Batgirl and the Birds of Prey, Vol. 1: Who Is Oracle?

During a typical night of caped crime-fighting, Barbara Gordon (aka Batgirl) discovers that an imposter has claimed her former moniker, Oracle, and started selling information to Gotham’s Mafia families. To uncover the culprit, she recruits metahuman Black Canary, her former Birds of Prey partner, and—after a car chase, an exchange of fists and kicks, and witty banter—they convince the vengeance-hungry Huntress to join their cause. The past and present for each of these Birds come to the forefront along with identity issues and family drama, in between exploding server farms, snake-like adversaries, and unlikely underworld criminals. There are some implausible in-the-nick-of-time escapes and rescues, plus three kooky surprise twists, but the Benson sisters (TV’s The 100) provide a snappy script, and the artwork and coloring are expressive and action-filled. Those who like their superheroics super-dramatic will enjoy this spirited entry into the oft-grim world of Gotham. (Apr.)