Batwoman is taking on international criminals as she globe hops to stop a new kind of terrorist attack. This issue follows the Rebirth issue which came out nearly a month ago as we determine, is it good?
Batwoman #1 (DC Comics)
So what’s it about? Read the synopsis in the preview!
Why does this book matter?
As DC Comics puts it,
Writer Marguerite Bennett (DC BOMBSHELLS) is joined by James Tynion IV (DETECTIVE COMICS) and superstar artist Steve Epting (Captain America, Velvet) to present an epic Batwoman story that will alter the course of her life forever! This one’s unmissable!
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
We’re not in Gotham anymore.
First off, artist Steve Epting is a great choice for this book as he grounds it in reality. This helps bring the supernatural elements into a more believable realm, which suits this type of hero. Colors by Jeromy Cox aid in this as well with a lot more earth tones throughout the issue. Batwoman herself looks great; from the hair to the cape she looks believable and all kinds of cool. A key flashback later in the issue, rendered in black and white save for Batwoman’s red hair, has a very noir feel that gives the scene an very romantic, wistful feel.
Writers Marguerite Bennett and James Tynion IV open the issue with strong captions that put you inside Batwoman’s head; they set the stage and mood of the issue as she’s attempting to stop a ring of terrorists with a new kind of weapon. This leads to a well blocked action scene–complete with motorcycle fun–and a wicked twist. Character wise, readers are cued into Batwoman’s relationship with Julia her on the road Oracle. Overall you get a sense of their complex relationship in an efficient scene or two. The real writing chops comes from the flashback, which has some major Rebecca vibes about it. Batwoman’s memory is hazy, a mysterious woman is brought up, and a friendly stranger all come into play. I was also getting some Casablanca vibes from this narrative.
This doesn’t look like a fair fight.
It can’t be perfect can it?
There’s a lot of mystery wrapped up in this issue so much so I found myself wishing for more details. Clearly there’s more to tell, but at this point I found myself somewhat confused and unclear on the motivation Batwoman has to dig up her past. This past is a year titled, “A Lost Year” so there’s motivation there, but a mysterious woman is hinted at but never really explained. It’s quite vague, and in a collected format I’m sure you’ll get the answers you’re screaming for which this single issue can’t supply.
Is It Good?
You’ll come away from this book with the very clear understanding this is a different type of Bat-centric character. The writers have captured a supernatural corner of the universe wrapped in a Hitchcockian mystery that intrigues greatly.
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