The second incarnation of Batwoman appeared during the 52 mini-series from DC back in 2006. Fans groaned and many more threw up their hands when DC announced that, in an effort to present diversity in their comics, that Batwoman would be a lesbian who was romantically linked to GCPD detective Renee Montoya-you know: the NEW Question. Fans had mixed reactions, GLBT organizations praised the choice even while the character made headlines on CNN and other shows. Batwoman got a major ten issue run in DETECTIVE COMICS following the Battle for the Cowl mini-series. Written by Greg Rucka with art by J. H. Williams III, it proceeded to set the tone for the character and illustrate a great deal of her back story. A regular series was promised for February of 2011, but that was put on hold and, presumably retooled for the NEW 52.
Our tale begins with a pair of parents telling GCPD Detective Maggie Sawyer how this ghostly woman arrived at their home and stole their children even as Batwoman arrived and tried to stop it. Sawyer promises they will try to find the children. Kate Kane, Batwoman's alter ego arrives and stares at a photo of Renee Montoya on the wall dedicated to Gotham City Police lost in the line of duty. This is interesting to note because Montoya, in old continuity, became The Question. Does this mean she died in the new continuity or that she never became The Question.
Anyway, Kane and Sawyer have some small talk (Kane: "Are you finally gonna ask me out?" Sawyer: "Thought I already did. I gave you my card weeks ago.") and agree to go out on a date. We next see Kane and her cousin Bette Kane, formerly known as Flamebird and a former member of the Teen Titans. Apparently the Kane girls are now a team and Batwoman insists her cousin's Flamebird name is gone and she is now known as Plebe. There is a confrontation between Kate and her father, where she recounts many of the storyline pieces from the DETECTIVE run, so obviously not all continuity has been changed.
Meanwhile, at the Department of Extranormal Operations, one Agent Chase(surviving and changed a bit from Cameron Chase's 10 issue run back in 1998) examines files at the insistance of her boss, Director Bones. It should also be noted that J. H. Williams III, who co-writes this series, was responsible for illustrating the CHASE series. Apparently Director Bones wants some investigation work done on Batwoman.
GCPD find a body of a thirteen year old victim, bringing the body count to six with another thirteen missing. Urban Legends point towards La Llorona-The Weeping Woman. As the police leave, Batwoman arrives to conduct her own investigation. Batman arrives to with a "proposition" for her.
Okay, as first issues go, there isn't a ton of exposition here. Actually, for anyone who is unfamiliar with the previous appearances of Batwoman, there is just enough to explain some of the key bits of information from the ten issue DETECTIVE COMICS run to introduce her to a new audience. There are some great bits thrown in to whet appetites for future issues. The whole idea of bringing back Cameron Chase and the D.E.O. is great. The Weeping Woman plotline has put some kind of neat bits in place and I'm curious to see where it goes. So too, the potential Kane/Sawyer/Montoya relationship. Just what DID happen to Renee Montoya in this new continuity?
Williams Art Nouveau styled artwork is as killer as always and his writing with W. Haden Blackman is equally as good. It's kind of hard to compete with Greg Rucka but they do an admirable job. I really can't wait to see where this book goes from here. This was one of my most anticipated books in recent months and I can honestly say the wait was truly worth it.
Bravo folks: this one is a winner!
BTW: the hooded woman appears 6 pages from the end of the story hidden in a crowd of onlookers at the missing child's discovery.
Joe,
ReplyDeleteGood info. Can you start a monthly or weekly list of "comics you need to buy" or any other type of recommendation for those of us novices who wish to start or continue long term investments with them. I have a ton of old ones from the late 80's and early 90's but got out of it for some reason or another. I know these is the magazine that gives top picks but i'd like to see something from someone who doesn't have any commercial gains and just gives good advise here and there. Thanks
Dan Lowney
Thanks for the comments, Dan. Comics as investments? Well, that kind of went south when Superman died and came back...And it is getting to the point where what you might think is going to pay for your kids, or grand kids education, won't. I have always been a fan of the "good reads" and it doesn't matter what it's going to be worth. I have so many books in my collection that aren't worth much, but provided enjoyment to me and now my kids. But I do like the idea and will probably do something along those lines, at the very least, about what I think the good reads are. That ALWAYS leads to interesting feedback and debate
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