JH Williams III (co-writer and artist) and W Haden Blackman (co-writer)

 

The lesson is, if JH Williams 3 is drawing a book, you buy it.  Thankfully even in the reboot this is still a fantastic book.  Kate Kane is still Batwoman, the instant hit character from DC’s massive 52 story a few years back.  Even my fiance, only then discovering DC, loved 52 and especially the relationship between Kate and Renee Montoya.  Renee is her Question, and Kate is her Bat character of choice.

Also carrying over into this new universe is Bette Kane, Kate’s cousin and also a former Teen Titan.  Bette is perfect for the dual role she provides.  That of Robin and Miss Exposition.  Yes, this is a reboot but it still doesn’t mean that its a year one story.  However, it is obvious that she’s still new to the game.  She’s not perfect, and she still has shaky confidence.  Look at the end of the book when Batman appears.  Granted, I’m reading the words, but I hear her telling Bats that this is her case with a phony toughness.  She still may not feel like she belongs, but damn if she wont throw up a brave cocky front.  Once everyone else is convinced she belongs in the big time, maybe she’ll believe it too.

Kate sees an old picture of Renee, but still makes a date with another cop.  She runs recon with Bette and gives her father a piece of her mind (which was also some great exposition that didn’t feel forced).  All the while we get hints of the big super villain for this arc.  Its going to be a real nasty one too.

Every page is art.  The character relationships are rich. The hero/villain confrontation that’s already being set up looks like its going to make the reader very uncomfortable.  Imagine that, a strong reaction to a comic book!

Batwoman makes the must buy list.