07-05-2025
Review – Batgirl #7: The Testament of Shiva
Batgirl #7 cover, via DC Comics.
Ray: The first arc of this brilliant title was a high-octane action-adventure, as Cassandra Cain was forced to team up with her estranged mother to go up against an army of assassins. In the end, the two were put through the wringer and Cass confronted the toxic legacy her mother had passed down and ultimately decided to cut her off – only to have the choice taken out of her hands when Shiva sacrificed herself to allow Cass to escape. With Shiva presumed dead, Cass is left to explore her complex feelings for her mother – and delve deeper into her life, as Shiva has left behind a journal that turns back the clock. Back then, Shiva was a young girl in a nomadic family that was one step ahead of a maurauding army along with her mother, father – and sister, who played a key role in her origin. The two girls ultimately escaped an attack as their parents bought them enough time to get to safety – and that's where the story really begins. Phone call home. Via DC Comics.
The two girls find their way to a mountain village, a place filled with wise men, medicine women – and martial arts masters. While her sister fits into the village and embraces life there, the girl who would be Shiva dedicates herself solely to fighting and becomes a master to defend the village. But their bond leads them to cross a pair of cruel bandits, which brings down hell on the village – with the bandit leader having a shocking tie to the characters. Depending on how this story plays out, this character could still be alive in the present day. Isaac Goodhart guest-stars on art this issue, and I can't say enough good things about his style. His work is almost painted in places, and his characters are wonderfully expressive. We're seeing this story of Shiva's origin for the first time through Cass' eyes, and that adds a lot of emotion to the fantastical tale as it unfolds in bloody and fast-paced fashion.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
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