Batgirl35-CvrEarlier this week, comic retailers were sent an 11-page preview of the upcoming Batgirl #35. Why were they sent so many pages so far in advance? Because DC Comics is shaking up the Batgirl series pretty heavily with this new issues and they want retailers to see what is coming so they order big. The new storyline also features a new creative team, as Gail Simone makes way for Brenden Fletcher, Cameron Stewart, and artist Babs Tarr (wonderfully named artist for Batgirl, right?). But how is the new crew going to shake things up? While let’s look to the solicit:

Barbara Gordon is no stranger to dusting herself off when disaster strikes… so when a fire destroys everything she owned, she spots the opportunity for a new lease on life — and seizes it! Following the rest of Gotham’s young adults to the hip border district of Burnside, Barbara sets about building an all-new Batgirl… and discovers all-new threats preying on her peers! It’s a re-invention of Batgirl from the boots up, by the incredible creative team of Cameron Stewart (BATMAN INC.), Brenden Fletcher (WEDNESDAY COMICS), and rising star Babs Tarr!

A re-invention? Well, that’s one way of putting it. It looks like they’re giving Barbra an entire overhaul, making her appear younger and more like she belongs in a teen drama. That said? …it looks GREAT! It is in no way what I’d expect, nor is it what I’d hope for when I think of the classic comic character with 53-years of history, that has over come many forms of intense diversity and problems in her many years of publication. This isn’t even on the level of change we saw Babs go through when the entire universe rebooted in September of 2011, as it seems far greater. But I’m truly curious to pick up Batgirl #35 when it hits stores next month, on October 8th, and see what the new team has in store for me, as I’m sure many other fans are. Tumblr has been exploding over this, and it seems like many fans are really excited about the changes. But today many of you will now get to see them first hand.

Now we must warn you, this preview was intended for retailers and is an uncorrected and incomplete proof of the issue that is still subject to editorial changes before publication. It will likely see a fair number. It is also not the highest of quality, is covered in bleed lines, and has watermarks. So don’t full judge Batgirl #35 by this preview, we still (as always) highly recommend you grab the full physical issue in shops when it comes out next month. That said…it’s pretty cool and we hope you enjoy it!

It feels almost like an entirely new comic, reading the preview to Batgirl #35 and comparing it to even issue #34, let alone the rest of Simone’s run or the comics before focusing on Barbra Gordon. It even has a bit of a young teen version of USA’s Psych kind of vibe. But it is cute and seems to grasp a very good youthful feel that many fans will undoubtedly love. Somewhat in the vein of Young Avengers, Phonogram, and Scott Pilgrim. Plus, the art is just great! So great, in fact, we have some of the raw are below we’d love to share with you!

Remember, Batgirl #35 hits stores on October 8th, so make sure you swing by your local comic shop to check out the final product!