A worthy sequel to my current favourite superhero comic, that along with Kamala Khan's Ms. Marvel series got me to read comics fully.
Barbara Gordon is becoming braver and stronger as she regrows into her superhero role, after her traumatic experience as a former protector of the crime-infested, bloodsucking, sin-eating sludgehole that is Gotham City. Everybody already knows about that sordid part of her history, so I won't repeat it here. But she is very resilient in the face of much suffering - internally as well as externally. Gail Simone writes Barbara's struggles as intensely and realistically as ever.
Batgirl is only human, and she is trying.
She is a survivor, and she knows how hard everything is; and how lucky she is.
The artwork continues to be fantastic; a spectacular treat. The plotting and action are solid. The villains - particularly the extremely interesting Knightfall and her cronies - are an improvement on the previous volume - not to mention in general when it comes to Batgirl's rogues gallery. The Gail Simone comics actually work in making you sympathize with the villains somewhat, even when they're psychopaths. It's twisted, demented, and gut-wrenching. It's heavy characterization.
I love Barbara's interaction with her friend Black Canary in the first issue, on working to get her groove back. There's also her finding a sort-of closure with her estranged mother, who shares her name. Babs ends up partnering with Melody McKenna (a POC Gotham police detective) on the Knightfall case, when the policewoman had formerly hated Batgirl, but in whom she finds a kindred spirit.
In fact, everybody Batgirl interacts with - her dialogue as well as her fighting and detective skills - it's something to behold. Dark isn't always better, as the New 52 proves all too well, but here Simone knows what she's doing, and she's doing it at her A-game.
Other highlights include a team-up with Batwoman (Batgirl even has to correct someone when she is called "Batwoman" at one point), and a Lois Lane cameo (not sure what she's doing in Gotham).
I finished 'Batgirl, Volume 2: Knightfall Descends' with feelings of love. However, later I found that it is not unconditional, as I do have a few gripes with the volume overall.
For example, while I adore this take on Batgirl's character (one of the first I was exposed to), I then think: Has she actually achieved anything? Has she been successful at any of her goals? At least, without outsider help? It seems that her beating criminals and saving the day (or night, as is always the case), all lead up to nothing but more pain and misery, and further paths to failure. I know it's DC comics, but come on, let Batgirl have her victories. Show me the independent and competent heroine that I know she can be, when she is just coming to terms with her PTSD. And what is up with that City of Owls issue? Will that lead anywhere? International assassins taking over Gotham - it seems like a huge deal that can't afford to be ignored. Plus it's another example of Barbara's fruitless efforts as a hero. Her father, Commissioner Gordon, appears especially incompetent. Shouldn't he be a lot smarter at his job, due to his experience and environment, and as the main acquaintance of the Bat family?
Could've had more of Alysia Yeoh, Babs' LBGTQ, POC roomie, too.
But 'Knightfall Descends' is still very good - a bright spot as far as the toxic New 52 goes. It's violent and dramatic, but in a clever way. And the cast is predominantly made up of female arsekickers.
Check it out if you're a huge Batgirl fan like myself.
Final Score: 4/5
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