Written By: J.H. Williams III & W. Haden Blackman
Colored By: Dave Stewart
Lettered By: Todd Klein
Editor: Michael Marts
Assistant Editor: Rickey Purdin
Associate Editor: Harvey Richards
Ok, so if you know me, you know that I have a bias towards the dark and more depressing comics…It’s how my mom raised me! What attracts me to the Bat-world of DC Comics is just how depressing and dark almost every story is! Kate Kane is an interesting character because of her pale skin and emo life style. Batwoman has clearly established itself as a dark and mystical suspense story that can be equated as one big meth trip down F’d up lane…and I love every bit of it.
The first seven pages contain very little dialog and mostly gorgeous artwork that represents a symbolic imagery of Kate Kane’s different manifestations throughout her history in the DCU. Williams is known for how he stretches his panels across pages in interesting and beautiful ways, but I think people sometimes miss just how smart he is about making his artistic interpretations appropriate for the story. The imagery of Batwoman fighting against the weeping woman, floating in a tumultuous state of anxiety, allows the readers the option of determining what is real and what’s in Kate’s mind. It’s an emotional roller coaster ride, and it’s all in the first seven pages!
I remember DC building up the Weeping Woman almost a YEAR before the reboot, and I began to wonder when the heck everything was going to be revealed…and we STILL don’t have any idea who this weeping woman is! However, we’re given a slight clue as to who or WHAT the weeping woman might be. She could either be connected to Kate Kane herself, or simply have a bit of unfinished business that Kate will undoubtedly resolve by the arc’s end. And knowing William’s story telling style, the end result will be worth the wait!
But if you thought that was enough to get your muscles tense up for a few days, get ready because it doesn’t stop there! Kate’s cousin, Bette, shows her defiance towards her in going out in costume against her wishes. Stepping down as her trainer, Kate came to terms with the danger of the situation and the emotional impact the weeping woman had on her and decided Bette is better left out of harms way. Watch out Batwoman, your cousin is not as easily controlled as you might hope!
Of course, the book isn’t without it’s lighthearted, loving situations. Kate and her girlfriend share a wonderful moment, juxtaposed with the bright colors in contrast with the dark and murky visuals from the previous pages. There’s enough bright moments that keep this book from feeling too depressing for the readers.
More to come in 30 days!
10 out of 10 stars
