Tate Brombal’s Batgirl will be the comic book that makes Cassandra Cain (Batgirl) the character fans know she can be. In the first three issues, her understanding of body language is highlighted and becomes a staple that should remain part of her character. We see it used on the first page of the first issue while Cassie is talking to her mother, Lady Shiva, who says she's trying to protect her daughter. Fun fact, Cassie doesn't believe anything her mother is saying despite her body language saying she's being truthful.
Batgirl No. 3 creative team:
- Writer: Tate Brombal
- Artist: Takeshi Miyazawa
- Colors: Mike Spicer
If you know Lady Shiva, you’re aware she’s a killer and among the deadliest fighters in comics. Issue No. 3 shows a different side of her. A part that wants to help those who need it. It’s why she created the Order of Shiva. It’s meant to replicate the temple that raised her and the village that she and her sister protected (all things Cassie didn’t know about). This sounds good, but I’m calling shenanigans.
As High Priest Jayesh explains what’s going on, two things pop into my head. First, Lady Shiva should never be trusted. The second is a contradiction. During Bryan Edward Hills Batman and the Outsiders, we see that Shiva does want what’s best for her daughter. Sometimes that involves tough love and bad decisions, but the motivation remains the same. And as much as this writer would love to believe her motives are altruistic, it’s doubtful. However, I hope I’m wrong.
"“Those who excel in battle become destroyers. Those who excel in healing become restorers.” -High Priest Jayesh"Writer: Tate Brombal
Jaylesh admits that everything with Lady Shiva isn’t forgiveness and passiveness and that was great. It continues the mystery of what’s going on alive. And as Tate Brombal writes Cassie looking at her mother and reading her body language, you can’t help but wonder if she is being played. If anyone is capable of faking their body language, it’s Lady Shiva. However, would she go through the trouble of creating an order for this one lie? She would if she knew the Unburied were coming.
Overall, this was an amazing issue that made you want to know more about Lady Shiva’s past and future. You're aware that having faith in her is foolish, but you still want to. Cassie has been through enough thanks to her mother and you understand that Batgirl wants to believe things are different this time. But Tate Brombal’s surprise at the end of the issue on top of the involvement of the League of Shadows makes that difficult. Stay tuned to Caped Crusades to see what Lady Shiva is up to.
Is there a chance that Lady Shiva is trying to help? Do you think Batgirl should trust her? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter.