The Basics: Batgirl: Year One is the story of Barbara Gordon the first person to don the mask of Batgirl. The story starts with Barbara Gordon working at her job for the Gotham Public Library where she is unhappy with where she is working.  She wants to be where the action is and is fascinated by reports of "The Batman"  has been trying to get on with the GCPD but is continually denied.  The reader learns that Barbara falls into the role of Batgirl almost by accident when she dresses up in a "Bat" costume mainly tweak her father who she believes is sheltering her and not allowing her to live a move adventurous life.  While at the party there is an attempt to kidnap Bruce Wayne and Barbara chases the villain and foils the attempt.  As the story continues Batgirl pursues Killer Moth and Firefly, teams up with JSA's Black Canary, and is tested by The Batman as to her abilities and worthiness to pursue the crime fighting life style.

Analysis This story shows the growth that Barbara Gordon goes through as a person as she becomes Batgirl and eventually Oracle.  Throughout the story Barbara lies to her father who is curious as to what his daughter is exactly up to and continues to be a vigilante despite the initial disapproval from Batman, while developing her crime fighting skills.  While some parts of the story are kinda hard to believe, like when she breaks in to the headquarters of the JSA to leave a note in order to get te attention of Black Canary, Dixon does an excellent job of making it at least believable.

Chuck Dixon does an excellent job of writing not only Barbara as a strong female character, but also catches Commissioner Gordon as the protective father, Batman as disapproving crime fighter and  Robin as the lovestruck sidekick who assists Barbara with Bat equipment so that she can continue to fight crime and eventually win Batman's approval.

The art in the book is very appropriate to the story and does not take away from the flow of the story even though  it is done in a cartoon-like manner. 

While the book closes with Barbara eventually winning Batman's approval it also provides the forshadowing of her future as a costumed crime fighter.

Closing Thoughts: Batgirl Year One is not only and excellent and fun read but a good example of the philosophical theory known as "moral perfectionism" which is the belief that is that a truly moral life is one that is one where the self is always trying to improve.  This story is a must read for any fan of the Batman series and highly recommended.

If You Liked this story also Try: Batman: The Killing Joke Oracle Year One: Born of Hope (Batman Chronicles #5) Birds of Prey monthly