Expanding
on Batwoman’s origin story, as Kate Kane washes ashore on the island of
Coryana, where she meets Safiyah, the leader of the island. Safiyah is known as
the Mother of Warlords, for her authority over the squabbling factions on the
island. She settles disputes, much like a pirate leader of old.
For
pirates they are, as they go after an oil tanker loaded with crude oil taken
from their own island. One time military brat Kate Kane has no other options,
so she joins the operation, applying her service skills, but the jealousy of
Safiyah lover, Tahani, may very well prove her undoing.
As
stories go, there is much meat on these bones. Safiyah’s a leader, Kate is
former military, and Tahani is jealous. Beyond that, very little new is shared.
Mostly it merely reinforces Kates lesbianism, which we’re already aware of. It
reminds me of a Simpsons episode in which the family goes to Hollywood, where
the encounter Ellen Degeneres and her then-partner Anne Heche. “Hi. We’re
lesbians.” Yeah. We get it. And if that’s all you ever show the world, that’s
all it will ever judge you for.
The
painted artwork by Stephanie Hans is quite impressive. In some ways it reminds
me of the illustrations I remember from my childhood, but with greater
attention to detail. The remarkable thing is Hans conveys that detail with
minimal effort. So while the story may not be altogether satisfying, the
artwork certainly is.
Rating:
7/10