Letters to Gotham Girls Annual

[mockingbird]

Let us know what you thought of this issue! I'd really love to hear back about the music experiment, and I'd love to hear people talking about the character development too

[ryokowerx]

Well, since you asked so nicely...

Truth be told, I didn't listen to the music. I usually read at work and having Tchaikovsky playing on a reference desk would get me in trouble. So someone else will have to comment on that part of it.

However, let me go ahead and comment about the rest. I liked the Spoiler story. It wasn't anything fancy or complicated but it was whimsical and gave us a bit of Spoiler's irreverence and "can do" attitude. I expect we're going to be seeing a lot more of Ms. Brown in the coming year and I expect great things from you considering how strong you write your characters, Sam.

Now, in regards to the main story - what a wonderful way to tie it into New Years as everyone reflects back on the past and where they are headed! The idea of Harley as a babysitter has me scared but I think I'm even more scared for her now that the Joker is nosing around again. The bad part is that, now that she has put him past her, he wants to use her again and I don't think it's out of any sense of attraction... more that she's probably important to some scheme. Hopefully, Bonnie and Clyde will take a bite out of crime

Ivy... well... it's no new information to you that Ivy is my favorite character that you write. It was nice to see that the uncertainty and doubt wasn't just on Batgirl's side in regards to the events of last issue (I'm trying not to spoil things for those who haven't read it yet). And that was a smart bit of writing using Jim Gordon and Sarah Essen as a comparison to what else is going on. And, man, you really know how to make Renee feel vulnerable and sympathetic at the same time.

By far and away this is my favorite issue that you've written to date. Damn good job, Sam. Keep it up!

[eric the pilot]

This was a nice denouement coming off the last action packed arc and it does a great job to pick up the pieces and really helps enhance the various characters stories, giving us decent enough closure on some things and building up some other moments as we wait with baited breath for your return to the series. This is a perfect, "where they are now" type issue and will be required reading for anyone looking to jump into things once Year Three gets rolling.

The scene with Barbara and Renee was really well done and emotional, and like James said above, you did a great job with the contrast of Renee and Ivy to Jim and Sarah, as well beyond that to the relationship between Renee and Babs herself. I thought that was a nice touch.

I love the idea of Harley keeping around all the various remnants of the holiday celebrations, including the wrapping paper. I imagine she probably relishes the paper as much as the gifts contained within them. The prospect of Harley and kids is both heartwarming and scary at the same time, can't wait to see what you do with this particular storyline.

Ivy's scene too is particularly impactful, giving us a lot more information of the person behind the facade. It the most vulnerable we've seen her so far, and it'll be very interesting to see the way that develops from here as well as what's going to happen between her and Renee.

The scenes with Ivy and Renee were effectively separated by the brief diversions with Harley, and structurally it's kind of nice to see that. The scenes were separated the way the characters are in their own lives, I wonder if that was intentional.

And of course the ending of Harley's particular scene is decidedly ominous, the prospect of the return of Mr. J can't be good for anyone.

Spoler's sequence was a lot of fun, the music worked perfectly on my end and was definitely a nice touch which brought a lot to the story itself. I imagine it might have worked even better if I were remotely familiar with the story this is all based on, but from what I do know, and what you provided, it worked very well and was greatly effective.

The story itself was a lot of fun, and it's nice to see Spoiler make a return appearance here after her adventures a few issues back. She's a lot of fun, and the fact that she remains so consistent between yourself and James is a real sign of the way the pair of you work together.

The ending of this story in particular was really nice and leaves the reader with as nice a smile as the one Stephanie sports on her way out the door, it was a great way to end such an effective issue. Brilliant work all around.

[>>Riz!]

A fantastic annual issue. It was so nice to see how the characters were celebrating and reflecting the past year. Ivy's story was the best written part for me. It was great to learn more about her past life before she became Ivy and I really enjoyed that you also continuead the story from issue 24. The more I think about it the more I really like the idea of Ivy and Renée coming together. But I'm afraid that one of both will back down (Renee) and that this will destroy their friendship and trust, so that Ivy might start doing bad stuff again.
Nontheless a great first story

The second part with the music was a great idea. Having seen the ballet on TV a few years ago, I really had to smile a few times. The music was selected really perfect for the scenes. I can only repeat myself and tell you again what a great writer you are. I'm looking forward to more issues with great stories for the Gotham Girls.

5 stars.