This issue opens with a Medieval-style spread detailing the origin of “Little
Alice,” Kate Kane’s criminally insane sister. Kate Kane searches for solution to
the infected bats the Many Arms of Death (led by her sister) have launched at
Gotham City. It’s rather brief story, told with extensive use of two-page
spreads using large panels to convey the story instead of text. I believe the
current price point for DC comics is $2.99, which in this case is about $2 too
much. The entire story seems to take place in less than five minutes.
Much
of the action in this issue involves Batwoman attempting to lead infected bats
away from Gotham. As hero, her confidence seems shaky, and her eventual
strategy a long time coming. One might attribute this to her lack of experience
alongside someone like Batman, but it has an element of truth to it. I can
appreciate that. As for the airships that accompany her, I an uncertain what
their general roles are, or where they come from.
Fernando
Blanco seems to have settled in nicely at the drawing board, though the opening
sequence left me a bit cold. I don’t know if that was his idea or the art
direction of the writer, but it seems out of place to me. There are several
two-page spreads that could have been limited to one, in my opinion. Again,
artistic choice or art direction? Who knows?
I
have enjoyed Batwoman when she has been a supporting player in Detective Comics, but I feel giving her
her own title is misplaced. It’s as if DC believes Batman is so popular, that
if they place the word “bat” in front of anything, it will sell. In this case,
I suspect they are mistaken. I believe Batwoman requires additional seasoning
before being worthy of her own book.
Rating:
2/10