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Review: Batwoman #5

By Philip Schweier
October 18, 2017 - 08:20

Expanding on Batwoman’s origin story, as Kate Kane washes ashore on the island of Coryana, where she meets Safiyah, the leader of the island. Safiyah is known as the Mother of Warlords, for her authority over the squabbling factions on the island. She settles disputes, much like a pirate leader of old.

For pirates they are, as they go after an oil tanker loaded with crude oil taken from their own island. One time military brat Kate Kane has no other options, so she joins the operation, applying her service skills, but the jealousy of Safiyah lover, Tahani, may very well prove her undoing.

As stories go, there is much meat on these bones. Safiyah’s a leader, Kate is former military, and Tahani is jealous. Beyond that, very little new is shared. Mostly it merely reinforces Kates lesbianism, which we’re already aware of. It reminds me of a Simpsons episode in which the family goes to Hollywood, where the encounter Ellen Degeneres and her then-partner Anne Heche. “Hi. We’re lesbians.” Yeah. We get it. And if that’s all you ever show the world, that’s all it will ever judge you for.

The painted artwork by Stephanie Hans is quite impressive. In some ways it reminds me of the illustrations I remember from my childhood, but with greater attention to detail. The remarkable thing is Hans conveys that detail with minimal effort. So while the story may not be altogether satisfying, the artwork certainly is.

Rating: 7/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12