Batgirl's New Costume Makes a Genius Change to Her Mask DC Needs to Keep
Warning: Spoilers for Birds of Prey #11
Cassandra Cain already has one of the most iconic masks in Gotham City, but now Batgirl has an even cooler version of her classic look. DC debuts a brand-new and short-lived costume for Batgirl Cass Cain, and it sports a badass tear in her mask that looks exactly like a scar.
In Birds of Prey #11 by Kelly Thompson, Javier Pina, Robbi Rodriguez, and Gavin Guidry, the Birds land in a strange new world, facing an animal onslaught that not even Vixen can see coming. Thankfully, the pocket dimension allows for a quick costume change — for all the Birds, Batgirl included — better suited to the environment and for their current situation, which is, of course, drop-kicking dinosaurs.
These new outfits revel in the badassery of all the Birds of Prey, from Big Barda’s strength to Black Canary’s signature style. But the highlight of the issue comes from the quietest of the Bat-Family: Batgirl. With a surplus of Bats in similar costumes, Cassandra Cain’s scar across her eye certainly marks her asthe deadliest heroine in Gotham. And it should stay that way.
The art of fashion is being embraced through the medium of comics by way of a fashion show held in the confides of the latest Birds of Prey issue.
This costume won't be permanent, as the Birds' outfits change as they jump through dimensions, but Batgirl's mask tear feels like the right choice for her character. Before Damian Wayne, Cassandra Cain was the first Batman ally to be raised as an assassin from birth. With a killer for a father, her mood is dark and foreboding, and this new jungle-inspired outfit only adds to her aura, as it showcases her deadly quiet and seriousness. The scar also hearkens back to the style of her first appearance as Batgirl, with a mask stitched shut, completely covering her face.
These scars are what define a hero's character and show us just how far they have come.
Cassandra has never been mistaken for fellow Batgirl, sunny-smiled Barbara Gordon in her bright costume. Her brooding presence is such a part of her, it’s no wonder Bruce Wayne adopted her, too. Cassandra deserves something in her costume tha's a more distinct reflection of her personality. DC has the chance to give Cass her own special style, especially one that reflects her iconic '90s and '00s costume. The pride of a Bat-Family member, of course, has always been how they wear the Bat-symbol in their own way.
No hero is without their scars. Not even a Batgirl is exempt — just ask Barbara Gordon. These scars are what define a hero’s character and show us just how far they have come. It’s about time that Cassandra Cain had some physical evidence to remind everyone how much she’s faced and that she overcame it anyway.
No doubt the Birds of Prey will soon be on their way through the pocket universe, changing costumes yet again. Barbara will be found, and the dinosaurs will be smacked into next week. But the Birds of Prey won’t come out of this tussle without a few scratches. For this Batgirl, those scratches just show how powerful she is.
Birds of Prey #11 is available now from DC Comics!
BIRDS OF PREY #11 (2024) |
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