Cassandra Cain has had a wild ride in the DC Universe since her debut 27 years ago. She's been a hero, a villain, Batgirl, the Black Bat, and has been erased from continuity only to be brought back. Right now, she's enjoying a high point as the star of her own ongoing Batgirl series, which is about to hit its 25th issue. But just as she's celebrating this milestone, her most dangerous enemy is about to crash the party.
Created by Kelley Puckett and Damion Scott, Cassandra first appeared in Batman #567 in 1999, during the No Man's Land storyline, where Gotham was left in chaos after an earthquake. She was a mute young woman with incredible martial arts skills, and she eventually took on the Batgirl mantle, becoming the first to do so since Barbara Gordon became Oracle. She also became the first Batgirl to headline her own series. It was later revealed that she was the daughter of two of the DCU's deadliest assassins: Lady Shiva and David Cain.
David Cain, also known as the Orphan, was one of the men who trained Bruce Wayne before he became Batman. He raised Cassandra to be the ultimate assassin, going so far as to keep her mute and illiterate so she could focus on reading body language. But Cassandra rejected his ways and chose to fight alongside Batman and his allies instead. Now, after a decade of absence—and presumed dead following Batman and Robin: Eternal—Cain is back, and the reunion is unlikely to be a happy one.
The creative team for Batgirl #25 includes writer Tate Brombal and artist Takeshi Miyazawa, who have been steering the series. Brombal is also writing a special backup story that will reunite Cassandra with her co-creator, artist Damion Scott. The main cover is by David Talaski, with a foil variant also available. Additional variants come from Mike Choi and Nogi San.
This issue promises to be a major turning point for Cassandra, as she confronts the man who shaped her into a weapon. Will she be able to overcome her past, or will her father's return push her back into the darkness? Fans will have to pick up Batgirl #25 when it hits stands to find out.
For more on Cassandra's journey, check out our essential X-Men comics guide for other great reads. And if you're a fan of dark family dynamics, you might enjoy the latest on Slow Horses.
