Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

The Huntress: Year One # 4 (of 6)

By Koppy McFad
July 7, 2008 - 03:38

The Huntress, daughter of a murdered mob family, pursues the murderer of her parents to Venice just when Carnivale is being celebrated.

This issue is rather inconsistent. It is suppose to be a serious, semi-realistic organized crime story, yet at times dredges up the most unbelievable gimmicks of superhero comics. First, we see the Huntress single-handedly wiping out an entire gang of hardened mafia thugs. Then, at a funeral, she spots a man that she instantly recognizes as the killer of her parents-- even though he was masked at the time. She tracks him to Venice, only to be dragged into one of the canals. But instead of killing her while he has the chance, the murderer lets her live, so she can be more of a challenge when they meet again.

There are also a series of equally unbelievable coincidences which has the Huntress, in civilian dress, encountering Babs (Batgirl) Gordon and then has her infiltrating Wayne Manor for the inevitable confrontation with Batman. Well, the Batman crossover was inevitable, but it could have been handled better.

In fact most of the weaknesses of the story could have been glossed over if the dialogue and pacing were more exciting and flowed better. The lead character's internal monologue seems too forced, like she was trying too hard to make us feel sorry for her. The art does not help things. It isn't bad. It is just pedestrian. It tells the story but it does not increase the suspense or help set the mood too well.  Even the scenes during the Carnivale in Venice don't look too impressive. The haunting cover of this issue gives us a hint of the decadence and danger of Venice but the interior art does not follow through.

 

 

 

Rating: 6 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12