Batgirl and the Birds of Prey: Rebirth # 1 Cover B 2016 NM-

Batgirl and the Birds of Prey: Rebirth #1 is a special one-shot comic book published by DC Comics on July 20, 2016. It served as the official launchpad for the Batgirl and the Birds of Prey ongoing series during the publisher's company-wide DC Rebirth initiative.

The issue sets up the status quo for the team, reintroducing core members and kicking off the book's first major story arc, "Who Is Oracle?".

Creative Team

• Writers: Julie Benson and Shawna Benson (known for their work on the TV show The 100)
• Artist: Claire Roe
• Colorist: Allen Passalaqua
• Cover Artist: Yanick Paquette

Core Plot & Synopsis

The story centers around Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) making a startling discovery: a mysterious cyber-criminal has stolen her former hacker alias, Oracle, and is using it to sell sensitive intelligence to major mob families. Terrified of what this fake Oracle might expose, Barbara teams up with her long-time close friend and partner, Dinah Lance (Black Canary), to track down the impostor.

Their investigation leads them to a Gotham mafia capo named Louis Terroni. However, their interrogation is violently interrupted by Helena Bertinelli (Huntress). Helena, who has gone AWOL from the spy organization Spyral, is on a personal blood vendetta against the mob. While Batgirl and Black Canary need Terroni alive to extract data about the new Oracle, Huntress wants to execute him.

The issue concludes with the three heroines realizing that their paths are inevitably crossed, laying the groundwork for them to reluctantly join forces as a unified team. 

Key Context & Themes

• History Explored: The book features flashback sequences referencing Barbara's tragic history from The Killing Joke, her paralysis, and her subsequent evolution into the original Oracle before returning to the mantle of Batgirl.
• Character Dynamics: The one-shot establishes a contrast between the classic, trusting friendship of Batgirl and Black Canary and the lethal, compromised methods of Huntress.