Batwoman #3 is written by Greg Rucka and published by DC Comics. Artwork is by DaNi, colours by Matt Hollingsworth and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. Main cover art (left) is by DaNi and Hollingsworth.
Batwoman #3 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
In the aftermath of Batwoman’s brutal showdown with the Monks of the Stone, Jacob Kane fears his daughter may have crossed the point of no return. If there’s any chance of pulling Kate back from the brink, he’ll need the help of Renee Montoya, a.k.a. the Question—but neither of them may like the answer they find. The sparks will be flying in more ways than one when Greg Rucka and DaNi’s Next Level tale continues!
Review
Hard to believe that another month has somehow passed us by. But today Batwoman is back in comic book stores for the third chapter in Greg Rucka’s mysterious new run. After two intriguing issues the series is slowing things down a little to focus less on Kate and more on her supporting cast, adding context and widening the scope of the Grecian story arc.
Batwoman #3 picks up in the direct aftermath of Kate’s rather drastic actions at the end of last month’s issue. The consequences of those actions reverberate right across this latest chapter, influencing the actions of Jacob Kane and villains Master Slay, Pagona and Despina. This is really their story, understanding how they try to interpret what Kate is doing whilst our hero is suffering from her own reaction to the previous night’s events.
It’s heavily noir-influenced stuff. This issue is almost entirely talk with only the last few panels dedicated to vigilante action. But after three issues my only niggle is that we’re still no closer to understanding the reality of the situation. The slow burn aspect isn’t necessarily bad thing. I’ve highlighted it as a strength in previous reviews of the series. But in an issue where the cast is all grappling with Kate’s choices, Rucka does little to clue the reader in on the truth of the matter either. So whilst Kate sits crying in her shower, clearly remorseful for killing Slay’s acolytes, there’s no indication as to why.
Setting aside those minor frustrations it is genuinely insightful to spend time with Jacob and the rest of the cast. Seeing him attempt to visit his daughter in the sanatorium nods to his paternal instincts and his reaction to speaking with Dr. Sidaris challenges much of what we know about the normally stoic Colonel. Rucka does make the very interesting choice to have him reach out to a familiar face to seek help in deal with Kate’s outburst. The cameo appearance feels well earned in the story and emphasises the desperation of the situation. It also opens the world up to a second guest appearance, one spoiled on the cover of the book. I won’t say too much about Renee Montoya’s appearance as it plays into the climax of Batwoman #3 but it does offer both a point of de ja vu for the series and a point of no return for Kate.
DaNi’s artwork continues to be a huge draw for the series. What felt a little alien in issue #1 is feeling like a unique and stylish approach to the DC Universe at this stage. This issue really plays with the dichotomy of light and dark, using negative space effectively to break the mould of traditional comic book layouts. Matt Hollingsworth is also having fun with the colour palette this month. There are a lot of red and purple hues which give Batwoman #3 a strong sunset vibe. It feels like the end of a difficult day leading into the gloves coming off at night. The choices are strong throughout.
After three issues I don’t feel like I’ve gotten to grips with Rucka’s vision yet. This feels like a Batwoman which relies heavily on knowledge of the past. Something I don’t necessarily have all the pieces of. But the news here isn’t bad. Whilst I do feel like I’m missing part of the puzzle, there’s still more than enough intrigue in Rucka’s story to keep me on the ride. My interest isn’t waning. It just needs some attention if I’m going to commit long-term.
Verdict
Batwoman #3 continues to showcase DaNi’s incredible art style alongside the beautiful colourings of Matt Hollingsworth. This issue slows things down and really gives Rucka the time to flesh out Kate’s world and her supporting cast. But now definitely feels like the time to start revealing a little more about what’s really going on.
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