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Batwoman (2011)
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La Traque de Batwoman pour retrouver des enfants disparus continue. Alors que sa romance avec l’inspecteur Maggie Sawyer connaît des hauts et des bas et que sa cousine, Flamebird, est toujours dans le coma, la justicière recrutée par le D.E.U.S va devoir découvrir le secret de l’organisation criminelle Medusa.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published January 9, 2013
29 people are currently reading
1385 people want to read
About the author
J.H. Williams III
392 books213 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 310 reviews
August 20, 2022
(B) 73% | More than Satisfactory
Notes: Strained by dull contrivance, it’s swivel-necked and dizzy: ambling inarticulate through the land of forever prologue.
Notes: Strained by dull contrivance, it’s swivel-necked and dizzy: ambling inarticulate through the land of forever prologue.
April 25, 2013
The art is still great, and the plot would be awesome if it wasn't so confusing to read.
Too much jumping around on the timeline is one problem, but also too many stories. As in, so-and-so's story. Eh, it's cool every now and then to see what's happening from another character's point of view, but this volume was overloaded with it.
I'm not giving up on this title yet, though.
Too much jumping around on the timeline is one problem, but also too many stories. As in, so-and-so's story. Eh, it's cool every now and then to see what's happening from another character's point of view, but this volume was overloaded with it.
I'm not giving up on this title yet, though.
July 4, 2025
2025 Review: Still great. The build up to Kate's father taking care of his niece, to watching Kate go full badass joining Chase and them. I also really loved the relationship between Kate and Maggie is excellent.
2018 Review: Merry Christmas Everyone!
So I finished up Batwoman volume 2 last night and I'm glad to report it's as good as volume 1. I can't believe I waited this long to read New 52 Batwoman. Now I know why people love her.
So kids have gone missing and Batwoman is on the case. Simple enough, right? This book jumps around through various timelines to show you how each character is building towards confrontation. A mixture of mystery, drama, love life, and death all combined to make a compelling, dark, twisted tale here. Will Kate be able to save the children? Who's behind the kidnapping!? Gotta read this volume to find out!
Good: The art is a lot better in this volume for me. Easier to follow and the way it flows is great. I'm really digging the character development for Kate. Similar to Bruce in some ways, but a lot more trusting in others. The villains are all interesting and twisted in such ways I can only expect in Gotham.
Bad: The storytelling of this volume can be a bit jarring and confuse people.
Overall, really fun and exciting volume. I'm liking this series a lot, I hope it stays this good.
2018 Review: Merry Christmas Everyone!
So I finished up Batwoman volume 2 last night and I'm glad to report it's as good as volume 1. I can't believe I waited this long to read New 52 Batwoman. Now I know why people love her.
So kids have gone missing and Batwoman is on the case. Simple enough, right? This book jumps around through various timelines to show you how each character is building towards confrontation. A mixture of mystery, drama, love life, and death all combined to make a compelling, dark, twisted tale here. Will Kate be able to save the children? Who's behind the kidnapping!? Gotta read this volume to find out!
Good: The art is a lot better in this volume for me. Easier to follow and the way it flows is great. I'm really digging the character development for Kate. Similar to Bruce in some ways, but a lot more trusting in others. The villains are all interesting and twisted in such ways I can only expect in Gotham.
Bad: The storytelling of this volume can be a bit jarring and confuse people.
Overall, really fun and exciting volume. I'm liking this series a lot, I hope it stays this good.
August 3, 2024
I’m mainly reading this series for J.H. Williams III’s artwork, so I wasn’t best pleased when I saw he wasn’t drawing this volume. I also didn’t really see the point of telling the story out of chronological order, but that’s just personal taste. I still enjoyed it, but not as much as volume one.
October 10, 2014
Bullet Review:
Well, now, THAT was a major disappointment. I waited all this time for the paperback collection and I get THIS? Six disjointed stories, slapped together helter-skelter, some of them contributing little to nothing to the main storyline or others repeating the same notes. I mean, do we really need Kate's story if we have Batwoman's? What does having her father's story contribute, other than he is incredibly obsessed over his niece? And is it really necessary to have a story for Chase when hers overlaps so much with Maggie's and Kate/Batwoman's? Oh, and let's not forget to throw in some "Is my girlfriend cheating on me?" subplot - no one can get enough of that one!! We can't possibly have a lesbian couple stick together and NOT be susceptible to cheating. Oh, no, of course not! And then, if all of the above isn't bad enough, let's not wrap up the storyline at all (what storyline you can follow from the disjointed, multiple POV's, multiple timeline threads) and drop in a cliffhanger - AGAIN. Joy of joys!
Massively disappointing. I'm considering dropping this title, it's so disappointing. A shame, because after reading "Hydrology", I was really on fire for the title. About the biggest compliment I can give it is the artwork is well done - minus albino Kate/Batwoman. Seriously, why is she white - no, really, WHITE - when every other Caucasian character is pinkish??? It makes absolutely no sense!!
Well, now, THAT was a major disappointment. I waited all this time for the paperback collection and I get THIS? Six disjointed stories, slapped together helter-skelter, some of them contributing little to nothing to the main storyline or others repeating the same notes. I mean, do we really need Kate's story if we have Batwoman's? What does having her father's story contribute, other than he is incredibly obsessed over his niece? And is it really necessary to have a story for Chase when hers overlaps so much with Maggie's and Kate/Batwoman's? Oh, and let's not forget to throw in some "Is my girlfriend cheating on me?" subplot - no one can get enough of that one!! We can't possibly have a lesbian couple stick together and NOT be susceptible to cheating. Oh, no, of course not! And then, if all of the above isn't bad enough, let's not wrap up the storyline at all (what storyline you can follow from the disjointed, multiple POV's, multiple timeline threads) and drop in a cliffhanger - AGAIN. Joy of joys!
Massively disappointing. I'm considering dropping this title, it's so disappointing. A shame, because after reading "Hydrology", I was really on fire for the title. About the biggest compliment I can give it is the artwork is well done - minus albino Kate/Batwoman. Seriously, why is she white - no, really, WHITE - when every other Caucasian character is pinkish??? It makes absolutely no sense!!
July 21, 2014
Catching up with the rest of my GR friends, I noticed they generally rated this volume lower than both the first and the later ones. And you know what? I can't disagree with them, at least I won't say this is *better* than the last volume.
First off, the art's a helluva step down - not that anyone could easily step into JHWIII's shoes, and this is no exception. Weak pencils, weaker finishes - hard to take seriously, let alone whether it's the gorgeous artwork of before.
Second, the narrative time jumps didn't contribute to my enjoyment of the story - only once did I find it was worth the effort, and that was when a foreshadowed moment was shown to be a complete red herring. Otherwise the jumps felt unnatural and more in service to the page size than as any pacing or narrative fluidity.
Third, there's a lot of subplot I've forgotten since reading vol 1 last year, and I can't seem to piece it together from the narrative here. Medusa, werebeasts, Rush, Medusa, Chase, DEO... ugh. Maybe this would go better if I'd just been regularly reading this series.
Finishes OK - seems like they tied up most of the plot threads and created some more menace for Kate and others to deal with . Unfortunately, the emotional hooks fall flat and I'm left wanting desperately to connect with this too-clever-by-half storytelling.
The art is all over the map. Changing artists, generally not as good as JH a Williams is at drawing (although probably as good as he is at writing). It's painful to see JHW *not* putting his prodigious artistic talents towards the pencils here. The only redeeming factor is that the colourist is at least great at making Batwoman's uniform pop.
First off, the art's a helluva step down - not that anyone could easily step into JHWIII's shoes, and this is no exception. Weak pencils, weaker finishes - hard to take seriously, let alone whether it's the gorgeous artwork of before.
Second, the narrative time jumps didn't contribute to my enjoyment of the story - only once did I find it was worth the effort, and that was when a foreshadowed moment was shown to be a complete red herring. Otherwise the jumps felt unnatural and more in service to the page size than as any pacing or narrative fluidity.
Third, there's a lot of subplot I've forgotten since reading vol 1 last year, and I can't seem to piece it together from the narrative here. Medusa, werebeasts, Rush, Medusa, Chase, DEO... ugh. Maybe this would go better if I'd just been regularly reading this series.
Finishes OK - seems like they tied up most of the plot threads and created some more menace for Kate and others to deal with . Unfortunately, the emotional hooks fall flat and I'm left wanting desperately to connect with this too-clever-by-half storytelling.
The art is all over the map. Changing artists, generally not as good as JH a Williams is at drawing (although probably as good as he is at writing). It's painful to see JHW *not* putting his prodigious artistic talents towards the pencils here. The only redeeming factor is that the colourist is at least great at making Batwoman's uniform pop.
January 13, 2013
I read the first issue of “Batwoman, Volume 2: To Drown the World”, put down the book, and re-read the first volume because I had no idea what was going on. Having re-read it, I’m still not sure I know what’s going on in this book.
In “Hydrology”, the first book, we find out that Batwoman/Kate Kane’s dad, retired General Jacob Kane, got up to some questionable activity while in the service and with that information soon to be made public, it seemed that the General would spend the rest of his retirement behind bars. That is until a talking skeleton, Mr Bones, showed up offering protection to her dad if Kate would work for his organisation, the Department of Extranormal Operations (DEO), which she readily accepts.
In the past, the DEO have been charged with regulating superhero activities so it was interesting - and baffling - to see them recruiting a superhero to their ranks. Interesting because, as Batman warns at the end of “Hydrology”, that puts her against him and Batman Inc. So I expected this book to see Kate maybe tussling with, if not the Dark Knight, then any of the Bat family crowding the streets of Gotham, Nightwing maybe, Batgirl, or the Birds of Prey. But instead, that possible, far more interesting storyline is completely ignored to have Batwoman go up against a new criminal organisation called Medusa and some new, supernatural villains all of whom are bland and uninteresting.
Batwoman is now officially the spooky book in the Bat-line of DC titles. Her remit is to fight ghosts, vengeful spirits, and all manner of things that go bump in the night - maybe because she looks kinda vampiric? but more on that later - indefinitely for the DEO. Does she have a plan to somehow escape this obligation? Will she be able to protect her dad if she could? If she turned to Batman, would he use his considerable resources to offer the same protection the DEO offer without the need to be a masked ghostbuster? None of these questions are even considered, all we know is Batwoman seems quite happy in fighting the supernatural baddies.
Her dad meanwhile is sat by the bed of Bette aka Flamebird who’s in a coma. That’s her dad’s and Flamebird’s entire storyline for this book. His behaviour towards her is odd too, she’s just his niece but he acts like she’s his daughter. I know they’re family but I thought his attitude to her condition in this book was way over the top.
And here’s where the plot really breaks down. Batwoman is trying to save some kids from a bad guy called Falchion and that’s her motivation for the entire book. Fair enough, but who is Falchion and why does he want these kids? It’s nothing sexual by the way, it seems to involve magic, but Falchion’s “character” is barely written in this book, he just pops up out of nowhere and acts as a de facto villain, kids in chains being visual shorthand for “bad guy”. And there’s a lot of character underwriting in this book. The other bad guy is an Asian sorceror called Maro whose magic feeds on the belief of fear, conjuring up “Bloody Mary” - that thing from school where you say “Bloody Mary” into the mirror 3 times and an evil spirit shows up? it’s real in this book! - among others, and who he is, what his motivations are, are also never revealed. Then there’s this new evil organisation called Medusa - what they are, where they came from, what they’re about, it’s all ignored. Suddenly the Religion of Crime from the last 2 books (I count “Elegy” as the first book and “Hydrology” as the second) is marginalised for some reason but they’re still about.
My point about motivation and character development is twofold; if we don’t know who these characters are, we don’t care about them, and if we don’t know why they’re behaving like they do, then we care even less. This book is essentially about Batwoman trying to stop an unknown group of spooky villains from doing something, somehow, somewhere, for some reason. It’s makes for a very uninvolving and completely confusing book.
It’s not helped either by the worst plot device I’ve seen used in comics for a long while. Williams/Blackman structure the story so that it jumps about in time every couple of pages, centring on a different character each time. So we get: Batwoman’s story Now; Chase’s story 1 week ago; Kate’s story 28 hours ago; Jacob’s story 3 weeks ago; Maro’s story 1 month ago; Maggie’s story 15 minutes from now - aargh, it’s so damn choppy! The story is convoluted enough - read through the prism of this narrative structure, it’s becomes doubly confusing and frustrating to read as the events supersede and overlap. I’m all for innovative narrative tricks in comics, I’m not looking for just linear stories, but this plot structure is so clumsily written, it derails the book rather than streamlining it.
“Hydrology” was rightly lauded as the best looking “New 52” title but in “To Drown the World” Williams has handed over art duties to Amy Reeder, choosing to draw the covers only, while colourist Dave Stewart has been replaced by Guy Major. Reeders’ art is fine but it seems that she’s been instructed to draw like Williams, which she does quite competently, even down to the creative splash pages he’s famous for, but the difference between the two creative teams is noticeable and I’ve a feeling this second book won’t be as celebrated for its visuals as the first book.
Speaking of visuals, Batwoman sure is white isn’t she? I mean, REALLY white. Her skin is so white she makes albinos look tanned. Does she take her baths at Ace Chemicals? Is there going to be a reveal in a future book that she’s the Joker’s daughter? It’s one thing to draw someone pale but when you do it to this extreme, and no-one questions it, it draws even more attention to it and looks very peculiar.
Also, I think DC have overplayed the gay card too much. I know there aren’t many LGBT characters out there and it’s great that Batwoman is gay and so popular, but do we need reminding in literally every issue? At almost every major plot juncture in the book, Kate’s sexuality plays a part in it and I don’t know why. I haven’t got a problem with hers, or anyone’s, sexual orientation but to write about it this often is a bit much. I think the writers should write fewer scenes highlighting Kate’s sexuality and focus instead on creating meaningful characters and plot, both of which were missing in this book.
“Batwoman Vol 2” fails to deliver a well written and entertaining story, or even decent villains for Kate to battle, an issue that’s plagued this title for three books now. But even by Batwoman standards the villains in this book are massively underwritten (the one familiar face being Killer Croc who gets his New 52 makeover here - though why he’s working for Medusa is never explained, he just is) especially as motivations and backstory are eschewed for scenes of laughable villainy - “I will eat your corpse, Batwoman!” “Eat her body!” “This blade has bathed in Amazonian blood... now it will bathe in yours!”, etc. Great, so, uh, why are you obsessed with Batwoman again? What’s so special about Gotham? Who are you? What are you doing here? What the hell is going on in this book?!
There wasn’t a single moment in the book that stood out for me that I can point to and say “that was memorable” or “that was good”. It was all just one big jumbled mess of scenes flashing backwards and forwards in time between two dimensional characters all moving in some plot that’s never explained. I find this series requires too much mental legwork for very little payoff so I’m abandoning it now. Maybe Batwoman will be a great title one day but I don’t think Williams and Blackman are the writers who’re going to do that.
In “Hydrology”, the first book, we find out that Batwoman/Kate Kane’s dad, retired General Jacob Kane, got up to some questionable activity while in the service and with that information soon to be made public, it seemed that the General would spend the rest of his retirement behind bars. That is until a talking skeleton, Mr Bones, showed up offering protection to her dad if Kate would work for his organisation, the Department of Extranormal Operations (DEO), which she readily accepts.
In the past, the DEO have been charged with regulating superhero activities so it was interesting - and baffling - to see them recruiting a superhero to their ranks. Interesting because, as Batman warns at the end of “Hydrology”, that puts her against him and Batman Inc. So I expected this book to see Kate maybe tussling with, if not the Dark Knight, then any of the Bat family crowding the streets of Gotham, Nightwing maybe, Batgirl, or the Birds of Prey. But instead, that possible, far more interesting storyline is completely ignored to have Batwoman go up against a new criminal organisation called Medusa and some new, supernatural villains all of whom are bland and uninteresting.
Batwoman is now officially the spooky book in the Bat-line of DC titles. Her remit is to fight ghosts, vengeful spirits, and all manner of things that go bump in the night - maybe because she looks kinda vampiric? but more on that later - indefinitely for the DEO. Does she have a plan to somehow escape this obligation? Will she be able to protect her dad if she could? If she turned to Batman, would he use his considerable resources to offer the same protection the DEO offer without the need to be a masked ghostbuster? None of these questions are even considered, all we know is Batwoman seems quite happy in fighting the supernatural baddies.
Her dad meanwhile is sat by the bed of Bette aka Flamebird who’s in a coma. That’s her dad’s and Flamebird’s entire storyline for this book. His behaviour towards her is odd too, she’s just his niece but he acts like she’s his daughter. I know they’re family but I thought his attitude to her condition in this book was way over the top.
And here’s where the plot really breaks down. Batwoman is trying to save some kids from a bad guy called Falchion and that’s her motivation for the entire book. Fair enough, but who is Falchion and why does he want these kids? It’s nothing sexual by the way, it seems to involve magic, but Falchion’s “character” is barely written in this book, he just pops up out of nowhere and acts as a de facto villain, kids in chains being visual shorthand for “bad guy”. And there’s a lot of character underwriting in this book. The other bad guy is an Asian sorceror called Maro whose magic feeds on the belief of fear, conjuring up “Bloody Mary” - that thing from school where you say “Bloody Mary” into the mirror 3 times and an evil spirit shows up? it’s real in this book! - among others, and who he is, what his motivations are, are also never revealed. Then there’s this new evil organisation called Medusa - what they are, where they came from, what they’re about, it’s all ignored. Suddenly the Religion of Crime from the last 2 books (I count “Elegy” as the first book and “Hydrology” as the second) is marginalised for some reason but they’re still about.
My point about motivation and character development is twofold; if we don’t know who these characters are, we don’t care about them, and if we don’t know why they’re behaving like they do, then we care even less. This book is essentially about Batwoman trying to stop an unknown group of spooky villains from doing something, somehow, somewhere, for some reason. It’s makes for a very uninvolving and completely confusing book.
It’s not helped either by the worst plot device I’ve seen used in comics for a long while. Williams/Blackman structure the story so that it jumps about in time every couple of pages, centring on a different character each time. So we get: Batwoman’s story Now; Chase’s story 1 week ago; Kate’s story 28 hours ago; Jacob’s story 3 weeks ago; Maro’s story 1 month ago; Maggie’s story 15 minutes from now - aargh, it’s so damn choppy! The story is convoluted enough - read through the prism of this narrative structure, it’s becomes doubly confusing and frustrating to read as the events supersede and overlap. I’m all for innovative narrative tricks in comics, I’m not looking for just linear stories, but this plot structure is so clumsily written, it derails the book rather than streamlining it.
“Hydrology” was rightly lauded as the best looking “New 52” title but in “To Drown the World” Williams has handed over art duties to Amy Reeder, choosing to draw the covers only, while colourist Dave Stewart has been replaced by Guy Major. Reeders’ art is fine but it seems that she’s been instructed to draw like Williams, which she does quite competently, even down to the creative splash pages he’s famous for, but the difference between the two creative teams is noticeable and I’ve a feeling this second book won’t be as celebrated for its visuals as the first book.
Speaking of visuals, Batwoman sure is white isn’t she? I mean, REALLY white. Her skin is so white she makes albinos look tanned. Does she take her baths at Ace Chemicals? Is there going to be a reveal in a future book that she’s the Joker’s daughter? It’s one thing to draw someone pale but when you do it to this extreme, and no-one questions it, it draws even more attention to it and looks very peculiar.
Also, I think DC have overplayed the gay card too much. I know there aren’t many LGBT characters out there and it’s great that Batwoman is gay and so popular, but do we need reminding in literally every issue? At almost every major plot juncture in the book, Kate’s sexuality plays a part in it and I don’t know why. I haven’t got a problem with hers, or anyone’s, sexual orientation but to write about it this often is a bit much. I think the writers should write fewer scenes highlighting Kate’s sexuality and focus instead on creating meaningful characters and plot, both of which were missing in this book.
“Batwoman Vol 2” fails to deliver a well written and entertaining story, or even decent villains for Kate to battle, an issue that’s plagued this title for three books now. But even by Batwoman standards the villains in this book are massively underwritten (the one familiar face being Killer Croc who gets his New 52 makeover here - though why he’s working for Medusa is never explained, he just is) especially as motivations and backstory are eschewed for scenes of laughable villainy - “I will eat your corpse, Batwoman!” “Eat her body!” “This blade has bathed in Amazonian blood... now it will bathe in yours!”, etc. Great, so, uh, why are you obsessed with Batwoman again? What’s so special about Gotham? Who are you? What are you doing here? What the hell is going on in this book?!
There wasn’t a single moment in the book that stood out for me that I can point to and say “that was memorable” or “that was good”. It was all just one big jumbled mess of scenes flashing backwards and forwards in time between two dimensional characters all moving in some plot that’s never explained. I find this series requires too much mental legwork for very little payoff so I’m abandoning it now. Maybe Batwoman will be a great title one day but I don’t think Williams and Blackman are the writers who’re going to do that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2018
Alors... j'aime toujours autant Batwoman. Mais j'ai trouvé la chronologie un peu confusante. En même temps ce n'était pas une mauvaise idée. Mais c'était un peu confusant quand même.
December 7, 2016
This was a little more complex than the other ones. The weird magical villain organization called Medusa made their debut and there was just a lot of weird monsters and mutants and stuff. It was slightly interesting. But the real kicker was that this comic was all over the place in terms of POV and time. For example, two pages would be of Kate's dad two weeks ago, then four pages of Kate now, then two pages of Maggie an hour ago, then some new character three months ago. It wasn't as confusing as it sounds oddly enough.
I will probably continue this series just because Batwoman is a new favorite, but the plot isn't that captivating. I loved Elegy, though. "Volume 0."
I will probably continue this series just because Batwoman is a new favorite, but the plot isn't that captivating. I loved Elegy, though. "Volume 0."
April 2, 2017
Growing up, I had two big hardcover books of Batman stories (not listed in GR, as I gave them away and cannot recall the exact versions). Something like "greatest stories" and "from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's"
You always knew where you stood with the Batman. Gadgets were consistent and understandable. Relationships were fixed and straightforward, whether apprentice or villain or femme fatale. Allegiances were black and white. Time was linear.
Which is, for me, the opposite of the Batwoman experience. I'm good with the fractured-flashback and multiple POV storyline in these issues -- it works to develop plot tension nicely, but be aware it is far from linear. But allegiances seem to shift, or appear out of nowhere, without warning. Gadgetry is magical, and the relationship-driven parts of the subplots seem to be based on challenge and conflict and secrets, rather than actual relationships.
Or maybe this is just the way the world is today. And really, the story and art and colors and characters are all good. Objectively, at least 3.5 stars. Subjectively, it was decent for me but just decent.
And how does anyone - no, everyone -- how does EVERYONE not notice that Kate Kane and Batwoman both have the same unique, completely astonishing hair color!
You always knew where you stood with the Batman. Gadgets were consistent and understandable. Relationships were fixed and straightforward, whether apprentice or villain or femme fatale. Allegiances were black and white. Time was linear.
Which is, for me, the opposite of the Batwoman experience. I'm good with the fractured-flashback and multiple POV storyline in these issues -- it works to develop plot tension nicely, but be aware it is far from linear. But allegiances seem to shift, or appear out of nowhere, without warning. Gadgetry is magical, and the relationship-driven parts of the subplots seem to be based on challenge and conflict and secrets, rather than actual relationships.
Or maybe this is just the way the world is today. And really, the story and art and colors and characters are all good. Objectively, at least 3.5 stars. Subjectively, it was decent for me but just decent.
And how does anyone - no, everyone -- how does EVERYONE not notice that Kate Kane and Batwoman both have the same unique, completely astonishing hair color!
April 11, 2013
There are some serious issues with the story here. The most obvious is the way that the narrative jumps around constantly, seemingly at random. So on one page you may be reading a scene with Chase that happened a month ago, the next you're reading the battle scene that's happening "now". Which makes the battle last for the entire six issues collected here. Telling the story non-linearly might have been a good idea, but here it feels more like the pages were dropped and put back together at random. You can follow the action, but it's horribly choppy.
It would help if the villains here had anything like a stated motivation. It's meant to be mysterious, but there isn't even a real hint until the very last page of the very last issue. So for six issues we don't have a single clue why the (horribly flat) villain is kidnapping all these children. Sure, you want him stopped, because kids. But it's really hard to invest in a crime that's so nebulous that it feels like the author himself hasn't figured out yet what's going on.
If I had liked the art any less, this would have been a two star book. No, it isn't quite as great as in the previous volume, (different artists) but it's still very nice. There are more awkward and improbably poses here than I remember seeing in the last volume. Batwoman herself is still graphic and stylish, though I know her paper white skin can be a love-it-or-hate-it issue. (It wouldn't have been my choice, not exactly, but one of my other hobbies has desensitized me to ghostly pale skin.) I like the creative panels on some of the two-page spreads, especially since they're mostly arranged so the reading order is still very clear. The art was good enough for me to raise my review to three stars, but no higher.
It would help if the villains here had anything like a stated motivation. It's meant to be mysterious, but there isn't even a real hint until the very last page of the very last issue. So for six issues we don't have a single clue why the (horribly flat) villain is kidnapping all these children. Sure, you want him stopped, because kids. But it's really hard to invest in a crime that's so nebulous that it feels like the author himself hasn't figured out yet what's going on.
If I had liked the art any less, this would have been a two star book. No, it isn't quite as great as in the previous volume, (different artists) but it's still very nice. There are more awkward and improbably poses here than I remember seeing in the last volume. Batwoman herself is still graphic and stylish, though I know her paper white skin can be a love-it-or-hate-it issue. (It wouldn't have been my choice, not exactly, but one of my other hobbies has desensitized me to ghostly pale skin.) I like the creative panels on some of the two-page spreads, especially since they're mostly arranged so the reading order is still very clear. The art was good enough for me to raise my review to three stars, but no higher.
May 27, 2017
Review of Volume 0
Review of Volume 1
I almost gave up reading the series because of this Volume. As if it was already not difficult enough reading through J.H. Williams' plethora of over-detailed (though admittedly gorgeous) 2-page spreads, the creators have now decided to up the level for us readers by incorporating a chronologically non-linear style of story-telling. Its a test for your IQs and patience people and only the toughest readers can fare well. I will give you a preview of the chapters.
-Batwoman's Story. Now.
-Jacob's Story. One Month Ago.
-Maggie's Story. One Week Ago.
-Maro's Story. Four Months Ago.
-Kate's Story. Three Weeks Ago.
-Chase's Story. Two Weeks Ago.
-Batwoman's Story. Now.
-Jacob's Story. Three Weeks Ago.
-Kate's Story. Two Weeks Ago.
-Maro's Story. Two Months Ago.
-Maggie's Story. One Week Ago.
-Chase's Story. One Week Ago.
-Batwoman's Story. Now.
-Maro's Story. One Month Ago.
-Kate's Story. One Week Ago.
-Maggie's Story. 6 Nights Ago.
-Jacob's Story. 2 Weeks Ago.
-Chase's Story. 6 Nights Ago.
-Batwoman's Story. Now.
-Jacob's Story. 1 Week Ago.
-Maro's Story. 2 Weeks Ago.
-Maggie's Story. 3 Nights Ago.
-Chase's Story. 4 Days Ago.
-Batwoman's Story. Now.
-Maggie's Story. 18 Hours Ago.
-Jacob's Story. 35 Hours Ago.
-Chase's Story. 2 hours Ago.
-Kate's Story. 28 Hours Ago.
-Maro's Story. 1 Week Ago.
-Batwoman's Story. Now.
-Jacob's Story. Now.
-Maggie's Story. 15 Minutes from Now. ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME.
-Maro's Story. Now.
-Chase's Story. Now.
-Batwoman's Story. Now.
-Kate's Story. The Next Day.
-Epilogue.
There is non-linear, then there is zig-zag. Then there is the Brownian Motion. Then there is Interstellar-level of time overlaps and 5th dimensions and what not. And then, there is the Second Volume of Batwoman under the The New 52 label to fuck with its readers' brains.
The main artist of this Volume was not J.H. Williams and the degradation in quality was evident. The general feel and temperament of the story remains the same but the quality is not. What I mean is, Batwoman wasn't that cool. And if she isn't cool, what am I even reading this series for?
We'll find that in Volume 3 won't we?
Review of Volume 1
I almost gave up reading the series because of this Volume. As if it was already not difficult enough reading through J.H. Williams' plethora of over-detailed (though admittedly gorgeous) 2-page spreads, the creators have now decided to up the level for us readers by incorporating a chronologically non-linear style of story-telling. Its a test for your IQs and patience people and only the toughest readers can fare well. I will give you a preview of the chapters.
-Batwoman's Story. Now.
-Jacob's Story. One Month Ago.
-Maggie's Story. One Week Ago.
-Maro's Story. Four Months Ago.
-Kate's Story. Three Weeks Ago.
-Chase's Story. Two Weeks Ago.
-Batwoman's Story. Now.
-Jacob's Story. Three Weeks Ago.
-Kate's Story. Two Weeks Ago.
-Maro's Story. Two Months Ago.
-Maggie's Story. One Week Ago.
-Chase's Story. One Week Ago.
-Batwoman's Story. Now.
-Maro's Story. One Month Ago.
-Kate's Story. One Week Ago.
-Maggie's Story. 6 Nights Ago.
-Jacob's Story. 2 Weeks Ago.
-Chase's Story. 6 Nights Ago.
-Batwoman's Story. Now.
-Jacob's Story. 1 Week Ago.
-Maro's Story. 2 Weeks Ago.
-Maggie's Story. 3 Nights Ago.
-Chase's Story. 4 Days Ago.
-Batwoman's Story. Now.
-Maggie's Story. 18 Hours Ago.
-Jacob's Story. 35 Hours Ago.
-Chase's Story. 2 hours Ago.
-Kate's Story. 28 Hours Ago.
-Maro's Story. 1 Week Ago.
-Batwoman's Story. Now.
-Jacob's Story. Now.
-Maggie's Story. 15 Minutes from Now. ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME.
-Maro's Story. Now.
-Chase's Story. Now.
-Batwoman's Story. Now.
-Kate's Story. The Next Day.
-Epilogue.
There is non-linear, then there is zig-zag. Then there is the Brownian Motion. Then there is Interstellar-level of time overlaps and 5th dimensions and what not. And then, there is the Second Volume of Batwoman under the The New 52 label to fuck with its readers' brains.
The main artist of this Volume was not J.H. Williams and the degradation in quality was evident. The general feel and temperament of the story remains the same but the quality is not. What I mean is, Batwoman wasn't that cool. And if she isn't cool, what am I even reading this series for?
We'll find that in Volume 3 won't we?
October 1, 2017
I think this going to turn into my next favorite series.
September 27, 2013
Perhaps the one benefit to the current Batwoman controversy is the fact that it has inspired me to make an effort to catch up on the comic. To Drown the World continues the storyline started in Hydrology. Batwoman, aka Kate Kane, has been blackmailed into working for the DEO, bringing her face to face with a host of villains straight out of legends.
I feel a little torn on To Drown the World. On one hand, I really enjoyed the no holds barred artwork, which is filled with vibrant colors, unique angles, and a handful of satisfyingly gory moments. There were also some really compelling character moments, especially those where Kate's father watches over an injured Flamebird, and Kate and her girlfriend Maggie discuss their pasts. On the other hand, I don't know quite what to make on the main storyline. I say this because I don't know how much of the issues I had with it has to do with the storyline itself, and how much has to do with the book's infuriating format. To Drown the World is told in a series of snippets, each from a different characters perspective AND from a different time line, all mixed up. The results are far too often frustrating and confusing. On top of that, I feel it's a real detriment to the new characters, especially Sune. You don't really get a chance to know her, so when a big reveal about her character occurs, it's far less satisfying then it should be.
Despite my disappointment with this volume, I will continue to read the series with World's Finest once I can get it from my library. After all, I was pretty happy with both Hydrology and Elegy, so I'll just be writing off To Drown the World as a bit of a misstep, a creative risk that didn't quite pay off.
I feel a little torn on To Drown the World. On one hand, I really enjoyed the no holds barred artwork, which is filled with vibrant colors, unique angles, and a handful of satisfyingly gory moments. There were also some really compelling character moments, especially those where Kate's father watches over an injured Flamebird, and Kate and her girlfriend Maggie discuss their pasts. On the other hand, I don't know quite what to make on the main storyline. I say this because I don't know how much of the issues I had with it has to do with the storyline itself, and how much has to do with the book's infuriating format. To Drown the World is told in a series of snippets, each from a different characters perspective AND from a different time line, all mixed up. The results are far too often frustrating and confusing. On top of that, I feel it's a real detriment to the new characters, especially Sune. You don't really get a chance to know her, so when a big reveal about her character occurs, it's far less satisfying then it should be.
Despite my disappointment with this volume, I will continue to read the series with World's Finest once I can get it from my library. After all, I was pretty happy with both Hydrology and Elegy, so I'll just be writing off To Drown the World as a bit of a misstep, a creative risk that didn't quite pay off.
September 14, 2017
Loving the art style and the way this narrative is headed. However the mixed timeline was kind of annoying and brought the rating down.
August 20, 2025
“You think you’re a god just because you look down on the rest of us? Because you use us? Enslave us? Murder us? Try looking down on us now.”
3,5/5!
Batwoman is tracking Medusa, with the help of her new allies from the D.E.O. A warlock named Maro is going around Gotham bringing monsters to life. Maggie Sawyer is trying to find missing kids. Jacob Kane sits by Bette Kane's hospital bed, worried she will not wake up. As the story goes on, all these storylines tie together until it all culminates in an explosive battle between Batwoman and the head of Medusa.
This second volume in Williams's Batwoman was a slight disappointment mainly because the art wasn't, in my opinion, as good as the art in the first book (there's a very different style in this book at times which will work for some but didn't work for me all that well) and because the story was needlessly confusing. The story jumps from POV to POV every few pages, from timeline to timeline, making the story unnecessarily difficult to follow, especially when story arcs begin overlapping. I don't mind multiple timeline stories – I love multiple timeline stories - but did we really need this kind of constant time jumping? I found myself unable to get lost in the story and mystery because I constantly had to remind myself what happened previously in any given storyline. There's a lot of emotional stuff going on in this book and there's some wacky fantastical horror shit happening, but I couldn't fully enjoy that. The time jumps and storyline switches were extra hard to follow sometimes because the same characters pop up in so many stories: Maggie is with Kate, but Kate is also there with Chase and so on.
There was still much I enjoyed about this volume. I loved how unabashedly fantastical this story is with its monsters, warlocks, magic tricks and folktales. Maro, the warlock of Medusa, was a fun character to meet, even though we do not learn too much about him in this story. His powers are actually a bit creepy, as is his ability to He is such a strange character and I am quite intrigued to see what happens next in his story. In terms of the monsters of the book, I really liked the idea that Maro is only able to conjure monsters that people already believe in, the monsters people tell scary stories of. Belief giving these monsters life, in a way, is a cool idea, especially in a city like Gotham that is bound to be, considering all the mayhem that happens there, to be rife with horror stories.
Kate continues to be an amazing lead character. She is an absolute badass, hopelessly emotionally constipated, absolutely smitten with Maggie, struggling to open up to the woman she has fallen for and trying her best but not always succeeding. I like that she does fail and that she does misjudge people and situations. It makes her feel realistic. I also love her deadpan humour and how she has no time for villains with grandiose villain monologues - after this one guy makes an edgy villainous comment about offering Batwoman's heart as a feast to the Mother, the leader of Medusa, Kate just grumbles: “This is just getting ridiculous.” I love her snarkiness. Also, I will probably say this in each and every review of this series, but I will never get over just how cool a design Batwoman is as a character. The red hair, the cape, the red bat on her chest... So cool!
Kate's relationship with Maggie is one of the key plot lines of this book, and it was interesting to see Kate struggle to open up to her, to share her past with her and to be honest, not about Batwoman, but about Kate Kane, her real self. Batwoman is not the only secret Kate keeps from Maggie – she has not told her of her parents, her sister, her time in the military or her exes. It is frustrating to see Kate cause unnecessary fractures in her budding romance by being so closed off, but you also cannot blame her, not after all she has been through. I like, though, that she is not the only one with secrets. We learn something big about Maggie in this volume alongside Kate, which was really cool. I loved that final scene between them where Their dynamic also continues to intrigue me as yet another story of a superhero dating someone who is unaware of their secret persona. Chase wants Kate to use her romance to find out information from the cops, Batwoman and Maggie are not always working towards the same goal and all of this just adds such depth to their romance and makes the reader wait with both impatience and anxiety for that moment when Maggie eventually finds out the truth.
Another central relationship in this book is that of Jacob Kane and Bette Kane. It was fun to see Jacob have the most emotional, heartfelt storyline of the book. He is such a gruff, distant, stern man – a classic army guy – but as he sits by Bette's hospital bed, he reads and chats to her, cries and even talks about his children. I loved this quote from him about his girls: “–every time I looked at Kate, all I could see was how she was like me. So overprotective, she could be a bully sometimes… Unsentimental. Stubborn. Capable of closing off the part of herself that lets a little girl cry over her dead cat. But in Beth, I saw nothing of me.” First of all, I love how he describes Kate and her less than charming qualities – she is overbearing, harsh and cold when she needs to be. She is not a soft heroine. But I also love what this moment revealed about Kate and Jacob's relationship and why, when they clash, they clash hard. They are too similar, I think, both unable to be vulnerable, honest and open, falling back too easily on anger, bitterness and harsh words. For a while, when reading this storyline, I was worried that
Even though this volume was a bit of a disappointment and not as good as the previous one, I will be continuing on in this series, for I am invested in the characters, Kate and Maggie's romance as well as the larger storyline with Medusa and the Mother. I wanna know what all that is about. I only hope the next volumes will not have this same structure with constant time and POV jumps. I don't think I have the energy for that.
3,5/5!
Batwoman is tracking Medusa, with the help of her new allies from the D.E.O. A warlock named Maro is going around Gotham bringing monsters to life. Maggie Sawyer is trying to find missing kids. Jacob Kane sits by Bette Kane's hospital bed, worried she will not wake up. As the story goes on, all these storylines tie together until it all culminates in an explosive battle between Batwoman and the head of Medusa.
This second volume in Williams's Batwoman was a slight disappointment mainly because the art wasn't, in my opinion, as good as the art in the first book (there's a very different style in this book at times which will work for some but didn't work for me all that well) and because the story was needlessly confusing. The story jumps from POV to POV every few pages, from timeline to timeline, making the story unnecessarily difficult to follow, especially when story arcs begin overlapping. I don't mind multiple timeline stories – I love multiple timeline stories - but did we really need this kind of constant time jumping? I found myself unable to get lost in the story and mystery because I constantly had to remind myself what happened previously in any given storyline. There's a lot of emotional stuff going on in this book and there's some wacky fantastical horror shit happening, but I couldn't fully enjoy that. The time jumps and storyline switches were extra hard to follow sometimes because the same characters pop up in so many stories: Maggie is with Kate, but Kate is also there with Chase and so on.
There was still much I enjoyed about this volume. I loved how unabashedly fantastical this story is with its monsters, warlocks, magic tricks and folktales. Maro, the warlock of Medusa, was a fun character to meet, even though we do not learn too much about him in this story. His powers are actually a bit creepy, as is his ability to He is such a strange character and I am quite intrigued to see what happens next in his story. In terms of the monsters of the book, I really liked the idea that Maro is only able to conjure monsters that people already believe in, the monsters people tell scary stories of. Belief giving these monsters life, in a way, is a cool idea, especially in a city like Gotham that is bound to be, considering all the mayhem that happens there, to be rife with horror stories.
Kate continues to be an amazing lead character. She is an absolute badass, hopelessly emotionally constipated, absolutely smitten with Maggie, struggling to open up to the woman she has fallen for and trying her best but not always succeeding. I like that she does fail and that she does misjudge people and situations. It makes her feel realistic. I also love her deadpan humour and how she has no time for villains with grandiose villain monologues - after this one guy makes an edgy villainous comment about offering Batwoman's heart as a feast to the Mother, the leader of Medusa, Kate just grumbles: “This is just getting ridiculous.” I love her snarkiness. Also, I will probably say this in each and every review of this series, but I will never get over just how cool a design Batwoman is as a character. The red hair, the cape, the red bat on her chest... So cool!
Kate's relationship with Maggie is one of the key plot lines of this book, and it was interesting to see Kate struggle to open up to her, to share her past with her and to be honest, not about Batwoman, but about Kate Kane, her real self. Batwoman is not the only secret Kate keeps from Maggie – she has not told her of her parents, her sister, her time in the military or her exes. It is frustrating to see Kate cause unnecessary fractures in her budding romance by being so closed off, but you also cannot blame her, not after all she has been through. I like, though, that she is not the only one with secrets. We learn something big about Maggie in this volume alongside Kate, which was really cool. I loved that final scene between them where Their dynamic also continues to intrigue me as yet another story of a superhero dating someone who is unaware of their secret persona. Chase wants Kate to use her romance to find out information from the cops, Batwoman and Maggie are not always working towards the same goal and all of this just adds such depth to their romance and makes the reader wait with both impatience and anxiety for that moment when Maggie eventually finds out the truth.
Another central relationship in this book is that of Jacob Kane and Bette Kane. It was fun to see Jacob have the most emotional, heartfelt storyline of the book. He is such a gruff, distant, stern man – a classic army guy – but as he sits by Bette's hospital bed, he reads and chats to her, cries and even talks about his children. I loved this quote from him about his girls: “–every time I looked at Kate, all I could see was how she was like me. So overprotective, she could be a bully sometimes… Unsentimental. Stubborn. Capable of closing off the part of herself that lets a little girl cry over her dead cat. But in Beth, I saw nothing of me.” First of all, I love how he describes Kate and her less than charming qualities – she is overbearing, harsh and cold when she needs to be. She is not a soft heroine. But I also love what this moment revealed about Kate and Jacob's relationship and why, when they clash, they clash hard. They are too similar, I think, both unable to be vulnerable, honest and open, falling back too easily on anger, bitterness and harsh words. For a while, when reading this storyline, I was worried that
Even though this volume was a bit of a disappointment and not as good as the previous one, I will be continuing on in this series, for I am invested in the characters, Kate and Maggie's romance as well as the larger storyline with Medusa and the Mother. I wanna know what all that is about. I only hope the next volumes will not have this same structure with constant time and POV jumps. I don't think I have the energy for that.
October 15, 2016
Rereading Batwoman again after three years, and much like what I have felt before, this is the volume of Williams' run that I really wanted to skip. To Drown The World could have been way better without the jumbling timelines and so many character point of views.
In fact, everytime you turn a page, there is a high chance that the story will take you three months ago, two days ago, 15 hours ago or whatever timeline the story wants you to see fron whoever character it wants you to experience. It is a very big letdown from the outstanding first volume since aside from knowing the story a chunk of a time, this whole jumping timeline approach is completely unnecessary. I don't see any reason that this Batwoman arc us told this way. Volume 1 manages to be exceptional by telling the story in a straightforward fashion.
The first issue of this volume could start with Sune's capture, followed by a second issue that is Sune's rescue. A third issue could have been the ship party then the rest of the issues would be the assault on Falchion's secret base.
Volume two is not anymore drawn by J.H. Williams, and yes it is so noticeable. Agent Chase is does not look so formidable anymore and as for all the characters, they have lost so much soul. Art isn't bad though, just not as good as before.
In fact, everytime you turn a page, there is a high chance that the story will take you three months ago, two days ago, 15 hours ago or whatever timeline the story wants you to see fron whoever character it wants you to experience. It is a very big letdown from the outstanding first volume since aside from knowing the story a chunk of a time, this whole jumping timeline approach is completely unnecessary. I don't see any reason that this Batwoman arc us told this way. Volume 1 manages to be exceptional by telling the story in a straightforward fashion.
The first issue of this volume could start with Sune's capture, followed by a second issue that is Sune's rescue. A third issue could have been the ship party then the rest of the issues would be the assault on Falchion's secret base.
Volume two is not anymore drawn by J.H. Williams, and yes it is so noticeable. Agent Chase is does not look so formidable anymore and as for all the characters, they have lost so much soul. Art isn't bad though, just not as good as before.
November 2, 2013
This is hands-down DC's best book. Too bad those lesbian-haters over at the DC office's won't let Batwoman marry another woman. Fools! This has driven the epic creative team behind this book to head for more tolerant waters.
A lot of the reviews here bitch about the structure of the book. This is part of its innovative beauty: non-linear stories, out-of-chronology pages and panels all make this book stand out. Light years ahead of the rest of the New 52 drivel.
Batwoman's part of Gotham City is the supernatural orbit. She deals with all the magic and monster mayhem that the other Bat books tend to stray away from. In Volume 2, she's battling the supernatural monster cult Medusa which animates urban legends, Bloody Mary, for instance, which prey on people's fears of them, and are preparing to fuck up the world, basically. Batwoman is trying to stop these crazy assholes while juggling her forced recruitment in the Department of Extranormal Operations and her romance with a Gotham City cop who's trying to catch her (Batwoman). A nice balance is struck between all.
Best art out there, too. The panel layouts are sheer artistry alone. If you're gonna read anything DC, read this one. Unless you hate gay people.
A lot of the reviews here bitch about the structure of the book. This is part of its innovative beauty: non-linear stories, out-of-chronology pages and panels all make this book stand out. Light years ahead of the rest of the New 52 drivel.
Batwoman's part of Gotham City is the supernatural orbit. She deals with all the magic and monster mayhem that the other Bat books tend to stray away from. In Volume 2, she's battling the supernatural monster cult Medusa which animates urban legends, Bloody Mary, for instance, which prey on people's fears of them, and are preparing to fuck up the world, basically. Batwoman is trying to stop these crazy assholes while juggling her forced recruitment in the Department of Extranormal Operations and her romance with a Gotham City cop who's trying to catch her (Batwoman). A nice balance is struck between all.
Best art out there, too. The panel layouts are sheer artistry alone. If you're gonna read anything DC, read this one. Unless you hate gay people.
August 9, 2017
Well, this was just disappointing. This series has kinda sucked so far. I don't think I'll continue reading anymore. I felt almost zero connection with any of the characters, the plot seemed nonsensical and forced.
The art is nice but not up to Williams's usual fare.
The art is nice but not up to Williams's usual fare.
November 4, 2021
Parece que J.H Williams tenía querencia acuática, porque después del tomo dedicado a La Llorona, Hidrología, llegó este Mundo Anegado, y que continúa con la trama del libro anterior, con los niños desaparecidos en manos de La Llorona y que ahora se encuentran en manos de su creador (no del de los niños, el de la Llorona). Batwoman se va a encontrar con que Medusa, la nueva organización criminal recién llegada a Gotham está creando una serie de monstruos basados en creencias populares, como la propia Llorona, Bloody Mary o un tío con un garfio que le habla en la mano, y mientras investiga a Medusa, va a tener que hacer auténticos malabares para mantener su relación con Maggie Sawyer, todo esto mientras Bette Kane se debate entre la vida y la muerte...
Y la verdad es que no va a mucho más la historia. Este fue el último número de Batwoman que compré en su momento, J.H Williams dejó el dibujo para dedicarse solo al guion, y este me pareció bastante flojo... si encima le quitas sus lápices, que es lo que realmente había salvado por ejemplo el tomo anterior... Pues eso, terminé bajándome de la colección.
Y poco más, la verdad es que el personaje de Batwoman fue uno de mis preferidos en mis últimos años con DC, me parece atrevido, irreverente y muy interesante. Y lo disfruté mucho.
Y la verdad es que no va a mucho más la historia. Este fue el último número de Batwoman que compré en su momento, J.H Williams dejó el dibujo para dedicarse solo al guion, y este me pareció bastante flojo... si encima le quitas sus lápices, que es lo que realmente había salvado por ejemplo el tomo anterior... Pues eso, terminé bajándome de la colección.
Y poco más, la verdad es que el personaje de Batwoman fue uno de mis preferidos en mis últimos años con DC, me parece atrevido, irreverente y muy interesante. Y lo disfruté mucho.
April 6, 2018
Its not good as the first one
The art is still good, but I totally prefer the J.H William III art in this story. The phasing is jumble, it jumps into multiple time/area and loss everything in the final scene.
Still looking forward for the next volume.
The art is still good, but I totally prefer the J.H William III art in this story. The phasing is jumble, it jumps into multiple time/area and loss everything in the final scene.
Still looking forward for the next volume.
October 4, 2018
I'm conflicted. I wish this section was more linear. Was confused for too much of it even though it all comes together eventually. It was just too disjointed. Still love the character. Batwoman is great.
March 16, 2020
Again, really good art for Batwoman, it's better for Kate and the rest of the unmasked people, but still not at the same level as the Batwoman panels. Plot wise it follows up the first volume pretty well. I am really enjoying this series.
December 26, 2019
Three and half stars.
March 24, 2017
Art and story dropped a bit.
World: Williams III is only writing so the art did take a dip. Sure the splash pages are still there but it's missing the weight in the art. The world building is solid, building upon the last arc giving more supernatural Gotham for readers.
Story: The story is a bit choppier. I know that the design is like that and that's the intention. But what we gain from the framing we lose in the character moments and development. The story is good, I like the supernatural angle and the development of the villain and building towards the mother is good. It's an interesting story.
Characters: This is the part that suffered the most. The framing was interesting but the stuff with Kate and Maggie really needed it to be more cohesive. It's good but it's broken. Kinda like Elegy.
I liked it, but the last arc was better.
Onward to the next book!
World: Williams III is only writing so the art did take a dip. Sure the splash pages are still there but it's missing the weight in the art. The world building is solid, building upon the last arc giving more supernatural Gotham for readers.
Story: The story is a bit choppier. I know that the design is like that and that's the intention. But what we gain from the framing we lose in the character moments and development. The story is good, I like the supernatural angle and the development of the villain and building towards the mother is good. It's an interesting story.
Characters: This is the part that suffered the most. The framing was interesting but the stuff with Kate and Maggie really needed it to be more cohesive. It's good but it's broken. Kinda like Elegy.
I liked it, but the last arc was better.
Onward to the next book!
April 23, 2014
This gets a somewhat grudging three stars. Artwork is inferior to the first volume, which is a shame as the first volume was gorgeous. Multiperspective storyline detracts from the narrative instead of enhancing it. I also kept mixing up her girlfriend and the DEO agent: visually distinguishing them more would have been helpful. Also, the more this goes along, the less plausibly it fits into the larger Batman franchise (the big question being, why would Bat Prime let any of the Batlings be beholden to a government agency like this?) Regardless, volume three is already sitting on my shelf, so here's to hoping they turn around on the path they're following.
June 23, 2014
The artwork is gorgeous and the creativity on this title is incredible on this series, Batwoman is definitely one of the most cutting-edge mainstream comics on the market these days.
But the structuring of this story is horrible. Cut up into a million pieces. Even the storyboarding was tough to decipher at times.
I hope this volume is not indicative of how future Batwoman stories will be told.
3/5
But the structuring of this story is horrible. Cut up into a million pieces. Even the storyboarding was tough to decipher at times.
I hope this volume is not indicative of how future Batwoman stories will be told.
3/5
December 21, 2012
Thanks to NetGalley, I got to read this a month before it comes out. The art is stunning, just like volume 1. The story is a bit disjointed as it is told in multiple time periods that all lead to the central action going on. You learn more about Kate's childhood, and how her father feels about her, details I'm not sure she herself knows. You see more of her relationship and her struggle to balance being a superhero with focusing on another person. Anything more might give it away.
November 29, 2013
Still beautiful and fantastic.
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