The Lost Batgirl - Stephanie Brown - A Retrospective

[@timogul]

"Since Oracle had become such a strong character, there was no sense going back." -TRUTH BOMB.

[@CulturePhilter]

And yet they eventually did. *sigh*

[@Xehanort10]

They should have kept her as Oracle. The fact that she managed to bounce back from Joker crippling her and still do good proved he didn't beat her. So they didn't have to give her back the use of her legs and have her become Batgirl again. Some idiot involved in comics said "What kind of stupid hero moves about in a wheelchair?" Well Charles Xavier for one.

[@webtely]

Yeah this statement sounds absolutely hilarious because of what they did a couple of years later. Makes me hate didio even more.

[@chihiromononoke9381]

Cassandra Cain is easily the best Batgirl.

[@chihiromononoke9381]

@@Xehanort10 The Killing Joke is overrated and a mistake. Alan Moore disavowed it. They should cripple Grayson or Drake and make him the new Oracle.

[@Malthizar]

"...The things she wants. _A relationship with Dick..._ " Grayson's name will never not be funny.

[@manis1551]

The friendship between Cassandra Cain and Stephanie is one of the best friendships in DC as the interactions between the two were fun to read.

[@rebel-by-design]

Honestly, I don't get why people feel the need to make it so much of a competition for the Batgirl title for this very reason. Cass and Steph are great friends and Babs mentors both directly. I love all three and their relationships. I understand having a preference, but I want all three around and their histories as Batgirl acknowledged.

[@tbcat2001]

You mean post or pre flashpoint continuity?

[@manis1551]

@@tbcat2001 both

[@Libikuroi]

It's so frustrating that the big 2 never can have legacies and always have to reset everything. And ruining developing relationships and new characters.

[@Lukecash2]

@@Libikuroi It’s fanboy who become creators who ruin everything. Dan DiDio was very creative as a publisher, but he suffered from “No, things have to be as I remembered as a kid” Thus Wally, Kyle, and Stephanie were reset to Barry, Hal and Barbra. In all honesty, Barry that the mainstream knows is actually Wally West. Cassandra and Stephanie never had a chance, as Sasha said, Barbra Gordon was always in everyone’s TV

[@WannabeWryter]

The Bat family needs more recognition. Enough Young Batman finding his favorite gargoyle to brood on. Give us more of the Best Dysfunctional Family in Comics.

[@jelancritic3158]

Yes ... This ... More

[@amaristudent9456]

👍🏾🦇 👨‍👧‍👦👨‍👧‍👦

[@qwellen7521]

Given how many time DC rebooted the universe in recent years; You’d think writers would’ve had the time build up a Batman/robin status quo. I’d still be interested in Batman series where dick Grayson (as robin) is the functionally protagonist.

[@tbcat2001]

THIS

[@tobydawes6007]

do you think they would ever make a film about the bat family?

[@sampew1605]

Stephanie and Damien's relationship was pretty funny every time

[@Xehanort10]

Didn't Damian fancy her and Kara when he was younger? I think there were some comics where he did.

[@robertthreadgill5356]

Like an spunky older sister and her angry little brother

[@GenerationWest]

It's weird knowing for a time that Stephanie was a prominent Batgirl, with a run that had actual ending if she never popped up again, not many characters get that luxury. But as of now, her history, growth, and presence is just, not, there anymore. This could change, but I was there in those New 52 days, and the pain Stephanie fans had could be felt through a screen. (Loved her cameos in Young Justice, and Artgerm is a Art God.)

[@robs6952]

I think Artgerm and his talents are the main reason I struggled to find these for a decent price for years! :D

[@katymoore4678]

@@diesenutss And then as soon as she left detective comics she basically just became "Tim's girlfriend" for a few years. Really felt it when she showed up in that Dark Metal tie-in last year to just stand around a team she was never in with Tim's arm around her.

[@angryspork610]

@@diesenutss *Thank you!* I finally read Tynion's 'Tec run to review my own channel, and she just got worse as time went on. She's not done as terribly as Cass, but still--yikes. I struggle to see how fans of either of those characters think Tynion did them any justice.

[@spencerpreston7900]

New 52 and Rebirth Steph is so much wasted potential, off panel events, only being Tim’s girlfriends, and bad storylines

[@chihiromononoke9381]

Cassandra Cain is much cooler. She is also cooler than Babs.

[@rabnerd28]

"I still blame Barry." So do I Sasha.

[@aceshighdueceslow]

I blame Geoff Johns, personally

[@rackstraw]

"Dammit, Barry!"

[@Werewolf914]

Me too Barry meddles with the timeline more than kids and a Dog meddle with shady Real Estate Agents.

[@AustynSN]

I came to say the same thing. Barry Allen is a chronocidal maniac.

[@dylsdesktop]

@@Werewolf914 “and I would’ve gotten away with it too, if it wasn’t for you meddling kids and the dog!”

[@ItsAVolcano]

The first scene that ever got me to care about Stephanie Brown actually happened during Cassandra Cain's Batgirl run. While watching her train Steph constantly begs Cassandra for a full out sparring match, to which a very reluctant Cassandra finally agrees to. The result is a full page of silent panels showing Stephanie getting utterly wrecked, ending with her on her knees puking her guts out; and Steph's first words after Cassandra asks if they're still friends is to ask for another "match" next week.

[@dallasgrey4247]

Stephanie Brown will always be the best Batgirl. Her relationship with the Bat family was solid, and she had strong pathos. If only the Bat family titles didn't start those big crossovers that lead into The New 52.

[@genevieveowusu885]

What do you mean by "pathos"?

[@Wandasolosurfavs]

Facts

[@minimimiXV]

I loved Steph as Batgirl so much. And with the new Gotham Knights game I feel like a mistake has been made. They have Babs as Batgirl but it should be Cass or Steph. Babs has had her exposure and it just feels like the others deserve their chance too. Great vid I hope more people come to love Steph

[@chihiromononoke9381]

Cassandra Cain is easily the best and most metal Batgirl.

[@ishaaqmartin3564]

Also also. Oracle is unequaled in technology manipulation and information management. With no Big Bat it would totally make sense for Oracle to take over "mission control".

[@AgeoftheGeek_]

@@chihiromononoke9381 I agree with this, however you don’t need to spam this under every comment about Steph as batgirl. It’s too aggressive and all you will do is turn people off Cass because it will get annoying. Just try re-phrasing it to “Cass was also a great batgirl and deserves to be acknowledged”. That way you don’t come off, well, like a prick. Have a good one mate 👍🏾

[@JaheemHoushakuji]

I've been saying this like even with some of the modern animated movies. Damien has stayed as robin so why can't Steph be the Batgirl that goes with him. Like this would've especially been perfect for that tmnt crossover. No disrespect to Babs she's the OG and definitely the smartest batgirl, but she has decades of screen time. Where she's been Batgirl along side every other robin. (Which really makes her age super inconsistent). Cass is the best fighter by far. Stephs heart and personality under the cowl is really overlooked and she has her own distinct wit. Similar but not identical to a young Barbra. I think if you want a classic story you go with Dick and Barbra as the sidekicks, and if He's Nightwing ofc use Tim. But can you imagine if we saw other pairings like Tim/Cass or Damien/Steph or even the other way around

[@vullord666]

We seriously need more Cass, Steph, and Duke in Batman media. Also for that matter Tim and Jason. It's crazy how batman adaptions can only be bothered to use Dick and Babs consistently with everyone else seemingly decided based on a coin flip that Steph, Cass, and Duke never get invited to. It's also confusing how they insist on using Damian when his story doesn't make sense without including Jason, Tim, and Steph (Bruce only balances Damian out after having learned from his mistakes with the other Robin's and Tim all around being amazing and redefining the role of Robin).

[@qwellen7521]

“How did the grey ghost get back on the streets so fast?” It’s Gotham, it basically works on GTA logic.

[@Cesaryeyo]

Watching the Snyder cut with a friend, every time I said something like "Is he really just gonna let his son in with a casket carried by a bunch of weirdos and ask no questions?" He said "it's Gotham, that probably happens a few times a week." And like, yeah, no lies detected.

[@lakshaykochhar6799]

Joker is just an regular online player.

[@unholynerd4608]

I've always liked Stephanie even tho I grew up with Cass. She was a good dynamic with all the serious characters at the time, shame dc done anyone who isn't Bruce, Dick or Jason dirty rn.

[@chihiromononoke9381]

Cassandra Cain is awesome. She is easily the best Batgirl.

[@HELLO_KORO]

DC absolutely fumbled the bag on Tim,Cass,Steph and Duke

[@RobinRhombus2]

“I'm pretty sure Batman's legal, detective,” had me rolling.

[@uncannyrman]

Cass is my favourite Batgirl, but it is good to see Stephanie get some recognition.

[@valeyard951]

Straight up Cassandra is my Batgirl. Cassandra was the best in my opinion as she flipped the script way before Damien and was diversity done right. She was asian american, mute and was never denoted to these factors but rather they were just part of her origin and make up of why Cassandra was so darn good. Her origin did suffer from Bronze Age edge but it was played as a motivator not a shock factor. My only issue was the whole Deathstroke Titans turning her "evil" which was just stupid. Steph is dope though but she will always be Spoiler to me in the same way when I think Robin I think Tim Drake.

[@manis1551]

"Since Oracle had become such a strong character, there was no sense going back." Reverting Barbara Gordon into being Batgirl was a lazy and wrong decision in my opinion but that's a discussion for another day.

[@tbcat2001]

Well, they are sort of re reverting that now...

[@brendanbarr7612]

agree

[@arslanbaig1943]

I kinda understand what you're saying here. But, it's not as controversial as it might seem. As some folks wanted babara to become Batgirl again.

[@mikhaelgribkov4117]

@@tbcat2001 at least without gun.

[@startheteenagewitch2585]

Batgirl, in my opinion, shines with her interacting with the people of the city. Being a hero that has a connection with Gotham. As much as I love Oracle, Babs can’t do that if she’s shoved in a clock tower. So I actually liked the reversion

[@veronicagroner6533]

Although Cass is like my second favorite dc character of all time and I like Barbra, I think Steph was amazing as Batgirl and definitely the most fun to read. She deserves more from both canon and the fandom. But of course she's a bat which means there always going to be messing her and her relationships up somehow.

[@DakotaNorth14]

I really loved this series because it was a Batman Family that actually felt like the cast of characters were an actual sort of family, especially the big sister/little brother thing she had going on with Damien. It also worked really well with what Morrison had going on with Batman Inc at the time IMHO

[@mauricecherry1209]

All I want is more interactions between Tim and Steph because I still ship them Also you’re not the only one who remembered the pregnancy plot. It was handled very well in my opinion.

[@genevieveowusu885]

Dude, I ship them too! What's your favorite moment between the doofus duo?

[@mauricecherry1209]

@@genevieveowusu885 Most of their interactions during the pregnancy plot

[@genevieveowusu885]

@@mauricecherry1209 That's pretty cool. Just nice to see another TimSteph fan..

[@kadegetslaid634]

Exactly 😭 ditch bernard their relationship is so boring to me

[@ggt47]

A bisexual male with his Hetero girlfriend. Usually it is the opposite.

[@AFP686]

That "Cassandra for life" at the end made my day. She is the most underrated superhero.

[@mcbatmaniac2291]

Stephanie’s was one of my favorite Batgirl runs ever

[@thomaswagner9875]

Stephanie is my favorite Batgirl. I watched her grow from her Spoiler stage, to assuming the Robin mantle, then graduating into becoming Batgirl. Loved her interaction with Barbara and their growing friendship. I felt betrayed when DC kicked her back to being Spoiler and reverting Barbara into being Batgirl again.

[@tinymxnticore]

Last time I was this early Stephanie “wasn’t really Robin” 🦇

[@jazzmyn5804]

I was about to say ARE WE NOT GONNA BRING UP HER PREGNANCY??? (and subsequent adoption b/c I like the way they handled that storyline)

[@66logan6]

My favorite Batgirl. Awesome! She doesn't get enough love.

[@-stage_number_03-95]

Stephanie Brown has quickly became one of my favorite characters in the Batman family, and I was happy to see her in any role. I think she did great s batgirl, and spoiler. I don’t care how I see her, as long as I see her. I am a bit disappointed that her batgirl comic essentially got wasted (it was so good!), but I suppose I’m content.

[@robs6952]

I don't know what the DC/Warners problem with Batgirls is - if they don't wipe out their uniqueness (Babs and Cassie), they try to wipe them from existence! (Steph and Bette) - I like all the Batgirls as they all give something different. It still annoys me that they made Grant Morrison remove Steph from her important role in the middle of the Leviathan storyline (now I'm deleting text and reminding myself to calm down and not start thinking about the New 52 - happy thoughts, happy thoughts).

[@lifelessons7401]

I had no idea that Stephanie and Damian bonded in such a way! Very sweet and interesting at the same time, giving younger brother-older sister vibes. *sigh* again something that has gone lost completely. Is it just me or are the interactions within the batfamily becoming scarcer? That's a shame since they are my favorite comics family. Great video! Hope to see more videos in this style!

[@rajamicitrenti1374]

"It's only the end if you want it to be." Sounds like the writers going "Yes, give us fanfic since we can't do more!"

[@clerkwithamouth]

Steph has very quickly risen to my second favorite bat family member, right behind Jason.

[@jameljenks2584]

I love Steph as batgirl. She seemed like she had the most fun out of all of them. Her relationship with Barb had me laughing. Cassandra is always Cassandra no matter what her hero name is. Steph rocked it well.

[@Thedude38356]

Stephanie Brown is one of my favorite DC characters ever. I love when she gets videos made on her history, because she is so underrated in the series.

[@Rei-Rei]

I love Steph and I thought her Batgirl run was the most fun. She had been so horribly treated by DC editorial it was amazing to see her get a really good series for a little while. I also love Cass and consider the first 24 issues of her Batgirl run to be one of my favourite runs of comics ever.

[@thepokemonmaster264]

This run truly means so much to me. Will always love Steph.

[@genevieveowusu885]

Not much of a comic book fan, but I thoroughly agree.

[@tinymxnticore]

Loving the “Spoiler” purple 💜

[@WindyPoplars95]

Steph is what got me into DC... right as new 52 hit and she got wiped from existence. She has so much potential, and when done well she is still my favorite, but DC wrecks her more than they use her well. I love the Batgirl series

[@mccaggers1032]

I love Stephanie so much! I wish she spent more time as Batgirl for sure.

[@8mad]

I LOVE Stephanie's Batgirl run, it was so much fun. Plus my favorite dynamic is Dick (Batman), Damian (Robin), with Stephanie as their Batgirl. I love each of the Batgirls for different reasons. Barbara is probably my favorite just in general sense that I love the character in any role she takes similar to Dick. Though, I do like that she evolves became Oracle. Cassandra for me works with Bruce and Tim, really fits their leaving Stephanie as Spoiler. An identity she had all on her own. But, one of the things I love is the relationship between Stephanie and Damian that I feel gets lost. They did grow to care for each other, something not many can say with Damian outside of Dick and now Jon.

[@buraddorun3043]

I really enjoyed Steph's Batgirl run. Cassandra is my favorite Batgirl, though. I really hope DC finds a way to use them that respects their legacies and gives us entertaining reads, whether as Batgirls or something else.

[@toxicsnails]

So glad you referenced Steph's pregnancy - I wish they'd talk about it at all.

[@Keldroc]

"It's only the end if you want it to be." *POOT!*

[@WarmLillie]

It’s time to send some love and appreciation to this other batgirl incarnation.

[@bombseel]

This has motivated me to finally read all of Stephanie's run, I'm so excited

[@tretozo]

"Brutalized by Wonder Dog" Comics, in a nutshell.

[@railfanqld]

I love the Stephanie Brown character. My fave Bat-Side kick

[@bigchill6788]

One of my favourite series . It is very fun , well-written ,balanced , uplifting and it really solidified Steph as one of my favourite DC characters. Not to mention the amazing relationship she built with Barbara and Damian , which we unfortunately couldn't see more of.

[@iknight93]

The first Batgirl run I read! Loved her interactions with Damian!

[@scofisticated]

I never read a full Steph comic except for her appearance in Convergence (which directly mentions her pregnancy). But even though I observed her story only through reference and wiki, I really like it. I was pissed that she was teased in Young Justice season 2, and was a mere cameo in S3. I'm glad she's back, to whatever degree. And hope to hear more of her.

[@nearlynormel8242]

If anyone hasn't read this series, they should. Its such a fun book and an absolute gem. Stephanie by far is my favorite comic book character and deserves more respect.

[@tgif1345]

I loved Stephanie Brown as Batgirl. Not only had I grown up reading Steph as Spoiler in Robin in the '90s, but this Batgirl series is what got me back into comics in general and back into modern comics as I spent much of the 2000s catching up on classic Batman storylines like A Death in the Family and Knightfall, as I had never read those storylines in their entirety when I was a kid. This, Batman, Batman and Robin, and Batman Incorporated are the books I kept up to date with as each issue was coming out as often as possible because, I too was in college at the time this book was coming out, so I didn't have time to go to the comic book store more than once a month. And it was fun. Particularly the dynamics between Steph and the other characters. It almost felt like this book started the dynamics we would end up seeing in the Arrowverse shows, as well as later shows like Stargirl.

[@Jasontoddss]

I really love Steph as batgirl and I LOVE her adorable interactions with Damien :')

[@AssassinsClaw]

I’m not much of a comic reader and I adore Stephanie, her Batgirl run is one of the few comic runs I own all of the issues for. It’s a shame she’s been left at the wayside for the most part since the New 52 as she’s such a fantastic character in my opinion, so I hope there’s is a writer in future that will treat her with the respect she deserves.

[@GleeChan]

Imagine that... Damien being bratty.

[@finncarolan1663]

STEPHANIE GETTING HER NOTICE

[@WarmLillie]

I really love that version of batgirl suit and character. She sounds pretty interesting and fun.

[@usuitakumi4210]

I've never heard of Stephanie as Batgirl but after hearing your take I do like her in that role. Also the younger version of Batgirl in DC Kids and other shows remind me more of Stephanie than Barbara Gordon, even though she is going by Barbara there

[@Artemisa97]

Steph is my favorite Batgirl, I REALLY love this whole run. No, I'm not okay, didn't you just heard that I love Stephanie Brown???? I only know suffering TT

[@brendanbarr7612]

Thank you! This was a great reminder to go back and read the Steph AND Cassandra books. Cassandra may be my favorite Batgirl, but Steph is my favorite Batfamily member her storied rise to acceptance her unique optimism in the Bat books and her very strong tied to ALL the batfamilly make her a fully realized character to me and adds so much weight to her stories.

[@DaVeO52]

Loved this run with Steph. New52 really screwed up my DC collecting. Really hated that Steph was no longer BG. She was fun.

[@Luke-fu5co]

This is so weird i was literally just talking to my sister about Stephanie and 3 minutes later this notification pops up🤣

[@njsoapdish]

Stephanie definitely deserves more love!

[@firesnakex8]

Steph will always be my favorite bat girl.

[@AidanXiang]

Thank you for doing a piece of steph. She is my favorite robin and needed some love.

[@minimimiXV]

Ahhh Steph my beloved

[@MidnightAge]

To this day, this era of DC is still my favorite. I loved the Green Lantern run of this time, I loved the evolution of Tim and Stephanie over the course; how they grew from reckless teenagers to heroes in their own right. I miss when characters could grow like this.

[@alessandrolenares8563]

I started reading DC Comics around that exact time, so I can proudly say she was my Batgirl. It was a really fun ride, and I would have loved it if she had lasted longer in that mantle because she had so much potential but, you know, NEW 52 :(

[@juliusmaloney]

I loved the Stephanie Brown series so much!! She really should have had the Batgirl mantle once Barbara became Oracle. Forever. 💔

[@martywolf2011]

Stephanie Brown from her first appearance in Tim Drakes Robin series became (and still is) my favourite literary character

[@dinoracleofseasons8095]

Stephanie is my favorite DC character, she's very relatable and funny, and I have a soft spot for characters who go trough a lot but still stay optimistic, thank you so much for this video

[@eberwald4438]

17:02 I never knew I wanted Stephwing till just now. Thank you!

[@WarmLillie]

14:02 *Lillie covers her shirt* I’m not ripping it off, What I’m wearing underneath isn’t exactly Super or Batman theme. Lets just say more Wonder Woman...

[@Libikuroi]

I know it's been a while but I can't get over what they did to stephanie and Cassandra's relationship. Really liked their friends over having f-up fathers. They really had something special until they made it toxic.

[@kellyrusk8015]

"The Oscars Best Picture Method of Voting...The One We Hate the Least." GREAT line!!

[@tomorrow4eva]

What I love about Steph is that while she got into crime-fighting to better her own life by putting away her dad, she decided to stay in because she enjoyed it and liked helping people. And she stuck to it, despite a lot of discouragement from Batman, despite her peers being boy-genius Tim and uber-assassin Cass, despite the pregnancy, the torture, and how easy it would be to go back to a 'normal' life. I enjoyed her run as Batgirl, especially considering she came after Cass (and who looks good as a follow-up act to Cass?!). I like Babs as Oracle and Cass as Black Bat, because I feel they have grown into themselves more. I like Steph as Batgirl for the same reason, but I don't mind it being a stepping stone for her to something else. She's fun and determined. I love her having a big-sister vibe to Damien: Just think, he had Dick and Steph as his primary mentors into the Batfamily. He could not have done better in terms of people who want him to enjoy himself both in and out of the costume. I think that is brilliant. I attended the 2007 Wizard World Convention in LA, and got to ask someone from DC about Stephanie's memorial case. It was super fun, because I phrased it "I came all the way from Australia, and I want to ask you about Steph's memorial in the Batcave". And one of the panelists was so perturbed he came up to me afterwards in case that was my sole reason (it wasn't, but it was an awesome opportunity to support Steph).

[@AgeoftheGeek_]

I absolutely love Stephanie, her batgirl run was amazingly fun and it was great to see her interactions with Damian. Cass Cain is my fav DC character of all time but I loved Steph’s run I truly did. Babs is my least fav “batgirl” but I love her as Oracle. Oracle is a justice league level character imo. She really did run Gotham based off information.

[@cervanno05]

Stephanie as Batgirl was such an awesome run! I really got into comics during the Batman Reborn series. I was kinda sad when they rebooted everything because the stories were awesome.

[@katnerd6712]

Stephanie's Batgirl series was a bit of a favorite of mine. Primarily because it reminded me of how comics were done when I was a teenager back in the 80's. It was fun, the characters were distinct from each other, Stephanie had a journey and a struggle to contend with. Most importantly you could, mostly, read the entire series without having to go outside of it. Stephanie's book was about Stephanie and her stories with almost no cross over. It should be said that I also think that all the "Crisis" books with the exception of "Crisis on Infinite Earths" were abominations that should be excised from all history both real and imaginary.

[@alertwolf]

Her sisterly relationship with Damion help fix both characters.

[@shayneh4243]

I love Stephanie Brown! I’m so glad she’s back as spoiler. Removing her and Cassandra cain was a massive mistake

[@andrewpragasam]

Honestly, even as a lifelong Barbara Gordon fan I loved Stephanie Brown as Batgirl: costume, quips, peppy personality and all. She doesn't deserve to be a punching bag for Bat-fans.

[@marcelocoronado7805]

Please can we have a Batgirl playlist? I'd really love if you did a deep dive on Cassandra Cain.

[@sunshineyrainbows13]

I love Stephanie Brown so so much. Her and Tim's relationship fundamentally changed me as a teenager, lol. Still love them and their drama. Still believe they're as endgame as Dick and Babs. 💜

[@lakshaykochhar6799]

How exactly Barbara and Dick are endgame? I understand stephanic and tim, but not former.

[@JuneieBack]

The fact that we went from 1 batgirl to no batgirls to a new batgirl to another new batgirl to the old batgirl to now 3 batgirls (Since Barbara is now both Batgirl and Oracle) is kinda crazy. Yet it’s still pretty tame to comic book standards.

[@webtely]

I was never a big Batgirl fan but Stephanie taking up the mantle made me interested in finally reading a Batgirl book and it was amazing it's my favourite Batgirl run I really didn't like how DC didn't acknowledge Cass and Steph's history as Batgirls I am glad they're doing it now I don't mind all three of them sharing the mantle.

[@Bladescorpion83]

The smirk and confidence in her eyes in issue 12 make that one of my top issue covers. Always thought the interactions with Damian were great as well.

[@sherbert1321]

Steph’s Batgirl series was the first comic series I read from start to finish. Will always love her for that.

[@brokenbridge6316]

Great video Sasha. I loved it. Stephanie Brown is a very interesting character and deserves to leave the comics more. She should become better known to more regular people.

[@reni344]

I just bought the 2 volumes that collects these books I remember reading this book and Batman and Robin religiously when it came out. It is so much fun. The first volume can be very expensive now though.

[@joshuakinney8558]

This series was coming out during my favorite era of Batman. The pre-52 Bat-Verse was in the best shape it had ever been (shoutout to Grant Morrison) and no one more so than Stephanie. I got into Batman during Wargames (my poor sheltered psyche was not ready for Black Mask’s pepper shaker), I loved the characters but thought the writing was gratuitously violent and flat. The same issue with a lot of media in the late 2000s. I back tracked Robin issues until I collected the entire Stephanie in the costume arc. I loved the issues (shoutout to this channel for mentioning Detective #796 and Wizards magazine #150) and was bummed out when she was fired after three issues. “At least she’ll be around as the Spoiler,” I ignorantly thought moments before I read her tortuous death. I thought Batman comics collectively durdled until Morrison took over the main book. Morrison and the other Bat-Scribes consolidated the Bat-Verse into a cohesive collective world which honored every character. Everyone had a role and (in my view) the Batfam had never been in such a rich and harmonious state. Especially Stephanie. After being done dirty like so many women in 90+ years of comics, Stephanie finally had a solid mantle and equal role in the DCU. And her series was a fun read to boot! I should’ve known it was too good to be true. Stephanie could hardly finish her single issue of Batman Incorporated before being wiped from existence. The new 52 hit Batman hard and those of us who’d invested our hearts, time, and cash were left without a paddle. I’m glad Stephanie is around, she’ll always be one of the best bats in the belfry, but I can’t help but wonder what might have been if DC didn’t detonate continuity for a few extra bucks. My favorite head cannon is a world where Stephanie wasn’t fired as Robin and her and Cass got their own series. Thanks for your content! Excellent research and presentation.

[@jasonroberts7558]

Can we get a Cassandra Kane Batgirl video, please? Her time as Batgirl was both fun and gritty sprinkled with a dash of credulity stretching logic. Everything comics should be.

[@amandak.5967]

I love this comic so much! Steph is so hopeful and strong and her interactions/relationships with other characters are fascinating. I do remember her teenage pregnancy. I feel like DC comics has done this before, as in had a secret pregnancy/adoption arc then never brought it up again. Which feels like a missed opportunity. When it comes to exploring the effects of more mature topics, DC tends to stick with death and abusive family dynamics, everything else is up in the air.

[@leightyberg4631]

Late to this party, but Steph's book was such a joy when it was coming out. I was heartbroken when they dumped her and Cass, whom we'd seen so little of after she handed Steph the Batgirl mantel. (I think her biggest appearance during that time was Gates of Gotham?) Bruce and Steph had the briefest talk when he came back in a side mini-series. He sneaks up on her and she slaps him in the face out of surprise and then says "I'm glad you aren't dead." Before running away. It is the best. 😅

[@michelenorris8499]

Thank you for this! I'm a sucker for Steph, and they could do so much more with her!! Also who DOESN'T love all those classic Lau covers?!

[@fredcampbell4066]

If I wasn't so old she would be my favorite Batgirl, but I grew up with Barbara and i can't get past that.But a great character none the less.

[@jonofpdx]

Unironicly favorite batgirl.

[@Trevor-ej8sw]

YES! this is in my top 5 favorite comic runs of all time. The Mission statement at 8:55 is the defining moment of her entire character for me and my personal favorite moment in all comics. I'm so glad you recognized its importance. I also love how you highlighted Her and Damian's relationship and how it evolved. Also, I always cry every time I read the ending monologue of this run so thanks for making me cry. insanely good video, please do more on Steph

[@charmygreen665]

Hatin on the purple suit catches these hands lol i also love tf out of the hood design too

[@rory_pond1701]

Great job encapsulating the complex history of Stephanie's timeline, Sasha. I read her Batgirl run (as well as her previous incarnations as Spoiler and Robin) in real time and, as a fan of the character, was thrilled that she was given her own series as well as the mantle of Batgirl. Of course, nothing I enjoy lasts for very long, but it was fantastic while it did. WAFFLES FOR STEPHANIE! I hope you'll address Dan Didio's pathological dislike of Steph in a future video. He went so far out of his way to insure that Steph was sidelined, calling her "toxic," and I think it's worthy of some attention.

[@skyquake87]

I absolutely loved this run. It was so unusual for a Bat title, not being this grim-dark angsty fist clenched in the rain effort, but something joyful and fun. I was sad when it came to an end, but at least have the two handsome trades to re-read whenever I fancy. Brian Q Miller did a brilliant job with Stephanie and even today, I still miss this version of Batgirl. I've not kept up with what's happened with the character since (and judging by the comments below, that's perhaps a good thing, as she seems to have been poorly handled since) and wasn't aware of her stint as Robin. Great video as always, and although this book had a lot of ties to stuff going on elsewhere (which I wasn't following), it didn't get in the way for me and gave it a sense of belonging, whilst doing it's own thing...if that makes sense. Artwork was awesome throughout, with Lee Garbett being my favourite.

[@pistaalkohol]

Stephanie's Batgirl costume is the best one.

[@cyberp1ss]

I do love Stephanie and I keep coming back to this run and this video, I'm glad to see some Spoiler / Batgirl / Robin (!) love, she's a great character and I hope there's space for more legacy characters and stories on this new DC phase.