The DCU rebirth is a little more complicated than some may think....

So far there have been many different reactions to the rebirth of the DCU. Some passing, some superficial, some quite strong. One of the most controversial moves in this rebirth has been to take Barbara Gordon out of a wheelchair, and her ID as Oracle, give her back the ability to walk and return her to her former Batgirl persona. This is one of the best op-ed's I've read on the subject. And one that touches on an incredibly important issue. One that affected the life of someone I loved. Please give it a read; http://www.newsarama.com/comics/oracle-is-stronger-than-batgirl-110606.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Newsaramasite+%28Newsarama.com%29&utm_content=Twitter

Here's another well done op-ed offering a different view on the situation, and how it began with 'TheKillingJoke'; http://rjdindsm.blogspot.com/2011/06/importance-of-being-batgirl.html

A third op-ed, that might be considered middle of the road; http://www.comicvine.com/news/why-its-about-time-barbara-gordon-became-batgirl-again/143167/

Comic Book Writer Gail Simone posted an entry on DC Comics Official Blog about the change. She has been the celebrated writer of Secret Six, and of The Birds Of Prey; which Oracle was a central character of. And will be taking the lead on the new Batgirl series. You can find her thoughts here; http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2011/06/06/gail-simone-on-barbara-gordons-return-to-batgirl/

My feelings on the matter are incredibly mixed. I do feel that Bab's has made much more of an impact as Oracle than she did as Batgirl. I'm not saying she didn't break ground as Batgirl, but as Oracle she did something no other major female character in comics history had ever done before. And in her new role, became a profound fixture not only in her part of the DCU but in all of DC Comics line of books.

Bab's as Oracle.

The arguments about the how and why, I feel, will go on and on. But her time as Oracle is nothing to just brush away. She is important, and has been a beacon for many, MANY, people. As many have argued for years taking her back to Batgirl makes some sense within the context of a comic book universe. But I really hope this whole thing isn't fueled by some sort of nostalgia or creative desperation.

Barbara returns to Batgirl this Fall.