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

Batgirl has officially ed forces with her assassin mother, the infamous Sandra "Lady Shiva" Wu-San—one of the most lethal martial artists in the DC Universe. While this new partnership is sure to test the strained relationship between the estranged mother and daughter,it will also put the Bat-Family’s 'No Kill' rule on dangerously thin ice.

Collaborating with a killer can be just as compromising as the act of killing itself.

Batgirl #1 by Tate Brombal, Takeshi Miyazawa, Mike Spicer, and Tom Napolitano marks Cassandra Cain's return to the spotlight on November 6, 2024. Until then, fans can explore DC’s five-page preview, which plunges straight into the action by reuniting Cassandra with her mother, Lady Shiva.

This mother-daughter relationship is known for its complexity, with Cassandra’s unwavering commitment to Batman’s ‘No Kill’ rule sharply contrasting with Lady Shiva’s reputation as one of the most notorious assassins in the DCU. As a result, this unlikely partnership promises a thrilling exploration of their relationship that will undoubtedly challenge Batgirl’s moral com.

Cassandra Cain Reunites With Lady Shiva (& Both Their Lives Are in Jeopardy)

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

Batgirl #1 opens with immediate mother-daughter drama, as Lady Shiva begins their conversation by stating, “You know, I never wanted a daughter,” only for Cassandra to retort, “You talk… like I wanted a mother.” With these opening lines, Brombal expertly establishes their complex dynamic. The two women continue to banter for a while, but it isn't long before the primary conflict driving the series emerges when Lady Shiva reveals she has summoned her daughter because their lives are in grave danger; a group of trained killers has set their sights on them and plans to kill them.

Shiva’s intentions extend beyond merely delivering a warning when she states, “...despite our storied past and your opinions of me, I am here to protect you from them.” This revelation is surprising, given that Lady Shiva is not typically known for her motherly protectiveness—a fact Cassandra is all too aware of. Her skepticism is evident when she replies, “I do not believe you,” then turns her back on her mother and walks away. The preview ends here, but despite Cassandra’s rejection of the implied offer to work together, fans know that the two will ultimately forces, as this unlikely partnership is central to the series.

Cassandra Cain’s Morals Will Be Pushed to the Limit in New Batgirl Series

Cover B Jeff Dèkal Card Stock Variant for Batgirl #1 (2024)

As previously mentioned, Cass and Shiva have fundamentally opposing moral views, especially regarding killing. While Batgirl is determined to uphold her commitment to not take lives, even in the face of danger, her imminent partnership with her mother will put Batman’s “No Kill” rule at risk. Collaborating with a killer can be just as compromising as the act of killing itself. This looming moral challenge is consistent with Batgirl's past interactions with her mother, who frequently seeks to push her daughter toward becoming one of the world’s greatest fighters while simultaneously testing her moral com.

Batgirl #1 is available November 6, 2024, from DC Comics!