You know when the definition of insanity is trying the same thing expecting different results?
I wasn't a fan of Cassandra Cain Batgirl's. I'm not a fan of this reboot either.

I liked one batgirl, and that was Anne Hathway, (but I think it was more due to the movie being C Nolan than Anne's presence anyway).

But regardless, if you can cast aside that she is an assassin that kills, kills many many people, this is a cool read for you. It just wasn't for me.

This book is meant to usher in a new era of batgirl mainly Cassandra Cain. It starts off a little odd because Cassandra has no speaking ability. she doesn’t appear to understand words very well. It just kind of makes no sense she was raised to be a killer ,to be an assassin, but she doesn’t talk and has no life skills but yet is a teenager. She ends up seeking shelter in the Gotham public library where she meets Barbara Gordon and another lady of Asian dissent. The story goes on from there it’s a nice kick off to an old character’s new life. I’d like to see them take this character further and see how Cassandra Cain does as as batgirl.

I really enjoyed this one a lot. As a long time Batgirl fan, I loved the new spins on favorite characters as well as the new characters we got to know. There is something about superhero stories for me that just lend themselves so well to graphic novel/comic format.

This was a great addition to the DC comic family. I love this more YA approach to these superhero stories. This follows Cassandra Cain who is the daughter of an assassin and a super-villain. Shadows of the Batgirl is a hero origin story and it was not one I was familiar with before. I really enjoyed the transition from trained assassin to kind-hearted hero and didn't expect the identity reveal of the past Batgirl - which other fans of the Marvel world might have picked up on sooner.

My library did purchase this title, and many of the other DC prints from this line and we do not regret it. These are perfect middle-grade introductions to classic DC characters but twisting their backstories so that they are more understood by today's middle schoolers. The Shadow of the Batgirl dealt with very important issues of loss, mental illness, anxiety, and disability.

An enjoyable read, especially if you're familiar with the lore behind different Batgirls. A good option for Bat-family fans of a younger set or just not interested in too much blood and violence.

I absolutely adored Shadow of the Batgirl. Cassandra Cain is one of my favorite DC heroines, and this story does her justice. This reimagining of her story does an excellent job of staying true to who she is while also making her tale something accessible to new and younger audiences. I loved reading about her discovering the wider world; learning how to read, trust, and love; and eventually standing up for herself and deciding to be a hero herself. Any reader who loves heroes, ninjas, or just a great story should pick up this title.

Shadow of the batgirl is such an interesting take on Cassandra Cain. Cassandra is such a troubled and complex character. You would be too if you had supervillian parents. No wonder Damian Wayne, aka Robin, is such a prick. It's funny how Damian and Cassandra ended up joining the bat family.
To see Cassandra escape her imprisoned life, was invigorating and exciting! She got to do so many new things. The best part was meeting her lifetime mentors Jackie and Barbara Gordon aka Oracle. The love the three of them shared for one another was so precious. She never met her mother Lady Shiva, so this bond was long overdue.
My other favorite part was her puppy love with the sensitive jock, Erik at the library. Everything from the blushes to the discussions on books were the most adorable panels I've ever seen. That boy had our girl feeling emotions she never knew she had! I shipped them from the first time he talked to her. They also reminded me of Ariel and Eric, from The Little Mermaid. Both Cassandra and Ariel had communication problems, but in the end they got their men!
The showdown between Cassandra and her dad had the hairs on my neck stand up. I was kinda hoping she'd take him down for good, but heroes don't cross that line. I was glad to see Cassandra won her freedom and could be a kid for once
I enjoyed this book so much. I wish DC would use Cassandra more. I don't like her as Orphan in the regular books. It's like they have her on the bat family standby. Maybe with books like this and her appearance in the Birds of Prey movie, they're will be more inclusion for theists weapon turned superhero!

This was an interesting story in the Batman universe. I really liked the charters and the development they have by the end of the story,. It was also nice to see characters from that universe that we don't really get to see get focused on in other Batman universe stories.

"Shadow of the Batgirl" is an excellent YA graphic novel. I'm not always a fan of redoing origin stories for classic comic characters. However, I've read several of these YA graphic novels and they have done an incredible job. They've been drawing in a whole new generation of readers.

Other than recognizing Batgirl was a heroine in the Batman universe zing I knew NOTHING about Batgirl. I did know I loved superhero origin stories and a Sarah Kuhn's writing so I thought it would turn out okay. I was right. Cassandra's journey both is and is not typical for a super heroine, and the graphic novel aspect made it altogether a little richer than a traditional novel would've been. I found the "teenage assassin" aspect of Cass a little hard to wrap my head around, but eventually came to understand more of her story.
The illustrations in this novel were beautiful and the sharp angles and lines led me along that I read the whole book in one sitting. You won't want to put this one down!

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) may have the popular vote in in the film comics, but DC comics and graphic novels hold a special place in this former YA librarian’s heart, and Shadow of the Batgirl is a prime example why.

The storytelling is multi-faceted, the characters are memorable, and the graphics are on point.

Cassandra Cain is one of my favorite all time DC characters and Shadow of the Batgirl is a great introduction of Cassandra’s character. We are introduced to her upbringing, follow her through a turning point in her life, and get to meet the influences that help her grow into the amazing character she will become.

very interesting story. loved these characters and the plot setup, I want more of these characters and this universe.

I have never been an incredibly avid fan of Batman and stories centered around Gotham, but there have been several that I enjoyed in the past. <em>Shadow of the Batgirl</em> by Sarah Kuhn and illustrated by Nicole Goux, while very different from the Batman-related adaptations I have been exposed to before was actually quite a fun graphic novel to read. It follows the life of a young girl who was raised to be a villain as she shifts her life into one of heroism. Though not quite the batgirl, Cassandra Cain quickly finds herself enamored with Batgirl's story.

Kuhn's story is all about life-changing mentorship.

A true story of finding yourself amid a world full of brainwashing, <em>Shadow of the Batgirl</em> really drives home the message that our upbringing never determines, fully, who we will choose to be in our future. Cassandra Cain, raised by her father to be his deadly assassin escapes the toxic environment he has built for her to find a life of her own, one that is no longer seeped in the darkness that he has shrouded her with.

There's so much to adore about this graphic novel, from the story itself to the characterization of the people Cassandra knows and meets. Truly a tale of finding the right mentors for yourself, the novel takes readers on a journey that supports finding and supporting the person you want to be. As someone whose upbringing was clouded with many evils of society including ignorant sexism and racism, it's no wonder that Cassandra's story really hit home for me.

The truth is, sometimes it's the family you make for yourself that helps you become the better person you were meant to be.

And I feel that more strongly than I could even begin to describe.

I <em>loved</em> the illustrations in this graphic novel.

You can't help but find yourself deeply appreciating the beauty of every page you turn. The action scenes are depicted expertly and Goux does an impressive job of portraying Cassandra's role as a <em>shadow</em> of sorts. Having the story set, for the most part, within the walls of a library was another added bonus that pulled me in even more.

Everything about the way Goux incorporates the artwork within the context of the story is absolutely breathtaking. You truly feel pulled into the story as you read it. There's a genuine swiftness to how quickly you find yourself invested in Cassandra's story. It's one that begins with devastation, filled with emotional trauma and the truth that comes with not fully being able to recognize just how <em>wrong</em> your life is.

I found it utterly amazing how well I identified with her tale.

Growing up in a household that merely subscribes to the lies that society has thrust upon them, not fully understanding the depth behind problematic aspects of my parents' way of thinking, is not the same as a daughter who has been forced by her father to become a killer. But the way her story parallels such a background was eye-opening. There is meaning in this sort of story and I was truly touched to have found it.

<em>I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</em>

Shadow of The Batgirl is a coming-of-age tale of self discovery in the form of an unexpected superhero transformation. DC Ink’s young adult graphic novel explores relatable themes for readers 13-17, including the search for identity, finding your true family, first love, discovering your abilities, and learning to believe in yourself. This is one of our very first diverse female superheroes. Cassandra Cain is breaking the barriers for young girls reaching for inspirational graphic novels on their favorite heroes.

Alright guys and gals, I am just going to get into this because I am completely blown away at how well executed this was for Cassandra Cain’s take on Batgirl. Cain grew up to be a child assassin. She can’t read, she can’t comprehend some things, and basically the only thing she knows how to do, is kill… Until one day she comes to a realization and takes refuge inside of a library where she learns about the views of Batgirl. She witnesses a bunch of kids marveling in Batgirl’s heroic tasks and missions, yet she doesn’t understand how one can defeat evil without killing it.
On the streets, she is taken in by Jackie, which essentially becomes her grandmother figure. Their relationship is absolutely adorable and I was blown away at the patience of Jackie and her understanding of Cassandra. She takes her in, gives her food, clothes, and a hot shower while asking nothing in return. What I love most is that Jackie isn’t pushing or trying too hard to get any type of information from Cain, she just allows her to do her thing.
While in the library Cain’s emotions are tested when she meets a very cute, book loving boy who tests her boundaries more than they ever have been before. Part of this is heartbreaking as Cain had never opened up emotionally to someone. All the men in her life had beaten, abused, and used her. So to see her transform even in this small aspect is monumental in her overall adaption out of being an assassin.


“I AM WHO I WANT TO BE.
I DECIDED.”


And now, onto my most favorite part. It wouldn’t be a Batgirl story without Barbara Gordon. Listen to me though, this novel is not centered around Babs at all. She is this positive light into Cain’s transformation, but it happens unknowingly. This take on the original story was absolutely transforming for these female heroes. Babs did not have to seek out a hero to take over as Batgirl.
Cain has a learning disability. She can’t read or comprehend things like other, but that doesn’t mean anything because she is very very smart. She is transforming herself into a hero instead of a killer.

So, I would love to just point out something else as well that this novel did for me.
My love for Batgirl started as Barbara Gordon. She will always be my favorite Batgirl and there will never be a doubt about that. Hear me out, Shadow of The Batgirl gave me an absolutely new perspective of her as Oracle. I’ve always been one to fight for the equality and diversity of women heroes. It still upsets me that the original Babs was shot and paralyzed just to advance a male character arc. Yet, in this novel Babs is in a wheel chair due to an accident. Nothing was ever specified. She makes such an incredible Oracle in this novel that it just opened up a new perspective on her to the new audiences. Not only do we have an Asian Batgirl but her best friend is paralyzed. This is an incredible movement into more diverse heroes for these younger readers who could be coping with their own struggles. I mean if there was a book academy award for best supporting character, it would, hands down, go to Barbara Gordon for this novel.
Thank you to DC Comics for allowing me the pleasure of reading this book and being able to reach out to you all to talk about it. Shadow of The Batgirl is one of the greatest journeys young readers will go on. It was very influential to those young minds.

Unfortunately, this did not hit home for me. It started out very slow, and I did not think it displayed the character we all know and I love. I am big on retellings and getting a different perspective, but this was too far off base. I don't think it was bad by any means, it just wasn't for me. I would suggest that anyone who is interested in it definitely give it a chance.

This book seems like a great beginning for Cassandra Cain, particularly those who are not familiar with her or the background of Batgirl. As she proves that she can choose her destiny and not follow the path chosen for her, she builds healthy relationships that will sustain her into adulthood. Great diverse characters and intergenerational friendship.

3.5 stars
This story was fun to read. I thought it did a pretty good job as a one short/intro to Cassandra Cain and I really enjoyed it.

I loved this graphic novel so much! To see a new adaptation is amazing. The writing was heartfelt. Each page held my attention. Thank you so much DC Comics for sending me a copy!

My foray back into the DC ‘verse continues with the latest DC graphic novel, Shadow of the Batgirl. These non-continuity novels allow our favs to explore new stories with long-standing (and new, too!) characters without taking their (sometimes complicated) history into account. Cassandra Cain is known for being the first Batgirl to star in her own series and she’s part of DCEU with Birds of Prey!

Sarah Kuhn is a beloved writer around these parts so this was an auto-buy for me. Couple that that with the gorgeous art by Nicole Goux and this book is a win-win for me. Oh, and it’s also fucking amazing so there’s that.

Sarah left her orphan backstory intact, setting the story in the library where Cassandra learns to speak, read, rest, trust, and become the hero of her story. Trained as an assassin from birth, you can imagine this girl is bringing some heavy issues into her hero training. Sarah and Nicole explore this trauma and the supports Cassandra receive in (infamous) Batgirl/Oracle, Babs Gordon, and the sweetest caretaker who feeds her and knows when to press forward and when to give Cassandra space. She also dresses Cassandra in an outfit plucked right out of Sarah’s Instagram.