DC Perfectly Sums Up Why Cassandra Cain Is the BEST Batgirl (& You Can’t Change My Mind)

WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for BATGIRL#1 (2024) !

While I have deep respect for the trailblazing done by Barbara Gordon and will always have a special place in my heart for Stephanie Brown’s humor and our shared love for waffles, I firmly believe Cassandra Cain is hands down the BEST Batgirl the Bat-Family has ever seen. And with the debut of Cass’s new solo series, DC has not only validated this belief but reignited my excitement for her character.

When the news broke that Cassandra Cain would be getting a new solo series, my initial reaction was excitement, quickly followed by the thought, “It’s about time.” I’ve always believed Cass was the perfect choice for her own series, as she’s one of the most unique and fascinating members of the Bat Clan, but I couldn’t help feeling a bit anxious.

Above all, I wanted this series to succeed so that Cass could get the appreciation she deserves and hopefully lead to more DC projects featuring her. Thankfully, Tate Brombal, Takeshi Miyazawa, Mike Spicer, and Tom Napolitano have captured the essence of Cass’s character in their inaugural issue and shown why she is, without a doubt, the best Batgirl.

Cassandra Cain Was Born the Villain But Chose to Become the Hero

“I Am Batgirl. And No One–Not Even My Mother—Will Ever Take This From Me.” – Cassandra Cain in Batgirl #1

While every panel of Batgirl #1 resonated with me, one specific scene stood out as it perfectly captured what I believe is at the core of Cassandra Cain’s character—her choice to be a hero despite being born into a villain’s destiny. As Cass reflects in her internal monologue, her origins were not of her choosing. Raised with the sole purpose of becoming a weapon and killing, her fate was decided long before she was born, as David Cain and Lady Shiva’s union was entirely focused on this outcome.

Given this origin, Cass could have easily become a sympathetic villain. It would be understandable if she had embraced her assassin’s destiny, considering killing and hurting were all she had ever known. Yet, despite having no positive influences in her life, Cassandra’s inherent goodness and willpower were so strong that she chose to reject the only purpose she had ever been given. Her decision to become a hero is even more remarkable when you consider how hard she had to fight for it, as David Cain did everything in his power to prevent her from escaping her villainous fate.

This hero journey is beautifully underscored in Cass’s monologue during a fight with assassins in Batgirl #1: “My origins were not my choice. None of this was ever my choice. But I am an orphan by choice. I am Batman’s daughter by choice. I know how to kill. I hold back by choice. Because I am Batgirl. And no one—not even my mother—will ever take this from me.” This moment is so powerful because it succinctly captures the struggle and the choices that led to Cass becoming Batgirl, while reaffirming that no one can take away the morals she’s chosen for herself.

Sorry, Stephanie & Barbara, But Cassandra’s Hero Origin Story Blows Y’all’s Away

The Robins Are Even Having a Hard Time Competing With Cassandra

Ultimately, Cassandra’s choice and fight to become a force for good elevate her above Barbara and Stephanie in my eyes. Both Barbara and Stephanie had heroic beginnings, which is undeniably commendable, but there’s something far more powerful about being born to be the villain and still fighting tooth and claw to become the hero—especially when evil forces (namely, David Cain) are doing everything in their power to stop that from happening. In my opinion, Stephanie and Barbara’s origins simply don’t compare to Cassandra’s Batgirl/hero journey.

In fact, I would go so far as to say that Cassandra has one of the most iconic, hard-hitting, and unique origin stories in the entire Bat-Family, second only to Batman, and possibly Dick Grayson. However, Cass’s journey to becoming a hero is even more impressive than Dick’s. Like the other two Batgirls, Dick started out as a hero. The only Bat-Family origin that comes close to Cassandra’s is Damian Wayne’s, as he too was born to be a villain. However, I would argue that Cassandra’s path to heroism stands above Damian’s, as the Bat-Family’s morals were forced upon him, whereas Cass actively sought out those very same morals.

Batgirl #1 Proves Cassandra Cain Is Batman’s One True Successor

Cass Is a TRUE Believer in Batman’s ‘No Kill’ Rule

In addition to capturing what makes Cassandra Cain the best Batgirl, this scene also makes a strong case for why Cass is Batman’s true successor. While this may be a controversial opinion, no one in the Bat-Family respects Batman and his morals as much as Batgirl. She is his true twin flame when it comes to his mission, and like him, the thought of ever killing again horrifies her, as she believes that killing is wrong, no matter the victim. No other Bat-Family member holds Batman’s morals with the same depth and conviction as Cassandra does.

Some may argue that one of Batman’s sons should be his successor, and while I understand that perspective, I don’t believe any of them fully meet the four essential criteria for the role: unparalleled combat prowess, strict adherence to the ‘no kill’ rule, sharp detective skills, and the Batman-patented intimidation factor. While Dick, Jason, Tim, and Damian each possess some of these traits, none embody all four the way Bruce and Cass do. Of course, the real question remains whether Cassandra even wants to step into her father’s shoes when he retires or dies.

Cassandra Cain Gets Bonus Points For Having the Best Batgirl Costume

Cover C Stanley ‘Artgerm’ Lau Card Stock Variant for Batgirl #1 (2024)

My final point on why Cass is the best Batgirl—and one of the best Bat-Family members overall—might be a more superficial one, but it’s nonetheless valid: her costume. Cassandra has one of the most badass and inherently creepy costumes in the entire family, thanks to its primarily black color scheme and the full face cowl with its stitched-closed mouth. I’ve always thought this look made her resemble a shadow-bound ragdoll, and I mean that as the highest compliment. While Cass’s costume may not be the most classic or iconic Batgirl look, I believe it perfectly captures badassery and, ultimately, stands as the best.

Batgirl #1 is available now from DC Comics!