In Defense of Stephanie Brown

In 2009, when the first issue of Batgirl was announced, I was super excited. Batgirl hadn't had her own series for a few years and the Batgirl mantle had always been a favorite of mine, so you could see how this would be exciting news. Would Cass finally be back in the DCU? Could Babs be possibly getting out of that chair? What about Charlie from Birds of Prey, could she be filling that iconic role? It couldn't possibly be Stephanie Brown, the only person who was a worse Robin than Jason, and solely responsible for starting a gang war. 

FAIL

And yet it was her. A character I absolutely hated, getting to be an integral part of the Bat family. I was devastated, as were many. The fan outcry was loud. Not many were pleased with DC's choice of Batgirl.

But I still picked up the first issue. Even with such a loathsome character. I read it and wondered how quickly it would take Steph to screw it up.

And then I picked up the next issue.

And the next.

And quickly, I was hooked.

When Stephanie wasn't causing gang wars she was pretty, dare I say, cool. Her sole purpose in life wasn't to be Tim Drake's girlfriend, and I was loving it. It seems like Steph spent her entire comic existence trying to prove herself, but once she did, she was on fire. She is witty, smart, and brave. She is fantastic. The storyline's are great, the dialogue is whip smart, and Stephanie Brown is currently one of my favorite characters. This is all due to the fantastic writer Brian Q Miller.

But now, after 3 more issues Bryan Miller will be off the book. It's being relaunched and Barbara Gordon will be returning to the mantle, and to top if off it's being written by Gail Simone.  If you told me this two years ago I would be ecstatic. Nothing would have made me happier. Believe me I am super excited. It's my favorite character being able to walk and kick ass using her legs again. But this victory is bitter sweet. I will miss Steph. I think she's shown so much growth as a character, and I was looking forward to seeing her find her place in the DCU. With the reboot she will probably live in the background again.

Plus,  I'll miss Brian Miller, who right now doesn't have any immediate plans with DC, but anyone who can get such turnaround on a character is worth their computer in gold. DC would be fools not to give him another book.

But man, even with this book ending it's been an awesome run. Stephanie proving herself worthy, lipping off Damian, partnering with Supergirl, and working alongside my favorite witch boy.

I refuse to say goodbye to Stephanie Brown and Brian Miller

Only farewell, for now.

The only person who wears purple better is
Galactus