NYCC: Marguerite Bennett To Write Batwoman Ongoing For DC

Readers of the current Detective Comics run have seen firsthand the prominent role that Kate Kane, a.k.a. Batwoman, plays in training Spoiler, Orphan, Clayface, Red Robin and even Nightwing—the next generation of Gotham City's protectors. This February, Marguerite Bennett (DC Comics Bombshells, Batgirl, Earth 2: Worlds End) will be writing the new adventures of the heroine in an ongoing monthly series scheduled to debut in February 2017, with art by Steve Epting – his first work for DC in more than fifteen years.

Detective Comics writer James Tynion IV will continue to use Kate Kane in that series, and will co-write Batwoman along with Bennett.

As part of the next wave of Rebirth titles, the February title will be a Rebirth-themed one-shot, with a new issue #1 to follow in March.

"Batwoman is yet another example of the character depth, richness and diversity present in Gotham City," said Batman Group Editor Mark Doyle. "Fans have really responded to her role in Detective Comics, and we all love Kate here in the Bat-office, so that made it an easy choice to return her to a solo series."

As a preface to her new solo adventures, Bennett will join James Tynion IV on "Batwoman Begins," a two-issue story arc in Detective Comics. Following the Night of the Monster Men, Batwoman and Batman discover that the venom from the defeated monsters' corpses is being sold as a bioweapon. After Batwoman comes face to face with the villain responsible, Batman gives Batwoman a mission that takes her around the world, creating the backdrop for her new solo series in February, whose first story arc will also be co-written by Bennett and Tynion IV.

"There has never been a heroine I have loved more than Batwoman," said Bennett. "Her flaws, her ferocity, her struggle to rise above her own history and find a way to serve the greater good and those she loves—she's always cut me straight to the bone. To be a queer woman and to see a queer woman as not just a part but a pillar of the Bat-family was life changing, inspiring and gave me the courage to pursue this career in comics. The opportunity to add to Kate Kane's story and legacy is both an honor and a sincere dream come true."

"I am very excited for the opportunity to work on Batwoman," said Epting. "I love the character design and how she fits into the whole Batman mythos, and I'm looking forward to the artistic opportunities the story will provide. Batwoman has a rich visual history and I'm thrilled to be a part of it!"

More information on this new title will be discussed on the DC All Access panel at New York Comic Con on Thursday, October 6 from 1:45–2:45 p.m. Eastern time. You can download their DC All Access app on iOS and Android to get updates throughout the wek.