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Batwoman (2011)
Batwoman, Volume 4: This Blood Is Thick
After taking down Medusa, Batwoman expected her life to get easier. Not so much when caught in the crossfire between Batman and the D.E.O., Department of Extranormal Operations. The organization has their sights set on the Dark Knight, and could be using Batwoman to capture him. But is Batman the true threat?
Writers J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman and artist Trevor McCarthy continue their mammoth run on the critically acclaimed title in BATWOMAN VOL. 4: THIS BLOOD IS THICK.
Collects Batwoman #18-24
Writers J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman and artist Trevor McCarthy continue their mammoth run on the critically acclaimed title in BATWOMAN VOL. 4: THIS BLOOD IS THICK.
Collects Batwoman #18-24
160 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2014
15 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
J.H. Williams III
392 books214 followersJames H. "Jim" Williams III, usually credited as J. H. Williams III, is a comic book artist and penciller. He is known for his work on titles such as Chase, Promethea and Desolation Jones.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
August 20, 2022
(B+) 76% | Good
Notes: It’s about family in all its manner and monstrosity: layering depth and flesh by reunions, concessions and absolution.
Notes: It’s about family in all its manner and monstrosity: layering depth and flesh by reunions, concessions and absolution.
February 25, 2015
4.5 stars
This was another excellent volume of Batwoman, and you really have to credit the creative team that put it together.
It starts off with Kate and Maggie still struggling with the repercussions of the battle with Medusa, but their relationship seems strong enough to overcome it. Now that Maggie knows that Kate is Batwoman, there's definitely a deeper layer to everything. And I liked how she immediately has her back.
In the Killer Croc one-shot, you get a look at how Maggie is fully capable of not only taking care of herself, but also stepping up to help take care of Batwoman.
The main plotline involves the D.E.O. basically blackmailing Kate.
They want Batman unmasked, but it appears that this vigilante has all his bases covered.
Shocking, no?
It seemed like a no-brainer that she'd refuse, but Bones had an ace in the hole. They have something very precious of hers, and they know she'll do anything to get back.
Anyone who's been reading this title can probably guess what I'm talking about, but I'm trying not to be all spoilery.
Ok. Everything mentioned above? Great, good, awesome. It's all the same stuff I've come to expect from this title.
Now, the ending?
I can't blame the creative team for this massive cliffhanger fuck-up, because I'm pretty sure this wasn't their choice.
The morons in charge of this at DC, however, need to be spanked and sent to their rooms with no supper.
Seriously.
Talk about an abrupt ending.
I'll read the next volume to find out what happens...but I'm not happy.
No. Not happy at all.
This was another excellent volume of Batwoman, and you really have to credit the creative team that put it together.
It starts off with Kate and Maggie still struggling with the repercussions of the battle with Medusa, but their relationship seems strong enough to overcome it. Now that Maggie knows that Kate is Batwoman, there's definitely a deeper layer to everything. And I liked how she immediately has her back.
In the Killer Croc one-shot, you get a look at how Maggie is fully capable of not only taking care of herself, but also stepping up to help take care of Batwoman.
The main plotline involves the D.E.O. basically blackmailing Kate.
They want Batman unmasked, but it appears that this vigilante has all his bases covered.
Shocking, no?
It seemed like a no-brainer that she'd refuse, but Bones had an ace in the hole. They have something very precious of hers, and they know she'll do anything to get back.
Anyone who's been reading this title can probably guess what I'm talking about, but I'm trying not to be all spoilery.
Ok. Everything mentioned above? Great, good, awesome. It's all the same stuff I've come to expect from this title.
Now, the ending?
I can't blame the creative team for this massive cliffhanger fuck-up, because I'm pretty sure this wasn't their choice.
The morons in charge of this at DC, however, need to be spanked and sent to their rooms with no supper.
Seriously.
Talk about an abrupt ending.
I'll read the next volume to find out what happens...but I'm not happy.
No. Not happy at all.
July 16, 2014
It's heart breaking that Williams and Blackman had to leave the book, because this is great. Sadly, they left in the middle of a large and important storyline. Huge cliffhanger. I can't not read the rest, but if it doesn't live up to what's here? Such a shame.
It just felt like, for once, everything came together in this volume. This Blood is Thick is quite a long story, but it didn't at any point drag. There was always forward momentum. And I don't mean constant action, because much of that momentum was on the personal level, in the relationships between characters. And the art! It's always looked nice, but the panels are in control this time. It was a pleasure to read, beginning to end.
And let's not forget about the interlude, starring Killer Croc in an oddly effective little story. It's a gem in a collection that's already really good.
I wish DC editorial hadn't interfered so much that this storyline was interrupted. I'll always wonder what it might have been, in the end. Such a shame.
It just felt like, for once, everything came together in this volume. This Blood is Thick is quite a long story, but it didn't at any point drag. There was always forward momentum. And I don't mean constant action, because much of that momentum was on the personal level, in the relationships between characters. And the art! It's always looked nice, but the panels are in control this time. It was a pleasure to read, beginning to end.
And let's not forget about the interlude, starring Killer Croc in an oddly effective little story. It's a gem in a collection that's already really good.
I wish DC editorial hadn't interfered so much that this storyline was interrupted. I'll always wonder what it might have been, in the end. Such a shame.
December 12, 2014
Bullet Review:
Wow. Good stuff. A shame DC chased away power duo, Williams and Blackman, mid-story arc.
I'm afraid of Volume 5...
Wow. Good stuff. A shame DC chased away power duo, Williams and Blackman, mid-story arc.
I'm afraid of Volume 5...
August 12, 2024
No J.H. Williams III artwork again this volume, which was a disappointment. Without his stunning art, this book really is pretty standard fare.
Apparently, Williams and his co-writer left the book shortly after this volume, which is a shame. I’ll have to read the next volume just to see what the next writer does with the cliffhanger this one ended on…
Apparently, Williams and his co-writer left the book shortly after this volume, which is a shame. I’ll have to read the next volume just to see what the next writer does with the cliffhanger this one ended on…
April 16, 2015
Are you freaking kidding me?
I read TPBs so they don't end in cliffhangers. So I get a complete story.
But noooooo...
This volume of Batwoman has to end in, not 1, but 2 cliffhangers.
Crap.
I really enjoyed this story. The action is great. Mags and Kate's relationship is fantastic. (Wasn't Mags originally from Metropolis?) I really liked the issue focusing on Croc. And the end was rather suspenseful - making the cliffhanger(s) much more annoying.
I'll definitely be looking for volume 5.
I read TPBs so they don't end in cliffhangers. So I get a complete story.
But noooooo...
This volume of Batwoman has to end in, not 1, but 2 cliffhangers.
Crap.
I really enjoyed this story. The action is great. Mags and Kate's relationship is fantastic. (Wasn't Mags originally from Metropolis?) I really liked the issue focusing on Croc. And the end was rather suspenseful - making the cliffhanger(s) much more annoying.
I'll definitely be looking for volume 5.
November 23, 2015
Not sure what to say about this one, I've been ruminating on it for almost 2 weeks...It's not up to the same levels as Batman and Batgirl Vol. 4s, but it's sure better than the clusterfuck that was Vol. 3.
Things finally come to a head here, but still, I really get the feeling that Kate Kane has no clue what the fuck she's doing. If that's the point, then no thanks. I don't mind a hero finding their way, or doubting things, but this is silly. Also, why throw in another pair of estranged family members (DEO's Agent Chase and her sister...) absolutely useless. Maggie Sawyer has long been a strong character on her own long before being reduced to the girlfriend role, and it's a shame. I don't find that this makes her a more interesting character at all.
Also, I'm getting very tired of the storyline with the 2 girls on the cover...gee, who do we think might be involved again?
What motivation could Bones possibly have to get Batwoman to go after Batman? Oh hmmm...that cover...right...
That being said, if they actually pick this up in Vol. 5 with anything other than exactly what should happen, I will be shocked.
Still get confused by the colour schemes that keep changing, and that there's far too much on the supporting characters and very little on KK herself.
But as with most of the New 52, it seems Vol. 4 will be the end for this creative team...
feels like a cheap ploy to keep us reading at the end though.
Things finally come to a head here, but still, I really get the feeling that Kate Kane has no clue what the fuck she's doing. If that's the point, then no thanks. I don't mind a hero finding their way, or doubting things, but this is silly. Also, why throw in another pair of estranged family members (DEO's Agent Chase and her sister...) absolutely useless. Maggie Sawyer has long been a strong character on her own long before being reduced to the girlfriend role, and it's a shame. I don't find that this makes her a more interesting character at all.
Also, I'm getting very tired of the storyline with the 2 girls on the cover...gee, who do we think might be involved again?
What motivation could Bones possibly have to get Batwoman to go after Batman? Oh hmmm...that cover...right...
That being said, if they actually pick this up in Vol. 5 with anything other than exactly what should happen, I will be shocked.
Still get confused by the colour schemes that keep changing, and that there's far too much on the supporting characters and very little on KK herself.
But as with most of the New 52, it seems Vol. 4 will be the end for this creative team...
feels like a cheap ploy to keep us reading at the end though.
September 4, 2015
Beautiful artwork, beautiful dialogue, beautiful characters. Batwoman continues to be one of the best comic books in the market.
4/5
4/5
October 16, 2016
This Blood is Thick abruptly ends the spectacular JH Williams III run on Batwoman. Shame on DC, the title went full south afrerwards. After the Medusa attack on Gotham, you know that another epic story is building up again, one that is more personal, one that involves Batman himself.
I love where the series is going, the marriage, the battle of the Bat-cousins with all other supporting characters thrown into the mix. Volume four sets all that up, giving us an exciting preview on what the Batwoman series can offer - the Kate-Sawyer marriage, the DEO, other members of the rogue's gallery and Batwoman's interesting relationship with Batman. The next arc could be what JH Williams III has been building up (with Rucka) since Elegy - the last arc towards a full circle.
But unfortunately, things aren't good because DC wanted Kate to join the mainstream Bat-stories. D*ck move New52 DC!
Artwork isn't Williams' but still way better than that of volume 2. You get an emerging trend here. Volume 5 MIGHT have been drawn by Williams. Shame we didn't get to see it.
This Blood is Thick is much more personal, a start of a could-have-been-epic story of the Williams Batwoman run. This is the farthest it will take us folks, appreciate it, then stop reading the succeeding issues.
I love where the series is going, the marriage, the battle of the Bat-cousins with all other supporting characters thrown into the mix. Volume four sets all that up, giving us an exciting preview on what the Batwoman series can offer - the Kate-Sawyer marriage, the DEO, other members of the rogue's gallery and Batwoman's interesting relationship with Batman. The next arc could be what JH Williams III has been building up (with Rucka) since Elegy - the last arc towards a full circle.
But unfortunately, things aren't good because DC wanted Kate to join the mainstream Bat-stories. D*ck move New52 DC!
Artwork isn't Williams' but still way better than that of volume 2. You get an emerging trend here. Volume 5 MIGHT have been drawn by Williams. Shame we didn't get to see it.
This Blood is Thick is much more personal, a start of a could-have-been-epic story of the Williams Batwoman run. This is the farthest it will take us folks, appreciate it, then stop reading the succeeding issues.
January 30, 2023
I don’t even know how to rate this. It literally just stops. It literally needed one more issue to finish which I know is the annual, but I don’t know how this is rated so high when the end of this literally stops basically mid sentence.
I’ll go ahead and settle on two stars, but that is only because it isn’t nearly as bad as the horrible volume 2. I just can’t believe DC was dumb enough to release this the way they did no matter the reason.
I’ll go ahead and settle on two stars, but that is only because it isn’t nearly as bad as the horrible volume 2. I just can’t believe DC was dumb enough to release this the way they did no matter the reason.
January 31, 2023
I enjoyed all of Kate's family finally coming together to stop the DEO, but the book ends very abruptly, and after doing some research online I found it was because the creative team these 4 volumes was kicked off the book right before the ending. A real shame, as I thought Batwoman's best moments were here and in the previous volume.
September 19, 2014
At first, I wasn't aware that THIS was JH Williams and W Haden Blackman's final volume in Batwoman. Since I don't live under a rock, I was aware of the duo's very public split with DC over the direction of the series, and whether or not Batwoman should become married (spoiler alert: they were all for it, while DC isn't much of a fan of their superheroes getting hitched). Granted, I understand that a change in the creative talent is pretty much an inevitability in superhero comics, but damn! What an awful place to split!
This Blood is Thick is a solid addition to the New 52's Batwoman line, well paced and with a really thrilling build up at the end. In this volume, everything comes to a head when the DEO tells Kate to do something impossible: unmask Batman or her loved ones get it. This feels like the most personal storyline of Batwoman's new 52 run, with a real emphasis on family. The artwork, as always, is absolutely gorgeous, filled with wonderfully detailed, uniquely designed panels. Much like World's Finest, the volumes ends on a bombastic city wide action sequence. Unlike World's Finest, it also ends on a cliffhanger, with all of the plot threads of the storyarc left completely unresolved.
Batwoman has never been a perfect comic (the "To Drown the World" arc being a noticeable low point for me), but I think that JH Williams and W Haden Blackman have done a pretty good job with it. The fact that they didn't even get to finish up this particular storyline is pretty damn frustrating. Of course, I will give the new writer a chance when volume five is available at my library, but it's quite a shame they had to go out like that.
This Blood is Thick is a solid addition to the New 52's Batwoman line, well paced and with a really thrilling build up at the end. In this volume, everything comes to a head when the DEO tells Kate to do something impossible: unmask Batman or her loved ones get it. This feels like the most personal storyline of Batwoman's new 52 run, with a real emphasis on family. The artwork, as always, is absolutely gorgeous, filled with wonderfully detailed, uniquely designed panels. Much like World's Finest, the volumes ends on a bombastic city wide action sequence. Unlike World's Finest, it also ends on a cliffhanger, with all of the plot threads of the storyarc left completely unresolved.
Batwoman has never been a perfect comic (the "To Drown the World" arc being a noticeable low point for me), but I think that JH Williams and W Haden Blackman have done a pretty good job with it. The fact that they didn't even get to finish up this particular storyline is pretty damn frustrating. Of course, I will give the new writer a chance when volume five is available at my library, but it's quite a shame they had to go out like that.
February 20, 2015
This time the story (including the Killer Croc interlude) flew really fast, appropriately supported by excellent artwork, well-executed dialogue-bubbles, and a real cliffhanger ending. Seems that I can't call it äll over"for Batwoman yet!
October 23, 2018
God, what a cliffhanger?? Renewed obsession with these series. Going to need to read the rest fairly soon. A little worried that the writer changed for the last two volumes just because I love this so much as it is. I guess I’ll see how it goes.
October 3, 2017
Always good...
July 8, 2025
J.H. Williams III's departure from Batwoman in this volume is a real shame because, for me, this might be the strongest his work has ever been. Everything that's been building up explodes in epic fashion as Batwoman finally learns her sister is alive. Now, she's got to rally everyone in her life to stop the DEO from screwing up everything, capturing Batman, and holding her sister hostage. It's fucking BIG, BOMBASTIC, and a ton of fun! I absolutely loved the pacing here – it's the exact opposite of the overly wordy last arc.
The ending was satisfying, even with the new writer, Marc, coming on board. He's solid, but his style definitely feels different. Overall, it just wasn't as great as I believe J.H. Williams III would have made it. Still, a very strong 4 out of 5!
The ending was satisfying, even with the new writer, Marc, coming on board. He's solid, but his style definitely feels different. Overall, it just wasn't as great as I believe J.H. Williams III would have made it. Still, a very strong 4 out of 5!
December 13, 2018
Four stars for Batwoman setting a trap for Batman.
Minus 1/3 star for Batwoman allowing herself to be set up into setting a trap for Batman.
Minus 1/3 star for wasting the reader's time on a whole issue devoted to trial runs, grand (dumb) romantic gestures and spooning. I'm open minded, but I don't like having to be pushed into being open-minded.
Minus 1/3 star for Batwoman having the arrogance to set a trap for Batman, and for various other absurdities on the way.
Minus 1/3 star for Batwoman allowing herself to be set up into setting a trap for Batman.
Minus 1/3 star for wasting the reader's time on a whole issue devoted to trial runs, grand (dumb) romantic gestures and spooning. I'm open minded, but I don't like having to be pushed into being open-minded.
Minus 1/3 star for Batwoman having the arrogance to set a trap for Batman, and for various other absurdities on the way.
April 22, 2019
Great artwork. But the story was a bit disjointed and a bit too much all over the place. That lessened the impact and the excitement.
August 11, 2020
5 🌟
Kate is tasked with finding out the secret identity of Batman in exchange for her sister.
Kate is tasked with finding out the secret identity of Batman in exchange for her sister.
November 1, 2013
Sadly this is the final volume of Batwoman from J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman. When DC editors asked them to go in a completely different direction with many of their storylines, they refused and stepped down which is an artistic decision I can respect.
However, it leaves us without a resolution to this fourth volume of Batwoman and we may never get to see it completed. They were set to wrap up by Batwoman #26, but DC didn't even let them do that. The new creative team will take over in Batwoman #25 as the title starts tying in to the Zero Year event. The writer taking over is Marc Andreyko. I haven't read him before and I was going to just not buy Batwoman anymore in a show of solidarity with Williams and Blackman, but Batwoman is an important title so I think I may give Andreyko a try and at least see how he handles the character. Batwoman as a series has been a largely female driven story with multiple examples of main female characters and I would hate to see this title go south.
Covers: This was a slight return to form for the covers, but they weren't AMAZING.
Artwork: Trevor McCarthy was pretty much on every single issue in this run with one incredible exception. Francesco Francavilla did the art for Batwoman #21 which focused on a fascinating narrative based around Killer Croc. Not getting to see this story play out is one of my biggest disappoints with the creative fallout of this series. Most of the artwork was decent, but it wasn't J.H. Williams III good:-)
Story: This was a deeply personal arc in which we really explore the relationships in Kate Kane's life. I won't reveal too much because of spoilers, but this was some very grounded emotional storytelling which really was in sharp contrast to the previous two volumes. I found it incredibly engaging and sadly unique because there are few female ensemble led titles and this is one of them. This will also be a frustrating read for many because there is absolutely no resolution and you won't ever get any...at least by this creative team.
I wish things could have been different, but I should appreciate what I have gotten to read.
Final Verdict: I do think I'm going to sell these to Half Price mostly because I want to eventually own them in Hardback.
However, it leaves us without a resolution to this fourth volume of Batwoman and we may never get to see it completed. They were set to wrap up by Batwoman #26, but DC didn't even let them do that. The new creative team will take over in Batwoman #25 as the title starts tying in to the Zero Year event. The writer taking over is Marc Andreyko. I haven't read him before and I was going to just not buy Batwoman anymore in a show of solidarity with Williams and Blackman, but Batwoman is an important title so I think I may give Andreyko a try and at least see how he handles the character. Batwoman as a series has been a largely female driven story with multiple examples of main female characters and I would hate to see this title go south.
Covers: This was a slight return to form for the covers, but they weren't AMAZING.
Artwork: Trevor McCarthy was pretty much on every single issue in this run with one incredible exception. Francesco Francavilla did the art for Batwoman #21 which focused on a fascinating narrative based around Killer Croc. Not getting to see this story play out is one of my biggest disappoints with the creative fallout of this series. Most of the artwork was decent, but it wasn't J.H. Williams III good:-)
Story: This was a deeply personal arc in which we really explore the relationships in Kate Kane's life. I won't reveal too much because of spoilers, but this was some very grounded emotional storytelling which really was in sharp contrast to the previous two volumes. I found it incredibly engaging and sadly unique because there are few female ensemble led titles and this is one of them. This will also be a frustrating read for many because there is absolutely no resolution and you won't ever get any...at least by this creative team.
I wish things could have been different, but I should appreciate what I have gotten to read.
Final Verdict: I do think I'm going to sell these to Half Price mostly because I want to eventually own them in Hardback.
October 6, 2025
“– all I’ve ever wanted is for my life as Batwoman and my life as Kate Kane to be one and the same.”
Kate Kane has finally revealed the truth about her secret identity to her now-fiancé Maggie Sawyer, but their relationship is still strained. But instead of allowing their pet-hero any kind of reprieve, the D.E.O. tasks Batwoman with unmasking Batman. Her reward? Beth.
It is hard to rate this volume and review it because it ends abruptly and there is no proper continuation because the author and DC had, apparently, some creative differences and Williams walked away from this project. It's a great shame, cause the story that was began in this volume only needed an issue or two to feel complete and to have a much more satisfying an ending. This series has had its ups and downs, but it deserved a better ending than it just simply ending in the middle of a really intense storyline both action-wise and emotionally. But I've decided not to review this volume as the finale for this series because it was never meant to be the finale. If I rated it as the last volume, it would be 2 because it is supremely unsatisfying, but if this had been allowed to be what it was meant to be, it is a 4/5 star volume.
Seeing Batwoman and Batman be pitted against each other, as they always knew would one day happen when Kate agreed to work for the D.E.O. was a lot of fun. They have their similarities and their moral codes are, in the end, the same, but Kate is much more willing to play dirty and take rather extreme leaps to get what she wants, such as It is not surprising to me that unlike, say, Batgirl, Batwoman has never been able to join Batman's family and become one of his allies because I think both their personalities are too big and they are both way too stubborn and desperate for control to ever fit into the same room. I like the idea of them being exasperated with each other while also working for, in the end, the same goal which is protecting the people of Gotham. But while Kate refuses to work with Batman, this volume does see her forced into finally accepting help from her family and friends. She has pushed them away repeatedly and has been hellbent on only risking her own life, but in this volume, she cannot do her mission on her own. It's always fun seeing lone wolf -type characters be dragged, kicking and screaming, into cooperation. Also, I loved this quote from Maggie who
I appreciated that even though Kate and Maggie are now engaged and planning a life together, their relationship has not suddenly become perfect. There are still cracks there and things Kate needs to apologise for (she did lie to Maggie for a loooong time), but you get to see how far they have come as a couple when those apologies do happen and they are able to talk things out. Kate is still her rather chaotic self – perfectly encapsulated in that moment where she – but she has also learned to be vulnerable and share her fears and feelings. I loved this speech from her to Maggie, when she I love these two and their romance a lot – they have definitely become one of my favorite DC couples ever.
It was so much fun having Beth back in the story as what was previously depicted as her death had never felt fully satisfying to me. I always felt like there had to be something more done with her. Knowing I will never get to see what Williams had planned for Alice/Beth and Kate angers me so much. But what we did get of Beth in this volume was fun. I liked how she is occasionally able to break free from the constant quoting of Alice in Wonderland and to speak in her own voice only to lapse, once again, into speaking in quotations, into becoming Alice again instead of Beth. This quote from her, wondering who she is, was especially sad: “Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle. I know who I was when I got up this morning but I think I must have been changed several times since then…” You can just sense her confusion regarding her own identity, even though she is not using her own words. Beth and Kate's relationship has always been fascinating to me. It's quite moving how far Kate is willing to go to save her sister, despite all the horrible things Alice has done.
Finally, I wanna say that I still really like Bette and it has been cool following her rather turbulent story of becoming a superhero in her own right. I liked the little glimpse into Chase's personal life with that scene with her sister, Terry. Chase always appears so tough and emotionless, so it was a lot of fun seeing her struggle with her decisions and what Bones demands of her. Catherine, Jacob's wife, has never been a fave of mine in the story, but in this book she surprised me by actually being someone I agreed with. I liked seeing her demand the truth from Jacob and to be allowed to be a part of all this hero-business. The little Killer Croc story was fun, but perhaps a bit random in the middle of this really intense story about capturing Batman. If only that issue could've been used to wrap up the main plot instead... But as someone who likes seeing DC villains be given backstories and emotional arcs, that story did get to me a few times. It was sad seeing
So, yeah, I feel conflicted about this volume because of all the things I talked about earlier, but it is not a bad volume if you don't think of it as an ending. I will forever be a bit bitter about how this series was treated because when it was great, it was phenomenal, and it – and its readers – deserved a better finale than this. I already was a fan of Kate Kane, but this series made me truly love her and for that I will be always grateful.
Kate Kane has finally revealed the truth about her secret identity to her now-fiancé Maggie Sawyer, but their relationship is still strained. But instead of allowing their pet-hero any kind of reprieve, the D.E.O. tasks Batwoman with unmasking Batman. Her reward? Beth.
It is hard to rate this volume and review it because it ends abruptly and there is no proper continuation because the author and DC had, apparently, some creative differences and Williams walked away from this project. It's a great shame, cause the story that was began in this volume only needed an issue or two to feel complete and to have a much more satisfying an ending. This series has had its ups and downs, but it deserved a better ending than it just simply ending in the middle of a really intense storyline both action-wise and emotionally. But I've decided not to review this volume as the finale for this series because it was never meant to be the finale. If I rated it as the last volume, it would be 2 because it is supremely unsatisfying, but if this had been allowed to be what it was meant to be, it is a 4/5 star volume.
Seeing Batwoman and Batman be pitted against each other, as they always knew would one day happen when Kate agreed to work for the D.E.O. was a lot of fun. They have their similarities and their moral codes are, in the end, the same, but Kate is much more willing to play dirty and take rather extreme leaps to get what she wants, such as It is not surprising to me that unlike, say, Batgirl, Batwoman has never been able to join Batman's family and become one of his allies because I think both their personalities are too big and they are both way too stubborn and desperate for control to ever fit into the same room. I like the idea of them being exasperated with each other while also working for, in the end, the same goal which is protecting the people of Gotham. But while Kate refuses to work with Batman, this volume does see her forced into finally accepting help from her family and friends. She has pushed them away repeatedly and has been hellbent on only risking her own life, but in this volume, she cannot do her mission on her own. It's always fun seeing lone wolf -type characters be dragged, kicking and screaming, into cooperation. Also, I loved this quote from Maggie who
I appreciated that even though Kate and Maggie are now engaged and planning a life together, their relationship has not suddenly become perfect. There are still cracks there and things Kate needs to apologise for (she did lie to Maggie for a loooong time), but you get to see how far they have come as a couple when those apologies do happen and they are able to talk things out. Kate is still her rather chaotic self – perfectly encapsulated in that moment where she – but she has also learned to be vulnerable and share her fears and feelings. I loved this speech from her to Maggie, when she I love these two and their romance a lot – they have definitely become one of my favorite DC couples ever.
It was so much fun having Beth back in the story as what was previously depicted as her death had never felt fully satisfying to me. I always felt like there had to be something more done with her. Knowing I will never get to see what Williams had planned for Alice/Beth and Kate angers me so much. But what we did get of Beth in this volume was fun. I liked how she is occasionally able to break free from the constant quoting of Alice in Wonderland and to speak in her own voice only to lapse, once again, into speaking in quotations, into becoming Alice again instead of Beth. This quote from her, wondering who she is, was especially sad: “Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle. I know who I was when I got up this morning but I think I must have been changed several times since then…” You can just sense her confusion regarding her own identity, even though she is not using her own words. Beth and Kate's relationship has always been fascinating to me. It's quite moving how far Kate is willing to go to save her sister, despite all the horrible things Alice has done.
Finally, I wanna say that I still really like Bette and it has been cool following her rather turbulent story of becoming a superhero in her own right. I liked the little glimpse into Chase's personal life with that scene with her sister, Terry. Chase always appears so tough and emotionless, so it was a lot of fun seeing her struggle with her decisions and what Bones demands of her. Catherine, Jacob's wife, has never been a fave of mine in the story, but in this book she surprised me by actually being someone I agreed with. I liked seeing her demand the truth from Jacob and to be allowed to be a part of all this hero-business. The little Killer Croc story was fun, but perhaps a bit random in the middle of this really intense story about capturing Batman. If only that issue could've been used to wrap up the main plot instead... But as someone who likes seeing DC villains be given backstories and emotional arcs, that story did get to me a few times. It was sad seeing
So, yeah, I feel conflicted about this volume because of all the things I talked about earlier, but it is not a bad volume if you don't think of it as an ending. I will forever be a bit bitter about how this series was treated because when it was great, it was phenomenal, and it – and its readers – deserved a better finale than this. I already was a fan of Kate Kane, but this series made me truly love her and for that I will be always grateful.
December 14, 2014
This is the New 52 at its best and at its worst.
On the good side, Williams and Blackman have long avoided the crossover meat-grinder, and so they've been able characterize not only their core hero, but also a strong supporting cast that's unlike anything else in the New 52. They've managed to tell stories that are about people and that are about their change, so here we have Kane fighting with her new deal with the DEO, her cousin fighting with her own position in Gotham, and even Croc fighting with a newfound community. It's all brilliant. Beyond that, the authors give us a story that really matters as Kane comes into direct confrontation with one of Gotham's best-known heroes.
On the bad side, this is where it all fell apart. DC told the authors that their characters weren't actually allowed to change (and that they were going to ignore the work being done with Croc), and the entire creative team left as a result. Then, out of some sort of backhanded spite, which showed DC's disrespect not only for the creative team, but also for readers, DC decided not to use the last two issues Williams and Blackman had written. Instead, DC handed the book off to another team, who ignored the plot left here in mid-fight until the Annual, published four months later.
So this rating is based on the greatness of the creators' vision, not on the smallness of DC's decisions. But be aware that this volume ends mid-story ... even moreso than most of DC's badly-structured New 52 TPBs. The annual that finishes things off (according to the vision of a new writer) is at the start of the next volume.
On the good side, Williams and Blackman have long avoided the crossover meat-grinder, and so they've been able characterize not only their core hero, but also a strong supporting cast that's unlike anything else in the New 52. They've managed to tell stories that are about people and that are about their change, so here we have Kane fighting with her new deal with the DEO, her cousin fighting with her own position in Gotham, and even Croc fighting with a newfound community. It's all brilliant. Beyond that, the authors give us a story that really matters as Kane comes into direct confrontation with one of Gotham's best-known heroes.
On the bad side, this is where it all fell apart. DC told the authors that their characters weren't actually allowed to change (and that they were going to ignore the work being done with Croc), and the entire creative team left as a result. Then, out of some sort of backhanded spite, which showed DC's disrespect not only for the creative team, but also for readers, DC decided not to use the last two issues Williams and Blackman had written. Instead, DC handed the book off to another team, who ignored the plot left here in mid-fight until the Annual, published four months later.
So this rating is based on the greatness of the creators' vision, not on the smallness of DC's decisions. But be aware that this volume ends mid-story ... even moreso than most of DC's badly-structured New 52 TPBs. The annual that finishes things off (according to the vision of a new writer) is at the start of the next volume.
March 27, 2017
A great series gets the rug pulled from under it...argh.
World: The art is not as good as the other arcs but oh well. The world building was great, with it building towards something bigger and then...the rug got pulled under...what the hell DC.
Story: I liked the story, it was building towards more and this little piece of Gotham for Kate was great...and then it ended...what the hell. I don't want to this be a anti-DC rant but 2 issues, they needed 2 more issues to finish this arc off, what the hell. It's like they wanted the pull Batwoman back before the consequences of these last 2 issues we shall never see. That aside the story was good, the pieces as I said were moving into an interesting area and I enjoyed it. Maggie and Kate, Firehawk and family, it was all so good.
Characters: Kate was great as was the rest of the family, there was a lot of character development here before the end of the series and I really liked where it was going. Argh
Argh!
Onward to the next book!
World: The art is not as good as the other arcs but oh well. The world building was great, with it building towards something bigger and then...the rug got pulled under...what the hell DC.
Story: I liked the story, it was building towards more and this little piece of Gotham for Kate was great...and then it ended...what the hell. I don't want to this be a anti-DC rant but 2 issues, they needed 2 more issues to finish this arc off, what the hell. It's like they wanted the pull Batwoman back before the consequences of these last 2 issues we shall never see. That aside the story was good, the pieces as I said were moving into an interesting area and I enjoyed it. Maggie and Kate, Firehawk and family, it was all so good.
Characters: Kate was great as was the rest of the family, there was a lot of character development here before the end of the series and I really liked where it was going. Argh
Argh!
Onward to the next book!
June 9, 2014
J. H. Williams III and co bring their run on Batwoman to a...I want to say close, but it's not really, as everything is up in the air. I do like how this storyline is 7+ issues long, yet never seems to drag due to the large amount of moving parts, from Kate to Maggie, Bette to Croc, plus Chase, and Bones, and Alice, so there's never a dull moment. The artwork as usual suffers from not being Williams III, but Trevor McCarthy does an amiable job, with Francesco Francavilla's interlude issue being a highlight of the trade. I'm sad that the storyline won't be sorted out properly in trade for a while whilst we wait for the Batwoman Annual to be reprinted, but this is still a great story in its own right, if unfinished.
October 3, 2014
Great story. I never would've seen this coming. Kate's sister is alive,and she's a prisoner of DEO.
April 10, 2018
I love this entire run! It’s definitely one of my favourite runs ever and it puts Batwoman among my favourite characters. This is a run I will love to reread it in a few years. I can’t mention this run without without mentioning its beautiful artwork. I love the contrast between the black, red and white. This entire run would be worth it enough for the artwork alone, but thankfully everything else is just as good. I love the mix of grounded and supernatural in the stories and how Batwoman deals with different issues compared to the other heroes in Gotham. The supernatural aspect really brings something interesting and kind of refreshing. Not only I love the Batwoman character, but I also love her as Kate. She’s a strong character who will do whatever it takes to achieve what she wants and although she shares a lot of similarities with Batman she’s still a very different character. I love the fact that she shows no interest in working with him. The flashbacks we’ve got from her really helps you to appreciate the character even more. It was nice seeing her relationship with her dad and sister and how things changed in her life until she became Batwoman. I like that fact that she’s a lesbian, not because it’s different but because it felt natural and not something done just for the sake of it.
I enjoyed the side characters, especially Maggie and Kate’s dad. It’s a big shame the creative team left in the middle of a such an important storyline - and how abruptly was that?! - and by the likes of it didn’t turn out well, which I guess it wouldn’t be hard to predict? I might still give the next volume a try at some point just to see how this storyline is wrapped up, but definitely not expecting anything out of it.
I enjoyed the side characters, especially Maggie and Kate’s dad. It’s a big shame the creative team left in the middle of a such an important storyline - and how abruptly was that?! - and by the likes of it didn’t turn out well, which I guess it wouldn’t be hard to predict? I might still give the next volume a try at some point just to see how this storyline is wrapped up, but definitely not expecting anything out of it.
October 4, 2018
Honestly horrible spot to end the volume but I really enjoyed this set overall. Loved the Waylon Jones part. Surprisingly.
Hawkfire is a great character. I loved seeing her develop more in this set.
If anyone hurts Maggie Sawyer I will fight them.
So many questions on Kate's family right now. The whole thing with Alice and the potential other siblings. I need answers.
The creative team changes after this one and I have no hope that it will actually be something I'm still interested in honestly. Just based on comments I've heard from friends and coworkers but we will see.
Hawkfire is a great character. I loved seeing her develop more in this set.
If anyone hurts Maggie Sawyer I will fight them.
So many questions on Kate's family right now. The whole thing with Alice and the potential other siblings. I need answers.
The creative team changes after this one and I have no hope that it will actually be something I'm still interested in honestly. Just based on comments I've heard from friends and coworkers but we will see.
September 18, 2017
Zdaje się, że Batwoman to najlepsza seria z nowego 52. Nie wiem czy to dobrze, czy źle. Z jednej strony chciałbym więcej takich serii, z drugiej to tak unikatowe doświadczenie, że będzie mi przeszkadzało imitowanie przez innych bohaterów. Szkoda, że to już koniec. Autor żegna się z czytelnikiem mocnym cliffhangerem.
December 30, 2017
Impressive graphics but it all got a bit messy and overloaded at times, and the story wasn't entirely captivating either.
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