posted
This is a new character. Kathy "Kate" Kane is an homage to the original Batwoman, but this is a totally new take on things. The lesbian angle is new too
-------------------- Some people are like slinkys: not really good for anything, but they bring a smile to your face when you knock them down a flight of stairs
From: Penthouse atop Levitz Hall, LMBP Plaza, Embassy Row, Legion World | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
Why in the world are they making her a redhead? I'd think DC would want her to look different than Barbara Gordon...
Already, I've heard a couple of discussions in which 'Batwoman' was completely confused with 'Batgirl' by non-comics people. Having the character look just like the most recognizeable lady to wear a bat just doesn't seem smart to me.
I thought she was a brunette in that one image that keeps getting shown. The art in the preview pages shows differently.
Ah, well-- I'm already getting 52. I'd probably pick up any BATMAN books featuring Kathy Kane... we'll see if 'Kate' Kane has the same appeal.
I hope she still owns a circus.
Wonder how in the world they'll work in that haunting moment from the KINGDOM COME follow-up when Bats whispered "Kathy?" after seeing her ghost? image? mannequin? in the superhero bar (Warriors?)? Most likely, it'll get ignored.
Considering Batwoman's utility bag of tricks, I think it's kind of appropriate (and campy and fun) that they're labelling her a 'lipstick lesbian'.
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
After Infinite Crisis, I wonder how much of Kingdom Come is still relevant? As far as that goes, with the relaunch of the Legion, I wonder how intact Starman is. This is a different Thom Kallor than what we had, so I wonder if his future is as certain as what we had?
I liked Kingdom Come as a stand alone story, but I wouldn't want them to make a concerted effort to steer the DCU in that direction. If it happens it happens, but I prefer that things aren't set in stone.
Without worrying too much about KC, a shift like a revamped Batwoman doesn't really affect things too much.
I wish they had left Kathy's hair dark as well, but I wonder if part of it was an attempt to make the DCU think that this might be a new identity for the retired Batgirl. Not everyone realizes that Barbara Gordon/Oracle was Batgirl, so the DCU for the most part might not know the difference.
-------------------- Some people are like slinkys: not really good for anything, but they bring a smile to your face when you knock them down a flight of stairs
From: Penthouse atop Levitz Hall, LMBP Plaza, Embassy Row, Legion World | Registered: Jul 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Spellbinder: After Infinite Crisis, I wonder how much of Kingdom Come is still relevant?
I kinda think that IC replaced Kingdom Come as the apocolyptic redefining event for the DCU.
There are a lot of parallels.
Millions Killed in Kansas (KC) now Bludhaven (IC). Luthor Manipulates Billy Batson (KC) now Superboy Prime (IC). Lots of metas killed Superman Cult in The Kingdom and 52. Introdcution of KC versions of heroes in the main DCU. The human/meta-human question brought to its head.
So I think having come out of Infinite Crisis, the current DCU stands more or less where the KC Earth was at the end of that story.
From: Canada | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
(Figure I'll give this Ultra Matt thread some legs...)
I finally found the time to give Batwoman the proper reading it deserved and with huge expectations I was still blown away by it's quality. I've followed Kate Kane since her intro and like Jerry says this seamlessly picks off where her run on Detective left off; what that means is one of the best quality comic books on the market.
If Action Comics was the clear winner in quality for DCnU in week 1, then this is surely the clear winner for DCnU in week 2.
J.H. Willaims is just a brilliant creator. Even without co-creator of Kate Kane, Greg Rucka, he makes every little aspect and moment count here. The writing is crisp and deliberate with fantastic pacing. The dialogue is sharp and real. And the art just takes it to a whole new level with composition and subtleties that will take multiple readings to truly appreciate. Utterly fantastic.
Kate Kane is complex, likable and just all around interesting. Even when she's being difficult, I like her more. The relationship with her father had already shaped up into one of the best father-daughter relationships in comics; I can't wait to see where it goes.
I've loved Maggie Sawyer since the early 90's in the Superman comics and I really love the idea of her being the romantic interest for Kate. It's obvious Rucka's love of her has transferred to Williams. In my eyes she's a much better fit anyway than Renee (and in fact I'd prefer a long break between the two seeing one another).
Bette / Flamebird being a part of this series is fantastic as well. She's been treated as a joke by writers for decades (since the 80's); it's clear the intent here is to turn her into something more serious. Good for her--can't wait to see it happen. And still, I can't wait to see her provide some tension-relief with light-heartedness the series will benefit from.
Love seeing Chase, Mr. Bones and be DEO playing a role.
Even the idea of seeing Batman (Bruce) and interacting is appealing since we've only ever barely seen that.
Fantastic issue. I could go page by page and rave about the visuals, they were so good.
Cobie comparison: did I enjoy as much as JL #1? oh yes--best of week 2!
^ps - I want Q-Ball and the Pool Hall Gang to recur throughout the DCU!
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Cobalt Kid: And the art just takes it to a whole new level with composition and subtleties that will take multiple readings to truly appreciate. Utterly fantastic.
True! I reread the book and noticed (duh!) that the scenes with Kate were generally bright, crisp and day-like, even indoors; when she's Batwoman, it's much darker, softer, a totally different style. The dream sequence was yet another style.
I hadn't been reading Batwoman before. The way she called Bette "Plebe" seemed sort of insulting, in a drill-sargeant kind of way. Is she just trying to be tough with her sidekick or do they have a difficult relationship?
posted
Batwoman #2 rawked my face off much in the same way #1 did. Another fantastic issue as the series continues to build the current storyline as well as the status quo of Kate, Maggie and all the other characters.
I've always loved Maggie Sawyer since her introduction in the Superman comics over 20 years ago (wow, it's been that long?) and I really am loving her usage here. The idea of Agent Chase considering her the top contender of being Batwoman is just fantastic.
Batwoman's father and their strained relationship is ever present even though he wasn't in the issue at all yet. His return to the series should make for some excellent drama.
I think Williams ultimate goal is for Flamebird to grow into a super-capable hero like all the other Bat-characters and I'm enjoying the journey.
Love the interaction with Batman too, which put them both in a good light.
This and Wonder Woman are the two best female superhero comic books out there, hands-down. When I'm reading it, I'm really just enjoying the hell out of every page.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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This book joins the list of the new DC titles that started strong and just gets better. Yes, the artwork in the first two issues was beautiful. Number three tops them both in mood and storytelling. The action scenes with Kate were top notch. When Bette appeared in costume I almost peed myself.
Lots of character development this issue. Chase was cold as ice. Maggie strong, compassionate and quoting Churchill!
A series that started out being about one hell of a tough woman has quickly become a series about four tough women. Each with her own voice and motivation. This is good stuff.
-------------------- No regrets, Coyote.
From: Missouri | Registered: Oct 2003
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I usually don't go for crime dramas, but between this and Ann Nocenti taking over Green Arrow, it looks like I'm drifting in that direction where DC is concerned.
Will post my thoughts once I have the Batwoman issue(s).