Batgirl #7 Reveals the Heartbreaking History of Lady Shiva

The second story arc of Batgirl begins with Batgirl #7, an emotional and high-impact continuation that pivots from the explosive end of her Mother into deeply personal territory. Written by Tate Brombal with guest artist Isaac Goodhart, colorist Mike Spicer, and letterer Tom Napolitano, this issue slows the pace just enough to let readers breathe—and feel. Most importantly, it finally delivers something fans have been wanting for years: the secret origin of Lady Shiva.

Rather than throw readers into immediate action, Batgirl #7 takes a contemplative approach, told through Cassie’s perspective as she rides a bus, listening to a recorded message and reading her mother’s journal. It’s a smart narrative device that gives us both exposition and introspection. We’re seeing Shiva’s life unfold through Cassie’s emotional lens, and that framework makes every revelation hit harder.

Batgirl #7 – DC Comics

Creative Team: Tate Brombal (Writer), Isaac Goodhart (Artist), Mike Spicer (Colorist), Tom Napolitano (Letters)

The Writing:

Tate Brombal doesn’t just write action; he writes purpose. Shiva’s backstory is tragic, but not in a generic “villain origin” way. It’s layered, raw, and painfully human. We learn about the abuse Shiva and her sister endured, the losses they suffered, and the brutal path that shaped her into one of the DC Universe’s most feared martial artists.

The decision to use Shiva’s journal and recording as storytelling tools is especially effective. It allows readers to process the pain alongside Cassie, offering space for reflection. Shiva’s voice isn’t one of justification—it’s one of regret, wisdom, and fierce protection. She isn’t apologizing for who she is; she’s explaining how she got there. The writing manages to walk that line without ever becoming melodramatic or losing momentum.

It’s also worth noting how Brombal ties this personal history to the larger arc. This isn’t just Shiva’s story; it’s Cassie’s, too. Every word and memory helps shape the emotional direction Cassie will take next, making the issue not just a flashback but a foundational turning point in her development.

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The Art and Colors:

Isaac Goodhart’s guest art is a perfect tonal match for this story. His rough, expressive linework channels a kung fu cinema vibe that recalls Chris Samnee’s work on Fire Power, and that’s high praise. The visuals never feel static. Every panel has movement—whether in the swish of a coat, the arc of a punch, or the subtle shifts in expression that reveal characters’ inner lives.

Mike Spicer’s colors elevate the storytelling even further. There’s a constant sense of atmosphere, particularly in the use of elemental backdrops—heavy rain, falling snow, and the glow of fire—that don’t just look beautiful, they feel symbolic. These weather elements reinforce the emotional tone: grief, transformation, destruction, and renewal. The art feels less like a comic and more like a fever dream of memory and trauma.

Fight scenes are another major highlight. They are kinetic, grounded, and brutally elegant. When Shiva fights, it’s not just a display of power—it’s a reflection of everything she’s endured. Her battles are as much psychological as they are physical. And when Cassie is seen reacting to all this, her body language—slouched in the bus seat, eyes wide, fists clenched—tells its own story.

The Lettering:

Tom Napolitano’s lettering is the final piece of the puzzle. He uses sound effects sparingly but effectively, landing on just the right moment to punctuate a punch, blade swing, or explosion. It’s not overdone, which makes each one feel impactful.

The voice recordings from Shiva are also beautifully handled with distinct balloon styles, differentiating past from present without breaking immersion. Napolitano ensures that readers can follow multiple timelines, tones, and characters with clarity and ease.

Even the panel layouts reflect restraint and thoughtfulness. Rather than using complex structures, the book favors clean, easy-to-follow pages that don’t distract from the story. That simplicity lets the emotional beats land harder.

Final Thoughts:

Overall Grade 9/10

Batgirl #7 is one of the most emotionally resonant issues of this run so far. It digs deep into what it means to be shaped by your past—and whether you’re doomed to repeat it. It doesn’t just tell you who Lady Shiva is; it shows you why she matters, and in doing so, it adds another dimension to Cassandra Cain’s journey.

With powerful writing, cinematic art, atmospheric colors, and pitch-perfect lettering, this issue sets a high bar for the second arc. If the rest of the storyline keeps this level of quality, we may be looking at one of the best character studies in recent DC memory.

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