Psalm of the Lark by JessicaX

Title: Psalm of the Lark
Author: JessicaX

Fanfiction: Batman: The Animated Series
Link: Archive of Our Own

Review:
This is another good solid story - a fanfiction of Batman: The Animated series, focused on Harley Quinn & Batgirl (as in, those, but for a chapter here or there, are the main point of views) - though Batman, and Robin have largish roles (though Tim, the most recent Robin, spends the majority of the story banished from the role of Robin), plus some cameos from others - like Nightwing, The Joker, Penguin, Two Face and Scarecrow (mentioned, not scene).

Right, so - the book opens with Harley falling to her death, while Joker, in a different room, is being shot to death. Except . . . Batgirl had grabbed at Harley as she was beginning to fall, which adjusted the angle and . . . well, to cut this shorter - she lived, but was very badly damaged. Joker, though, died. This is one of those 'holy spoilers Batman!', except that this is how the story opens. Mid-action. With people falling and dying and stuff.

And so - Harley's battered and bruised body was found. She was taken to a hospital then to an insane asylum, whereupon she started down a process that almost no villain ever seems to go down - actually work to became sane again, and 'do the right thing' from there on out. Most, if they get out, likely broke out - and return to a life of crime. Right, so, that's what this story is about - the redemption of Harley - plus, a bit of 'coming out'. For Harley that occurred super fast (at least compared to the other party involved). For the other person? Gah, took forever.

Right, good story.

Sex was implied, but, other than some kissing, hugging, mention of hard nipples, and wet panties, everything more advanced than that was kept 'off screen'. Though either implied or bluntly stated to have occurred (this was some kind of story wherein both of the mains, Harley and Barbara Gordon (I almost called her Batgirl, but then remembered that there have been several different Batgirls) occasionally talk directly to the reader (more in a 'I'm writing a diary type thing and someone might find and read it').

Rating: 4.38

September 24 2017

Batgirl, Vol. 2: Family Business by Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher, Babs Tarr (Illustrations)

Batgirl, Vol. 2: Family Business
by Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher, Babs Tarr (Illustrations)
Pages: 168
Date: February 17 2016
Publisher: DC Comics
Series: Batgirl (Fourth series, Volume 7 in series; 2 in newish reboot)

Review
Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0
Read: August 13 to 20 2016


The Batman Universe has gone all weird on me (though I knew that since this is the second 'Volume' since the change). Batman is dead or gone (I'm not sure if I ever knew). Batgirl's father is the new Batman in an ultra power suit. Batgirl herself is a hipster, and surrounded by a bunch of people I do not recognize (other than Nightwing - who is supposed to be dead (though I've read the series where it came out why he is pretending to be dead - he is working as a spy); despite being 'dead', he sure pops up a lot - and is super icky creepy around Batgirl, interrupting her date, being all clingy, trying to kiss her - then the ending made it look like he was about to kidnap her, though book ended before we find that out; Batwing (though he is operating as Lucius Fox - opening his own company, retiring Batwing); and Papa Gordon (though he is acting as Batman instead of police commisioner).

Plus there was a lesbian wedding. Considering everything, I should have been all over that, right? Lesbian wedding in comicville? But . . . I've no clue who these people are - other than one or the other are supposedly friends of Barbara Gordon (though neither know that she's also Batgirl) - and I believe one is an ex-roommate).

The wedding involving two women (or just a wedding in general) should matter more to me. But I'm too disconnected to the people in this series and I kind of had a meh feeling. Meh, two people getting married - Dick Grayson is interrupting it and acting like a dick; oh they married now (the two lesbians) and . . . fade to Batgirl in bed sleeping. Meh.

Several 'mysteries'/'crimes' are investigated by Batgirl. The one that sticks in my mind is the one involving a tiger wandering around killing and eating people. And I've a vague idea that Batgirl wandered over to Gotham Academy for a spell or too for whatever reason. Meh.

If it hasn't come across yet - the whole thing was kind of meh to me. I doubt I'll continue this series. Then again, I know they just had yet another reboot (DC Comics) so if I did continue, I might find yet another new version of Batgirl. Not actually sure - haven't been paying attention.

August 21 2016