Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Review: Batwoman #12

By Philip Schweier
February 21, 2018 - 04:59

The latest issue of Batwoman begins with an internal monologue, stating “One year ago, Batman sent me on a mission to hunt down the Many Arms of Death…”

A year ago. This story has been going on for a YEAR, chock full of flashbacks, hallucinations and other reality bending experiences that have me so confused, I know only two things about the character:

1: she’s an amateur crime fighter in over her head. Sure, she has military training, but her investigative skills are lacking

2: she’s a lesbian. I know this because hardly an issue goes by without her being the arms of her former-lover-now-turned-enemy. This time they’re canoodling while Kate Kane researches why the foxes on the island are dying from an unknown malady. I love my wife, but when we’re cooking dinner, we’re not constantly having to untangle our arms. Kind of gets in the way of what needs to be done, yeah?

In fairness, that may not be writer Marguerite Bennett’s doing, it could be artist Scott Godlewski. But before accuse me of homophobia, allow me to offer a thought from a very dear (and gay) friend of mine: “Whatever you are – black, gay, Muslim, whatever – if that’s all you show the world, that’s how the world will judge you.”

Another cliché I hate about this story is how the origin of the villain is tied to the origin of the hero. Ever Since Batman (1989), when pre-Joker Jack Napier killed Bruce Wayne’s parents, heroes and villains origins have been tied together. Superman and Lex Luthor were once friends, Captain America and the Red Skull were both results of the same research, Thor and Loki are brothers, and Black Panther and Killmonger are cousins. The list goes on. It’s as if no one ever meets and simply doesn’t get along for no reason.

I don’t know if there is an agenda here – and I don’t mind if there is – but I do wish Batwoman could avoid falling into narrative traps, and simply tell a good story. Preferably one that doesn’t wander aimlessly for a year. Perhaps it just needs a more experienced writer.

Rating: 2/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12