BATWOMAN #8 (DC COMICS)
Kate Kane’s return to Gotham City couldn’t have gone any worse!
After leaving her complicated scene in Greece, Kane walks right into a biological attack unlike anything the world has seen before!
Let’s not forget Vandal Savage has a bounty out on the Bat-Family. This prompts Kane to make a stand inside the Cathedral of St. Dumas. TUCO guards think they’re striking it rich by taking down Kane.
Clearly they don’t who is the hunter and who is prey.
BATWOMAN #8 by Greg Rucka, Dani, Matt Hollingsworth & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS) continues its “Bad Seeds” tie-in.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the latest.
BATWOMAN #7 by Greg Rucka, Dani, Matt Hollingsworth & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
WRITING:
Rucka stages a suspenseful look at Kane’s navigation through adversity with an unlikely partner in crime(-fighting). Having a wounded Huntress lurking in the cathedral pits two explosive yet similar personalities together. Kane’s strategic takedown of the first TUCO unit is done with precise accuracy. Seeing Kane let loose like this is a refreshing moment to offset the more notable drama of recent events. It also allows for a polarizing conversation of ethics to commence in the process.
Readers watch as Kane and Huntress banter about dealing with the latest challenges. It is a direct and blunt talk that conveys the mutual look at events while arguing of action methods. Kane’s words are sharp as she vents about the honor and code of service. This is a contrast from the growing TUCO units who find common ground in the financial goals attached with their mission. Once the action commences again, Rucka exemplifies why Batwoman is a dangerous opponent. This leads to a steady finish and hope that readers will see this pairing happen sooner than later.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!
ART AND LETTERING:
Dani & Hollingsworth tease the danger with smaller panels, building towards a huge reveal. A strong full page image shows a wounded Huntress trying to survive. Otsmane-Elhaou’s lettering shines as the bullets start flying from the TUCO squad. This amplifies more as Kane intervenes on their attack. Hollingsworth’s use of lights and darks adds so much to these panels as Kane’s presence becomes more chilling. As the action breaks, the motives of all parties involved are crystal clear as the next phases commences.
Huntress’ expressions to Kane’s talk are priceless as she is ready to call out some half truths. It crafts a scene of uncertainty and frustration with events boiling over. Even with Kane’s face covered with a full mask, her eyes tell a story all their own. This leads into the action packed finish. A tense two page spread brings out the horrors of the cathedral. It spins fast into a prompt attack. Pacing speeds up as the enemies are scrambling to regroup. This leads to a stunning two page spread of Kane poised to strike. Once at the last page, a haunting final panel concludes events for now as the main danger lingers in the city.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
Batwoman and Huntress are trapped with Savage’s forces closing in for a thrilling conclusion to the “Bad Seeds” tie-in event. Rucka unleashes Kate Kane with no remorse with strong writing. Dani & Hollingsworth construct moody imagery perfectly to cement this frantic scenario. Kate Kane’s return has been such a huge win for fans.
Let me know your thoughts on BATWOMAN #8 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
