Sunday, January 3, 2010

A Pleasant Surprise: Batwoman

One of my favorite runs in a comic book has ended, and it was only seven issues. And get this: it was Detective Comics...I know! I never thought I'd say that. Ever. But Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams III as a team bring Batwoman as a character to whole new level. They upped the bar for comic quality for storytelling and art AND together. The writing is superb, delving into Kate Kane's past, revealing more that ends up revealing the present situation. It's a puzzle. The artistic style is different between certain situations: the past is more grainier and rougher, much like a flashback would be; the present is sharp and the color punches you in the face; non-action sequences are tamed down and less colorful; but action sequences are defined by the shattered glass look when Batwoman is kicking ass and the red and black....oh the red! The art is seductive with its subtle sexual innuendos, use of color, and its multi-layered symbolism. Take a look here at Kate Kane/Batwoman and Alice:


How could you NOT love this art? It's inventive and fresh and (if you read the comic) says so much with just one page in subtext. Williams and Rucka have redefined superhero comics and made it into something substantial.


But for those of you reading the comic or will read the arc, look for the creative duo to be creating a Batwoman solo title this year. EXCITING!!!!

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