A vast improvement over the first 'Batgirls' volume in terms of pacing, exposition delivery, natural and less clunky dialogue, and just a lighter, breezier execution to the action and mystery superheroine adventures of Barbara "Babs" Gordon, Stephanie "Steph" Brown, and Cassandra "Cass" Cain in Gotham.
'Batgirls Vol. 2' is gritty and gruesome, but not too much, and there are plenty of cute and colourful moments. Even the various cartoony artwork is easier on the eyes this time. There remains a strong emphasis on sisterly love and female friendship, and while the storyline does include a main hetero romance (and it's not the only one), it's Babs/Batgirl and Dick Grayson/Nightwing, so I'm not complaining. They're adorable together.Do I ship Babs and Dick, or Starfire and Dick? I really don't mind.
'Batgirls Vol. 2' picks up and resolves most of the plot threads that the previous volume seemingly forgot about. It's still far from perfect; still messy, with discarded new side characters and other plot threads and details left up in the air for future issues. The resolution to the serial killer mystery plot driving everything ends up being underwhelming, too. Also, is there any point and significance to the summer setting? Other than having characters complain about the heat, make bad puns, and eat ice cream? But it's an enjoyable comic all the same.
One side character who isn't sidelined and forgotten about carelessly is Alysia Yeoh! Babs's bestie! I've missed her! Trans rep FTW! (Steph and Cass are a clear bestie pair, too.) Plus reporter and crime podcaster Grace O'Halloran is a major key player in the second volume, as is Commissioner Renee Montoya. And remember Seer, the anti-Oracle? While she only appears in the first two issues, she's an important part in the Batgirls' new lives, for sure.
The girl power is strong in this book, and none of the women have any powers! Them and a cute, smart, precocious, useful little girl called Maps, and a sword-swallowing henchwoman called Lulu Laroux.
And spoilers but I don't care: Killer Moth is in this. So is the Penguin, but he's a sidelined cameo, sadly.
Adorable, funny, dark, violent and action-packed, with bright colours unperturbed by the aforementioned serial killer mystery plot. 'Batgirls Vol. 2: Bat Girl Summer' is a good continuation of the Gotham girls' current storyline.
It's a shame that Batwoman isn't actually in it, though, despite what the comical covers show. Nor is Black Canary present. Or Catwoman.
As of writing, I am interested in checking out only a couple of DC comics: Josie Campbell's 'The New Champion of Shazam!' and G. Willow Wilson's 'Poison Ivy' run. More women power! Two series left, then I may be truly done with the company for good. Wish me luck.
Final Score: 3.5/5
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