DC Rebirth has seen languishing heroes given a second chance in the spotlight, including the quite popular Kate Kane, more readily known as Batwoman. DC has a great deal of faith in her these days, putting her in the leadership role of Detective Comics, and now she’s back in her own solo series. So the question is, should you give her solo book a chance?
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Slight spoilers from here on out for Batwoman #1, so if you haven’t read the issue yet you’ve been warned.
First acknowledgments should go out to the amazing art of Steve Epting, who looks as if he was born to draw this character and Jeromy Cox’s colors only enhance his pencils. It was always going to be a challenge to stack up to the stunning art style of J.H. Williams III, and while the layouts aren’t as innovative, the art is still insanely good. Fans of the previous run will also love the flashback segments for their black, white, and red noir motif.
While the beginning is action heavy, the real meat of the story is tied to Kane’s past, flashbacking to years before she ever picked up the Batwoman identity. Marguerite Bennett and James Tynion are able to flex their muscles here, building a past for Kate that effectively pulls the reader into a layered mystery, and it cements the hook by issue’s end. While Batwoman does already have some solid supporting cast members, this storyline seeks to add some layers and depth to her backstory that has somewhat been missing, and the first issue is a promising start.
If you’ve been looking for a reason to give the character a chance, this is the perfect time to do so. The opening issue has a lovely blend of action, characterization, and delightful visuals, with a lead who is more than worthy of the investment.
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Batwoman is written by Marguerite Bennett and James Tynion IV, with Steve Epting and Jeromy Cox on art duties. Lettering is by Deron Bennett with J.G. Jones providing the variant cover. You can view the official description for the issue below, and make sure to catch the preview of the issue in the gallery.
“The Many Arms Of Death” part one! At last—Batwoman is back in her own ongoing series! On the island nation of Coryana, anything goes for members of the criminal underworld…and during her lost years after being drummed out of the military, Kate Kane found a kind of refuge there. But now, a deadly new bioweapon is available in the markets of Coryana, and Batwoman will have to face up to the things she did in those days…and the people she left behind, some of whom would be happier to see her dead than alive!
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!
Batwoman #1 is in comic stores now.
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