Batgirl #15 (HERE BE SPOILERS!)

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I've probably been most consistently impressed with this title of all the Bat-related DCnU titles.  (In fact, of all the DC titles that I'm getting, I probably would only place "Earth 2" above it.)  Simone just really seems to get the DCnU concept, showing us a familiar Barbara, but with some important differences.  Perhaps the most notable one is that she's more aggressive than usual, from her fighting style to her personal relationships.  Simone really takes that ball and runs with it here, using the "Death of the Family" conceit better than anyone else so far as she shows how Joker brings out the darkest characteristics of his opponents.

Whereas Snyder seems more focused on the question of whether Joker knows the identities of the Bat-family, Simone really picks up the other major theme of this event, the fact that Joker is even more brilliantly unbalanced than he normally is.  We see it in this issue with his fairly elaborate plan for making Barbara his bride, an emotionally devastating proposal that goes beyond simply torturing her and strikes at the heart of their disturbing relationship.  But, as I mentioned above, Simone has Joker bring out the worst in Barbara, showing a level of aggression that impresses Joker.  Batgirl not only pounds on him severely, fueled by rage and a fantasy of killing him, but she clearly also has a plan up her sleeve.  After all, do we really think that she just went to buy flowers and a veil?  The best part is that Simone shows us that Joker is more than likely aware of the fact that Barbara is going to come at him and, in fact, is titillated by it, excited to see what she throws at him.  Unlike Batman, who seems totally off his game, Barbara is meeting Joker step for brilliant step and I honestly can't wait to see where we go.

Finally, Simone really ups the ante by pulling James into the mix.  James clearly views his mother and sister as his toys and he's angry that Joker is playing with him.  The prospect of the new Joker playing with the old Joker?  Exciting.  So far, "Batgirl" is saving "Death of the Family" for me and I'd recommend anyone enjoying this event to pick up these issues.