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Batwoman #5
Publisher: DC Comics
Writers: J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman
Artist: J.H. Williams III
Colors: Dave Stewart
Letters: Todd Klein
Asst. Editor: Katie Kubert
Assoc. Editor: Janelle Asselin
Editor: Michael Marts

There aren’t many comics out there that get progressively better with each issue, so it’s always delightful to pick up the current Batwoman and see that the quality is still increasing exponentially.

I think part five of Hydrology might be my favorite; it comes without the minor annoyances that keep great comics from being absolutely perfect. Kate uses an interesting combination of detective skills and meditation to find the Weeping Woman’s weakness (although it’s a less than uncanny one). Their final confrontation and the way Kane deals with her was done in a way that really shows how she has developed as a character and eradicated her personal demons. All in all it’s just compelling, wonderful writing.

Surprise, surprise, the artwork is still more than incredible. Geez J. H. Williams III and Dave Stewart, you guys need to stop brilliantly using pencils, inks, colors, and Photoshop before my retinas have art-gasms.

I’m not going to be dishonest and say that I’ve been able to read everything DC has to offer right now, but I think it’s safe to say that Batwoman is a book worth picking up. Another story arc ends, and some people still look at me with blank stares when I mention this particularly awesome red-headed crime fighter. Absolutely baffling, it is. It’s just a shame to see a character so beautifully written and illustrated (and updated from her bland old self), while other one-dimensional cesspools of pure nostalgia get all the attention. I’m not pointing fingers at anyone in particular, so please don’t resent me.

Before you grow completely weary of my ranting, let me stress one more thing (this next point may be considered mildly spoilerific, so avert thine eyes if necessary). Ahem. I admire Kate Kane for many reasons, and at the top of the list is the way she defeats The Weeping Woman. Some readers who are wrong at life may believe that a character is unrealistic or overly sentimental if they are able to forgive themselves and work through their demons. In a world tainted by writers who think angst for the sake of angst is what makes a story dark and interesting, I for one am glad to see Kate moving away from the damaged lesbian cliché.

Do yourself a favor. As a fan of comics, art, or just stories in general, be sure to start reading. I promise you will not be disappointed. Unless you have no taste.

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Alexander Lorenzen
alex@comicattack.net
@A_Lorenzen