I was worried when J.H. Williams III announced (at least in regard to artwork) he was departing this title. He still co-writes, along with W. Haden Blackman, but Trevor McCarthy proves with this issue that he is absolutely worthy to inherit this series. He really goes above and beyond, retaining this book’s status as one of the most innovatively rendered books on stands. The two page sequence showing Batwoman and Hawkfire battling Shard, with red “correction” notes erased any doubt I may have had.
This issue seems to showcase turning points. Cameron Chase seeks out her estranged sister and remembers her father, a self-styled super hero who died in action, which fleshes out her motivations. Meanwhile, Maggie is having trouble adapting to being the fiancee of a super hero. Kate’s father Jacob must deal with his wife Katherine discovering his clandestine activities and forces him to accept her as his new partner. He also drops another bombshell on her (and readers).
Things get tense between Batwoman and Hawkfire as Bette gets too close to the D.E.O. for Kate’s comfort. This drives Kate to finally confront Chase and Bones. She refuses to go along with their plans, but they have something that would seemingly force Batwoman to go along with their scheme.
Considering how lengthy the first storyline was, this first subsequent issue could have gone in any direction, but I think it hit the ground running, embellishing the supporting cast, setting up new status quos and plot lines some of which throw back to the start of this series and Batwoman’s initial heroic arc.
As I’ve already stated, the art was wonderful, but beyond that, this book delivers a level of sophistication absent in the majority of super hero books. It’s finely crafted from the ground up and its creators are clearly building something far from “just okay.”
BATWOMAN #19
Written by J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman
Art and Cover by Trevor McCarthy
