Batgirl: Year One (Comics) | Review

What happens when ambition meets rejection? Barbara Gordon finds herself locked out of every career path she wants– FBI agent, GCPD detective, even superhero trainee. So she does what any brilliant, stubborn young woman would do: she makes her own rules.

This nine-issue miniseries from 2003 chronicles Barbara's transformation from frustrated librarian to Gotham's newest vigilante, capturing her journey as she defies expectations, challenges Batman's authority and proves herself capable of fighting crime on her own terms.

Written by Chuck Dixon (Bane: Conquest, Batgirl: Death Wish) and Scott Beatty (Batman: Bane of the Demon, Joker: Last Laugh) with art by Marcos Martin (Doctor Strange: The Oath, Meet the Skrulls) and Alvaro Lopez, this series delivers character-driven storytelling exploring what happens when determination collides with danger.

It's not just about training montages or first victories against Gotham's street-level criminals and thugs. It's about proving yourself when everyone– your father, Batman, even the Justice Society– tells you to stay home and let the real professionals handle things properly.

The story opens with Barbara graduating college early, armed with a computer science degree. She asks her father, GCPD Captain James Gordon, for permission to join the police force as a detective. He refuses outright, citing safety concerns. The FBI also flatly rejects her application for being far too short and too young for field work.

Frustrated by traditional paths closing, Barbara finds inspiration in Black Canary's exploits. She hacks into Justice Society headquarters hoping to meet her idol and request training. Instead, she encounters Wildcat, who dismisses her aspirations and warns about vigilante life's realities.

Disheartened, Barbara falls into a slump until her father invites her to the Million Dollar Masquerade Ball– a charity event for police and elite. To annoy her father and mock his relationship with Batman, Barbara creates a female Batman costume to embarrass Gordon.

Before she can reveal herself, Killer Moth and his henchmen crash the ball, attempting to kidnap Bruce Wayne. Captain Gordon tries intervening but gets knocked unconscious. Barbara leaps into action, fighting Killer Moth's goons and chasing him outside. Bruce Wayne escapes to become Batman while calling Robin for backup.

Batman confronts Barbara, demanding who she is and telling her she has no right to wear his symbol. She retorts nobody gave him permission either. Killer Moth returns in a helicopter, opening fire and taunting all heroes. Barbara avoids her father discovering her identity.

She embraces the Batgirl persona, foiling minor crimes around Gotham. After buying some equipment, she tests a rappelling rope by swinging off a skyscraper, unaware Batman and Robin are watching. Killer Moth attempts convincing mobster Tony Bressi to hire him as muscle but gets dismissed for being beaten by a girl.

Rejected by Gotham's underworld, Killer Moth partners with pyromaniac Garfield Lynns, who adopts the Firefly persona. The duo intimidates Bressi. Bressi retaliates by framing them– he sends henchmen to kidnap Captain Gordon, then alerts both the real villains and police.

Barbara investigates her father's abduction as Batgirl and encounters Black Canary, who's tracking kidnappers. Believing Batgirl is Batman's associate, Canary offers to team up. The pair chase imposters to Bressi's greenhouse, where Killer Moth and Firefly ambush everyone. Firefly deduces Bressi's scheme and triggers an explosion.

Barbara evacuates her father while the villains escape. Gordon meets with Robin, who assures him Batgirl isn't affiliated with Batman. Gordon warns Batman must stop Batgirl or he will. Barbara visits wounded Jason Bard in the hospital, learning his injuries will force him from duty.

Batgirl continues her crime-fighting despite Batman's disapproval. She forces Killer Moth and Firefly's helicopter to crash while plunging into a pool herself. Batman and Robin apprehend the villains and he invites Barbara to the Batcave. He tests her with simulations of dangerous enemies, warning this could be her grim future.

Barbara passes Batman's tests– not perfectly but competently enough to earn grudging respect. By the series' end, she's established as Gotham's newest vigilante. The arc concludes with Robin introducing Barbara to Captain Gordon, planting seeds for future partnerships and romance.

Marcos Martin and Alvaro Lopez deliver artwork that balances lighthearted adventure with sudden darkness. The bright style during Barbara's early victories creates contrast when danger escalates. Martin's character expressions capture Barbara's determination, Gordon's concern, Batman's skepticism and Killer Moth's desperation.

Action sequences flow smoothly, showcasing Batgirl's acrobatic fighting style while emphasizing her inexperience. Martin's paneling creates momentum. The cartoonish aesthetic reinforces Barbara approaches crime-fighting with enthusiasm rather than Batman's grim determination.

Dixon and Beatty's writing excels in character-driven moments rather than action beats. The Greek myth of Cassandra framing Barbara's narration adds depth– she's a prophet nobody believes. Black Canary's mentorship reverses the traditional Batman-worship origin, giving Barbara agency in choosing her own inspiration.

The dialogue between Barbara and Batman crackles with tension. His initial dismissal of her capabilities feels both protective and condescending, while her defiant responses showcase the intelligence and stubbornness that will later define Oracle. Robin's crush on Batgirl adds levity.

Batgirl: Year One stands as a definitive origin for Barbara's crime-fighting identity, modernizing her Silver Age debut while respecting her core traits. Dixon and Beatty balance fun superhero adventure with genuine stakes– Barbara faces real danger, earns victories and proves herself through her competence rather than sheer luck.

This mini-series works whether you're a longtime Barbara Gordon fan or new to Batgirl's mythology. It serves as a direct sequel to Robin: Year One, with both series later collected together. The story takes place during Batman's fourth year of vigilante operations.

For readers tracking DC's Year One anthology, this completes the Bat-Family origin trilogy. Barbara's computer expertise and hacking skills foreshadow her transformation into Oracle following The Killing Joke story. The series establishes her relationship with Black Canary, which later becomes the foundation for Birds of Prey.

Batgirl: Year One is available in both paperback and hardcover across major retailers. DC keeps it in circulation through regular reprints. You can also read it digitally on Amazon Kindle, ComiXology and DC Universe Infinite platforms if you prefer a quick, device-friendly option.