(Image Source: DC / David Talaski)
Cassandra Cain is perhaps the single most dangerous member of the Batman family. Trained in multiple martial arts as a child, she learned to read body language after being denied any other means of communication. This gave her a near superhuman ability to predict the actions of others. However, despite being intended to be an assassin, she turned her gifts toward good as one of the many young women known as Batgirl. However, a preview of Cassandra’s new DC Next Level comic reveals she’s developed a superpower that makes her even more deadly.
The new superpower is revealed in the opening pages of Batgirl #17 by Tate Brombal and Takeshi Miyazawa. The story finds Cassandra hurrying to have dinner with the rest of the Batman family. However, Cassandra suddenly shows signs of a disturbing and disgusting new superpower manifesting, as her own blood fights to restrain her.
The main cover and first three pages of Batgirl #17 may be viewed below.
Batgirl’s new blood powers explained
While the preview does not explain the new power in detail, Batgirl quickly deduces that what is happening to her. Her new powers seem to be tied to the Blood of Wu, who were first referenced in Batgirl #4. The Blood of Wu are a hereditary line of warriors, all part of the same Wu family. Batgirl and her mother, Lady Shiva, are also part of this line, though Shiva was born of forbidden love.
The Blood of Wu is ruled by a figure known as Bloodmaster. The current Bloodmaster is a man named Wu Lin. His exact relationship to Batgirl and Lady Shiva is unclear. However, the previous Bloodmaster, Wu Feng, was Lady Shiva’s uncle.
(Image Source: DC / Takeshi Miyazawa)
The Blood of Wu seems to be little better than a gang of thieves, despite briefly allying with Shiva and Batgirl against a common foe. However, they have one impressive ability that elevates them above similar criminal concerns. They can control the flow of blood in their bodies, reshaping it into weapons.
Based upon the preview of Batgirl #17, the Blood of Wu might also command the blood of others. At least, Cassandra describes feeling her own blood being turned against her. However, it is unclear if this is some gift of the Wu bloodline or some magic power Cassandra acquired by chance. In any case, Cassandra is certain she can manipulate her blood in the same way in that moment. This would make her an even more formidable superhero.
Batgirl #17 arrives in comic shops everywhere on March 4, 2026.
