Our reintroduction to Barbara Gordon in the new DC universe is here in the first issue of Batgirl. DC’s decision to replace the premiere handicapped heroine of their universe evoked significant controversy. In an effort to streamline their wild continuity and put their heroes back on track in both substance and name, would DC lose something ineffably vital by allowing Barbara Gordon to walk again? Fans have pressured Gail Simone and her creative team to revise the cherished character in a way that pays justice to her past. With some minor misgivings about the art and plot, the first issue of Batgirl lays the structure for a new direction with the character while respecting the original source material. The artwork is bright and dynamic, running in line with the DC New’s concept. Expect vibrant colors and bold actions leaping out of the page. Some action is lost in the smaller frames, but the large set pieces show the detailed hand of the art team and keep consistent with the new aesthetic. Simone delivers an action packed story meant to draw in and hook readers. While the pace remains steady in the key action sequences, readers only get a glimpse of Barbara Gordon’s life outside of the nighttime occupation. What I've enjoyed about Batgirl and Barbara Gordon alike is the struggle to balance the two worlds of crime fighting with the mundane, everyday humdrum. I realize that Simone is setting up for the future, but the whole issue seems a little rushed. For fans of Oracle, I expect they will have mixed responses to Gordon’s past gestured toward in this issue. I expected Simone would leave out the crippling wound altogether, but it’s there, explained for our interpretation and evaluation. It adds an interesting layer to the story, but moving on from the past would help differentiate this new Batgirl from the old one and, more importantly, from Oracle. Despite some minor reservations about the plot and artwork, the first issue of Batgirl offers readers old and new an exciting reintroduction to Barbara Gordon as a frontline vigilante. If Simone and her team can combine the fun and intimate characterization with stable action, this looks like a promising new beginning.