Writer: Mariko Tamaki
Artist: Amancay Nahuelpan
Colors: Tamra Bonvillain
Letters: Ariana Maher
Cover: Karl Kershl
What Am I Missing?
Babs Breakout #3 uses a framing device to inform her current situation. The issue begins with Babs working with Nightwing, Cassandra Cain, and the Huntress as they investigate a hospital named for Hanah Anhala. Based on research conducted by Barbara, there is no record of this person. As the team continues to investigate, it becomes clear that they have walked into a trap. They barely escape over the laughter of “hahahahahaha.”
The connection to Barbara’s current situation is “What am I missing?” As she goes through the mundane routine of prison life, like roll call, she is going through her mind, “what is important to notice?” She reiterates all the details of the prison. She is trying to find herself. She is fighting off the concussive symptoms from the previous issue.
Her “friend” Sparrow is trying to help her. Her motives are still elusive. As they spend time in the yard, Barbara hallucinates, she struggles to find herself. She runs into an electrified fence as she moves from “death” itself. As she lies on the ground, she remembers that there was no Hanah Anhala. A prison mate overhears her and says she is there to help. We then zoom out to her final thoughts on Hanah, and we see a figure with glasses watching multiple monitors showing different angles with Barbara. Apparently, coming to prison was a trap.
Foggy: I like the framing device. The concept that she has overlooked something and willingly walks into a trap again is kinda cool. The problem is that the issue did not move forward. She is essentially at the same spot she was last issue. We are no closer to finding out who is behind all of this. Sparrow is still an enigma, but this issue told us nothing about her. The art is still top notch, but was dragged down by the story.
Mundy: I truly enjoyed the Bat Family flashback, and that it was Joker-centric without actually showing Joker. Had he shown up, it likely would have felt like stunt casting. Barbara pulling “hahaha” from the name “Hanah Anhala” is a brilliant way to show her brilliance, but I feel like we’ve yet to see that brilliance in her present day situation, specifically concerning Sparrow. Whether that is intentional on Barbara’s part or not remains to be seen. The ending with the bespectacled voyeur is certainly another interesting layer, but again we’re left with more questions, and seem no closer to any answers.
Foggy: 2.5/5 Batarangs- I liked the exploration of trauma following an incident such as Barbara endured, but the overall story has stalled. Still holding out hope, but this seems like a road bump.
Mundy: 2.5/5 Batarangs feels correct. I can’t honestly say this issue is bad. It was entertaining. It just felt like filler. I’m really hoping the next issue brings things into focus.
