BATWOMAN #5 wraps up the first storyline by J. H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman with Kate Kane. Williams shows he’s learned his lessons well as an artist as this issue does two essential things; it wraps up plot points and it clarifies themes putting the whole story in perspective. Some conflicts are resolved and others will resonate for a long time.
Batwoman vs. the Weeping Woman is the first major thread that Williams addresses in the issue and it’s the most important. All the symbols of the arc are present. Water (and tears). Fire (also representing Flamebird). Family. These are two isolated characters dealing with guilt. Kate recognizes her guilt as “survivor guilt” and it proves key for her overcoming her adversary. It’s a satisfying victory for Kate as it speaks directly to her character.
Where the storyline has perhaps been weakest is in the Weeping Woman herself. It turns out that she’s exactly what she’s appeared to be at first glance, a ghost. She’s a good vehicle for exploring Kate Kane, but as a standalone villain there’s not much there. Using a supernatural villain isn’t a bad idea, it harkens back to the earliest days of Batman’s career when he fought the Mad Monk, but the Weeping Woman herself is two dimensional and underexplored. Even Kate’s reaction to finding out that her foe is truly supernatural isn’t addressed. Perhaps it speaks to Kate’s matter of fact view of the world, but it seems to be a missed opportunity. In the end, Kate’s main adversary is her own emotional turmoil, and the Weeping Woman is just a footnote to that.
The second part of the story deals with Kate confronting Agent Chase and Mr. Bones of the DEO. Kate’s at a disadvantage here as her adversaries use her own family connections against her. As much as she’d like to cut her father out of her life, she can’t. As such, she’s left with an impossible choice, work with the DEO, against her every instinct, or see her father pay the price for her refusal. Kate makes her decision and there are sure to be repercussions coming.
It’s perfunctory at this point, but it’s essential to say that this is the best looking comic book being published today. Layout, rendering, coloring, etc. it’s a modern classic. And it’s all in service of telling a story and exploring Kate’s character. The fancy, experimental layouts of Williams III are all clear as day for storytelling as well. Even if Batwoman doesn’t interest you as a character, taking the time to flip through the book to see the art is worth it.
Overall, BATWOMAN looks to be in good hands with the first storyline a substantial success. Kate Kane’s life has never looked more interesting and she’s certain to face some substantial emotional trials to come. Some better external foes, outside of Agent Chase and Mr. Bones, will really help this title blossom but it’s one of the best superhero books today regardless.
