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Review: Mother Panic #12

By Philip Schweier
October 25, 2017 - 04:24

Violet Paige is held captive by a homicidal artist. That is, an artist who creates homicides the others create paintings or sculptures. It her medium, a true master. Though when one of her victims – Violet _ chooses to fight back, how long will she hampered by a former friend now caught in the thrall of said artist?

Maybe it’s the format of this series, with its brief three-page back-up that reduces the page count slightly. Nevertheless, the storytelling here is not terribly dense. I doubt I’m giving anything away by saying that Violet wins the day. Yet at the same time, there are unique revelations that add a new layer to the nature of Violet as a hero, and her bizarre relationship to her demented mother.

Revelations are also forthcoming in the back-up feature, Gotham Radio. But what it means for the future of the story remains in doubt. It’s unfair to call it an ending. Perhaps “temporary resolution” would be the most apt description.

Recently while reading Batwoman, it occurred to me that there is little difference between the characters Batwoman and Mother Panic. Both fight crime in Gotham City. Both are lesbians. Both suffered traumatic childhood experiences that have helped shape their adult selves. To me, one them is redundant, but I’m uncertain which. But the upside is, if you enjoy one you’ll probably enjoy both.

Rating: 8/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12