Batgirl #6 by Tate Brombal and Takeshi Miyazawa is thankfully not the end of this series. However, this issue still functions as a landmark in that the book is six months old! Amazing, love it for my girl. Let’s dig into the content.
This really feels like a certain pinnacle. Even if you are technically charged as one, it doesn’t necessarily include six stories wrapped in neat little bows. It feels more like a thematic conclusion than the storyline one, and I’m cool with it! I like long-term formats over the “made for trade” style with long shots, so I can see that the end of the theme and update have a good compromise.
This issue closes some books on Cass’ parent-child engagement. Even after the moment before he told Shiva to her face when pushed up against the wall, she still didn’t choose her as a mother, she collapses. She breaks down and admits that she loves her mother. And frankly, who wasn’t with his parents before? Sometimes your family hurts you, leaving you with a groan in the confusion you feel from those wounds and all of its mixed emotions. It’s complicated and not easy to deal with. Most people’s parents aren’t world-class assassins with their own dedicated cults (or Batman…?), but this is a comic book. The key is that Blombar touches on something concrete and authentic here. Many people, nervous children, especially (I know) are the complicated relationships you have with your family and how you affect and manifest each other. It’s a really great recipe for Cath Cain’s story, finding something realistic and approachable, exposing that nerve and exploring the pain in order to move in some way, shape, shape.
DC
It is a major step in Shiva’s personality growth. Because she chooses the ultimate sacrifice. It’s really moving and reminds you that anyone can change when you push them. In this story, Shiva proved that his love for his daughter was not just a smokescreen, but a real thing, and that Cas (and readers) would probably buy it in the only way. In the real world, the toxic relationship between parents and children is complicated and doesn’t always work out at many parties. But here, in the world of increasing fiction, we can explore such relationships, their pain, alternative ways and contexts, and make a little wish granted to those who need to see someone reconcile with the dark places of the past. Or, it may remind you of the wound, but it is also a symptom of the art of exposing such raw nerves.
DC
Miyagawa’s art is as stunning as usual, and does an amazing job of framing everything I said before about the story of this review. Cass and Shiva move together like dance, feel truly in sync, and run on the level of understanding, perhaps for the first time in their lives. It is beautiful to see and I beg you to read the problem yourself to experience it yourself.
DC
Batgirl #6 is a heartfelt, raw, beautiful and complicated story about bitterness, pain, resentment, forgiveness and more. It’s a love letter to Mrs. Shiva and Cassandra Cain, as well as their relationship, their ups and downs, and all the relationships that have not existed in decades since it was confirmed that Cassandra is her child. This is a complex emotional story, so it may not reflect or appeal to everyone. You may feel hurt when you read this, or you may feel moved when you read it. Ultimately, it’s up to you. But there’s one thing I’m sure:
You should still try it and read it.
“Batgirl” #6 is emotionally attractive
Batgirl #6
It is perhaps one of the most raw, emotional and fascinating Cassandra Cain stories and Batman stories ever written.
He is deeply thoughtful about the raw emotions that exist and what they mean.
Fantastic art and characterization.
This may be cathartic for those who have experienced toxic relationships with their family.
This can hurt for those who have experienced toxic relationships with their family.
