'Batgirl' Gets New Writers, Artist and Lease on Life

It's no secret that Batgirl has seen some stuff. She's been through a lot including being paralyzed by the Joker at one point. Beginning in October, Barbara Gordon, will finally get to live a semi-normal life befitting a young woman in the city. DC Comics announced a new creative team, writers Cameron Stewart and Brenden Fletcher and new artist Babs Tarr, will change her location and her look with Batgirl #35.

She'll be leaving the dank gloomy confines of Gotham City to the trendier neighborhood of Burnside full of hipsters and coffee shops. The tone will be lighter with less gruesome adventures but still have crime fighting in the context of a less turbulent setting. Her first battle will be grounded in more realistic issues in this age of digitally connected young people. 

Batgirl will also trade in body armor for more conventional gear as she pieces a new costume through local shops using a leather jacket for example instead of spandex. The new costume reflects a younger vibe that's functional and practical. 

The creators reassured fans that Alysia Yeoh will indeed still be involved in Barbara's life albeit from across the river. They were clearly distancing her from the baggage in Gotham.

We want to see a Batgirl who can stand on her own, independent of Batman and Commissioner Gordon. She won’t be fighting her mentor’s villains or leaning on her family ties. This is Barbara Gordon breaking free, for better or worse! - Fletcher told MTV 

They'll be taking over for the beloved writer and long time Batgirl scribe, Gail Simone, who is moving on to another project. The writers are well aware of the shoes they have to fill.

We’re very honored to be following in the crazy-large footsteps of Gail Simone on this title, who in the minds of most is the definitive “Batgirl” writer. Coming after a writer of her talent and popularity, we would be crazy to ignore her mark on the character. - Stewart

 The stories will be in continuity but not necessarily influenced by outside events. Issue 35 will be a good jumping on point for new readers. They'll get a version of Batgirl that's more fun but still smart and capable. 

BATGIRL #35
Written by CAMERON STEWART and BRENDEN FLETCHER
Art by BABS TARR
Cover by CAMERON STEWART
MONSTERS Variant cover by KEVIN NOWLAN
On sale OCTOBER 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Barbara Gordon is no stranger to dusting herself off when disaster strikes… so when a fire destroys everything she owned, she spots the opportunity for a new lease on life — and seizes it! Following the rest of Gotham’s young adults to the hip border district of Burnside, Barbara sets about building an all-new Batgirl… and discovers all-new threats preying on her peers! It’s a re-invention of Batgirl from the boots up, by the incredible creative team of Cameron Stewart (BATMAN INC.), Brenden Fletcher (WEDNESDAY COMICS), and rising star artist Babs Tarr!

Source: MTV