The dynamic between Cassandra and Stephanie works so well because it is a classic odd couple. Steph is bubbly and excitable, while Cass is stoic and quiet. It’s a trope that stands the test of time because it works so well to see two seemingly opposed characters work together. So, what happens when you remove the louder personality from the equation? You get an incredibly dynamic and gorgeous-looking comic.
Things have been all over the place for the Batgirls since Madame Zodiac Freaky Friday-ed the pair. With some help from Zatanna, Batman, and Barbra Gordon, the Batgirls were able to get back into their respective costumes, but that left Steph tied up and face-to-face with supposedly dead dad, Cluemaster. With no big leads, Cass set out to find her friend.
As Cass begins investigating Cluemaster’s return, issue #14 does away with the dialogue, relying instead on Jonathan Case’s art, colors, and lettering to show her journey. And what a journey it is with Case, who makes each panel feel like it should be hung on a wall to look at for hours. His pop style is full of vivid colors and contrast, and he uses them to tremendous effect, setting the tone of any given moment. I’ve never seen someone’s legs get chopped off quite the way Case does it, but boy, does he do it well. Case also excels with his lettering, creating fun and dynamic onomatopoeia throughout Cass’ adventure.
Only having brief glimpses of where Cluemaster took Stephanie from when the pair were swapped, Cass begins a mini odyssey across Gotham, searching for any hints as to her friend’s whereabouts. Cass comes to blows with some League of Assassins members while investigating whether Lazarus had anything to do with Cluemaster’s return. Ultimately, a note from Stephanie gives Cass a new idea.
Writers Becky Cloonan and Michael Conrad may not have had many words to write for our heroes this issue, but they sure made them count. A note from Stephanie for Cass caps off the issue with some real heart. Cloonan and Conrad understand the voice of these characters and get to use the issue to highlight the strength of their friendship. It’s a very touching last few pages to hear Stephanie’s thoughts about her friend, especially given the final image of the issue, which sets up a dark next chapter for the Batgirls.
Cass and Stephanie have a very engaging dynamic as Batgirls, and it’s been the strength of the series to see them working together. It’s a testament to Cloonan, Conrad, and Case’s power as creators to remove part of the equation and still make one of the series’ best issues. Art, colors, lettering, and writing are firing on all cylinders in Batgirls #14 as the creative team proves that sometimes less is more.
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