The Next Batgirl

The big comic news today is the official announcement of the long rumored Batgirl series. The Source says it's starting in August and they've posted the first cover:

It's a gorgeous image, but it raises a lot of questions. If I'm not mistaken, Dan DiDio mentioned not long ago that Cassandra Cain was being separated from the Bat Family of comics. And yet here we see a Batgirl wearing Cassandra's costume -- down to the stitches on the mask.

What does it mean? Did DiDio lie? He's certainly done it before and it wouldn't bother me if he did again. I'm in favor of misdirection by the guys in charge so that some surprises will be preserved.

On the other hand we've got Oracle: The Cure with it's very suggestive title. I've mentioned my before my distaste with the idea of Barbara Gordon returning to being Batgirl. But my opinion on that matter doesn't carry any weight, and DC will do what DC will do.

Still, that image could be anyone. Cover images can't be taken literally. The torn out front of the mask could be Cassandra changing her attitude and outlook or it might be someone different making Cassie's costume her own.

Whoever it is, that's another book for my pull list...