Batwoman #12 Review

A number of changes have occurred since you last read a Batwoman comic: J.H. Williams III is back on art, the format is back to a relatively linear format, and Wonder Woman is featured prominently. I would have expected each of those changes to benefit the book, but, together, they push the book to its best form thus far.

Pairing Wonder Woman and Batwoman is a perfect move for this title. Wonder Woman is iconic and pure whereas Batwoman slugs her way through back alleys and the everyday problems of common citizens (think Superman and Batman). Still, they are both strong women who define themselves by their work. It’s a delight to let the storytelling, visual and scripted, wash over you, as Williams differentiates between truth and fiction through changes in his art style and the script wraps the two characters’ stories around one another. As the issue progresses and the stories begin to meld, the interface of Batwoman’s urban legends and Wonder Woman’s mythology serves as an appealing, if not entirely congruent, bridge between the two characters.

It’s impossible to overstate the boost that Williams’ return gives to this book. His layouts sell the confusion and fear of Batwoman’s funhouse experience while simultaneously presenting Wonder Woman as confident and (literally) centered. Whether they’re relaxing on a yacht or having a swim in a backyard pool, Williams breathes life into his characters so convincingly that it’s almost as if you’re seeing actors on film instead of hand-drawn squiggles on paper. It’s nice to see the water still factoring into the imagery, but the way it defines Wonder Woman’s transformation back to Diana at the issue’s climax is exquisite. I’d also like to tip my cap to Williams for single-handedly making Director Bones a new favorite of mine through nothing more than his visual depiction of the character.

Without question, Williams’ return is a huge boon to this book, but it’s not the whole story. The narrative has improved greatly, with a delightful new dynamic forming between Kate, Agent Chase, and Director Bones. Also, Wonder Woman serves as the perfect counterbalance to Bette, both of whom circle around Kate, defining one another by analogy and contrast.

I was expecting this book to be an improvement, but I wasn’t expecting it to be this good. The new dynamics between characters, the return of J.H. Williams III on art, and the potential represented by the Wonder Woman team-up have me as excited about this book as I am about any other book on the shelves.

Poet is a freelance writer, mid-core gamer, and frequent IGN contributor. Follow Poet on Twitter, or post a message on his IGN profile.

Source : ign[dot]com