This may be the nerdiest thing I’ve ever stated, but it’s hard for me to confirm it.  In my long life of nerdom, other things may have been mentioned, whispered, or thought, but right now, this one takes the cake.  Simply put:  I want to marry Barbara Gordon.  And I don’t say that in a way that’s just me saying it.  It means I want to find someone like her and marry them.  Pronto.

In this incredibly amazing arc, Nicieza has woven a tale that proves to us all just what made/makes Barbara Gordon so special to the Bat family.  In this issue, her adorability factor is proven to be set at the highest register as she outwits the prisoners of Arkham.  The way she fights, thinks and feels over the course of this story is completely human, and her nice thought bubbles as she fights for her life are so great.  Even her dialogue with the different villains and her reactions (especially when the Joker shows up) are exactly how you would expect a new Bat recruit to respond.  She’s quick witted, tough, and a hell of a crime fighter.  It’s almost too bad she’s Oracle now.

Of course, the version of Barbara Gordon that I want to marry is the one that Kevin Maguire draws.  We’ve all talked about what a great artist he is, but his female figure is to die for.  It’s soft yet strong.  Sexy yet not disproportioned or overbearing (Frank Cho, I’m looking at you!).  The females in this arc are simply beautiful to look at.  There’s also this edge of humor to his figures in the way that they express themselves.  It’s a looseness in them that smarmy, intelligent individuals often have, and it’s completely compelling when paired with Catwoman or an overly confident Batgirl.  It’s just some of the best art out there, and it really added a lot to this arc.