Batman has always been my favorite superhero. I grew up on several Batman TV shows. The best of these shows incorporated one of the best DC characters of all time: Batgirl.

If you don’t know Batgirl’s story (considering that the comics have been around for longer than I’ve been alive this doesn’t really count as spoilers), her name is Barbara Gordon, and she’s the daughter of Commissioner Gordon who teams up with Batman and Robin. She kicks all the butt and takes all the names. And then she gets hurt. She becomes paralyzed from the waist down. This graphic novel explores Batgirl processing her trauma and learning how to remain a superhero in becoming The Oracle.

The artwork is top-tier. The story is engaging and empowering.

Superheroes are often viewed through an ableist lens. But there is more than one way to be a superhero. You do not need super strength or super speed or have lightning shoot out of your hands. You do not have to be non-disabled to be a superhero.

The story of Barbara Gordon is one of the best comic book arcs ever. (Yes, this is a hill I’m willing to die on.) This graphic novel is a great representation of her story, and you should definitely check it out.