DC Comics
Batwoman #14 Review
By J. Skyler
November 24, 2012 - 14:13

DC Comics
Writer(s): J.H. Williams III, W. Haden Blackman
Penciller(s): J.H. Williams III
Inker(s): J.H. Williams III
Colourist(s): Dave Stewart
Letterer(s): Todd Klein
Cover Artist(s): J.H. Williams III
$2.99 US



Batwoman-14.jpg
Belief is a tricky thing; it is as fragile as it is resilient. Conventional theory in the DC Comics Universe (DCU), one which draws from the ancient Vedic religion (the direct predecessor to Hinduism) is that belief is the life blood of the gods. If mortals do not place their faith in the Divine, the Divine in turn holds no power; without power to sustain the universe, all life eventually dies. As Batwoman and Wonder Woman attempt to track Medusa's whereabouts, they come across her son, the Pegasus, who has been gravely injured. Pegasus asks Wonder Woman to perform a mercy killing, as his injuries will take eons to heal because he is immortal. Wonder Woman warns him if she does so, his death will be permanent, as "mortals worship athletes and actors now."

As usual, J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman script a great deal of dialog, both internal and external, between Batwoman and Wonder Woman in this issue. Both are uncomfortable with the idea of assisted suicide to say the least, and both heroines believe the other to be a source of inspiration and courage in the face of a no-win situation. This issue also gives us our first impression of Medusa in the DCU. Far less savage or menacing than traditional mythology would indicate, she is a highly intelligent, calculating character, one with a reserved presence of hostility and terror. The most horrific villains, after all, are those who operate within a semblance of reason.

Throughout the course of her publication history, Batwoman has steadily been severing ties with people rather than building them. She is at her most isolated at this point, estranged from her father, cousin, girlfriend and even distant with other members of the Batman Family. Despite being in the greatest battle she could ever imagine, a constant source of anguish for her is the realization she doesn't have anyone to share what could be her final moments with. If she survives, hopefully it will be a lesson learned that being your own woman doesn't necessarily mean being devoid of attachment.
Rating: 7/10

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