Review – Batwoman: Rebirth #1 (DC Comics)

Publisher: DC Comics
Writers: Marguerite Bennett/James Tynion IV
Artist: Steve Epting
Release Date: 15th February, 2017

Fresh from the pages of Detective Comics comes Batwoman: Rebirth. Providing a perfect introduction to the character’s origin, taking us briefly through the aftermath of “Monster Men” and giving us a brief glimpse into the future of the series, this is exactly the way a Rebirth issue should go.

It should come as no surprise to anyone who is familiar with either Marguerite Bennett or her work on Bombshells that this is a match made in heaven. Kate Kane is exactly the way she should be; strong-willed and unashamed. The inclusion of her childhood adds more depth here, and subtly expands the lore of the character while tidying up some of her backstory to better fit the post-Rebirth universe.

Bennett is assisted by James Tynion IV here, although just where the line is drawn between Marguerite and James’ involvement is unclear. What is clear however is that the crossover of Batwoman from the pages of ‘Tec to her own solo series has been seamless, with the roots Tynion has laid down growing more and more entrenched. I’d also be lying if I said the “soon” page didn’t give me legit goosebumps.

Let’s talk about Steve Epting. Seriously though, this book is beautifully drawn. Steve seems to have been practically born for a book like this, with his previous experience on another army kid come superhero. I don’t know if you’ve maybe heard of Captain America? Epting’s A-game is most certainly brought to the table here, especially the pages where Batwoman is actually in costume. There’s also some nice throwbacks to the page design from when J.H.Williams III was drawing the previous solo series, with panels blending into one another at times, and a stark, almost doll-like quality to Kate Kane’s face when she is out of costume.

Enough can’t be said about the work colourist Jeromy Cox, either. The artwork is taken to a whole new level with the addition of the colouring, from the overabundance of reds and the harsh contrasts of the white, black and red of the Batwoman costume, to the way the panels seamlessly blend into each other.

Overall, while it’s probably not essential reading for long-time fans of the character or regular readers of Detective Comics, as a jumping-on point for new readers, lapsed fans, or simply people who just want to read a bloody good book, it’s a dead cert purchase. I know I for one can’t wait for the series itself to finally get underway.

Rating: 4.5/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK
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