.

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READ MORE - BATGIRL #21 Previews - in stores this week!

DC Preview - BATGIRL #17

DC Preview - BATGIRL #17: "Stephanie Brown is about to find out the downside of working with Batman Incorporated: putting up with Damian Wayne

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READ MORE - DC Preview - BATGIRL #17