Batwoman #20

Batwoman has been one of the best books to have come from the New 52. The book has been constantly interesting, mysterious, and fun. This issue is no exception. I don't understand why there's so little buzz about the title as this is a series that should definitely have people talking. I understand this book may not be for everyone, namely people who don't enjoy good character work, gorgeous art, and a unique and intriguing story, but I strongly recommend picking up the first volume, Hydrology, in trade. Read Full Review

This was the best issue of Batwoman since the Medusa arc, and for that, I'm excited. Really excited. For once, the DEO prove themselves a strong element of the book, pushing Batwoman into a new story that I think is going to be very cool. I still don't like the DEO in the book, but they definitely work as a catalyst for a bigger, better story. Plus there's one scene in this issue that's just adorable. Read Full Review

As Kate's secrets are laid bare before the people she loves and the people she knows she can't trust, Blackman and Williams' story is inching towards a resolution that promises to show Batwoman -- and us -- what she's really made of. Read Full Review

I thought this was a really good issue, with some genuine emotional moments spread through out. While this title seems to struggle with which scenes should be a priority, the ones we got with Kate and her family progressed the character's relationships quite a bit, in very few stages. For awhile, it was just "I hate my dad! Sorry Bette, but no! Oh no, my girlfriend! My secret! Bwwaaaah!" But all that has changed in a matter of a few issues, and change is good when it brings progression! Read Full Review

Batwoman continues to be an engaging character piece. Williams and Blackman set up a story that has some great potential. The first half of the issue is a little overlong, but the script delivers once the flashback is over. McCarthy isn't as strong here as he usually is, but it doesn't make the book unreadable. With the characters coming first, Batwoman #20 is another successful issue by a talented creative team. Read Full Review

Another strong showing as always, although Williams-Blackman make the mistake of letting one character go off on a tangent for way too long for too little benefit. Read Full Review

Even with massive art problems this is still a return to form for Batwoman and company. Getting to the roots of a character and breaking down the supportive cast and what they mean to Kate Kane is more interesting than any monster of the week. The greatest villain in the legacy of this member of the Bat-Family also makes her chilling return here. If readers overlook some art problems, there is a ton of enjoyment to be had in this title. Read Full Review

There's no book I'd like to love more than "Batwoman," but it's apparently just not meant to be. Williams III remains one of the best artists in comics, and McCarthy is turning into a true talent, but issues like "Batwoman" #20 make me wonder if I should even be reading the book, let alone trying to love it. Read Full Review

Hatmasta

May 29, 2013

I've loved every issue of this series. No denying: I only read this title initially because of JH Williams on art, but I quickly found that Blackman, as this title went on, has crafted himself into an exceptional writer. However, McCarthy's art, which is usually wonderful, looked like straight up vomit in this issue. It was a tough pill to swallow. There were a few scenes that had zero emotion, and the panel where Batwoman flips a table over was probably the single worst panel I saw this week. Hopefully a month off with Francavilla on art (whoopee!) will give McCarthy some room to breathe and return to his former quality of work. Otherwise this was a great issue.