Emmett Spain's Reviews > Batgirl, Volume 4: Wanted

After the scattershot Death of the Family volume, Batgirl continues her journey into the dark place with a truly creepy New 52 take on the Ventriloquist. It's a daft premise if ever there was one, but this tale brings the villain to frightening life before the story launches into the Wanted arc, with Jim Gordon hunting down Batgirl.

This is a far more focused volume with much clearer story threads and purpose. There are still diversions, including a tie-in to Justice League events and Zero Year that offer little to no context and just generally seem out of place, but they don't distract from the quality of this offering. Simone's writing is much sharper here, and nails the soap opera dynamic whilst never compromising on the darker and more personal themes.

This title is moving from strength to strength. I can only hope it continues in this vein.