Violet
Paige is held captive by a homicidal artist. That is, an artist who creates
homicides the others create paintings or sculptures. It her medium, a true
master. Though when one of her victims – Violet _ chooses to fight back, how
long will she hampered by a former friend now caught in the thrall of said
artist?
Maybe
it’s the format of this series, with its brief three-page back-up that reduces
the page count slightly. Nevertheless, the storytelling here is not terribly
dense. I doubt I’m giving anything away by saying that Violet wins the day. Yet
at the same time, there are unique revelations that add a new layer to the
nature of Violet as a hero, and her bizarre relationship to her demented
mother.
Revelations
are also forthcoming in the back-up feature, Gotham Radio. But what it means
for the future of the story remains in doubt. It’s unfair to call it an ending.
Perhaps “temporary resolution” would be the most apt description.
Recently
while reading Batwoman, it occurred
to me that there is little difference between the characters Batwoman and
Mother Panic. Both fight crime in Gotham City. Both are lesbians. Both suffered
traumatic childhood experiences that have helped shape their adult selves. To
me, one them is redundant, but I’m uncertain which. But the upside is, if you
enjoy one you’ll probably enjoy both.
Rating:
8/10