In the co-feature, the Huntress joins The Question in her quest to track down the leaders of the human trafficking ring. But finding them – and bring them to justice – will be harder and more dangerous than either hero thought!
I read lots of comics every month, and nothing I buy comes remotely close to matching how absolutely magnificent
DETECTIVE COMICS has been since writer Greg Rucka and artist J.H. Williams III began the adventures of Kate Kane's Batwoman alter ego in the title that introduced Batman all the way back in 1939. I think it's easily the best book on the market right now, and I'm not the only one.
Two issues ago, we saw the tragedy that destroyed Kate's family. Last month, we saw the beginnings of her path towards becoming Batwoman. In issue 860, we witness not only her earliest adventures and training but also go inside the philosophies behind what she does and why she chose the symbol of the Bat. It's all good.
I love this character. If I knew Kate Kane in real life, I'd totally fall in love with her. (And it wouldn't be the first time I developed a huge crush on a girl, only to find out she likes girls as much as I do. One of my female friends once told me I should have been a lesbian.) Furthermore, I love the relationship Kate has with her father, and how well Rucka presents the reasons and means with which the Colonel supports his daughter's war on crime. This is absolutely fantastic stuff.
Since this issue is told mostly in flashbacks, J.H. Williams adopts an art style that's entirely different from the present-day stuff but consistent with his previous flashbacks. Colorist Dave Stewart continues to be the perfect complement to Williams, also using different color schemes to denote different time periods. Amazing from top to bottom.
But it's not just the rest of the origin that's told here. Kate finally confronts her father about the true identity of Alice, her Joker and Ra's Al Ghul rolled into one, who might just also be her long-thought-dead twin sister. Her father's answers aren't necessarily what she wants to hear, setting up a killer ending that will leave you wanting the next issue now, now, now, now, now.
The Question backup takes a breather from its usual blend of action and dark intrigue as Renee Montoya and Helena "The Huntress" Bertinelli plan their next move against the human-trafficking syndicate. At least they're safe for the moment. OR ARE THEY? Cliffhanger! Again! I love Cully Hamner's art on this.
Like I said, this is the best book on the market. If it were a woman, I'd marry it. And then it would leave me for a woman. But that's okay. As long as it's happy. - John Bierly
