It’s a fresh start this issue, as the team of J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman, along with new penciller Amy Reeder kick off a new storyline entitled “To Drown The World.”  There are still remnants of the prior “Weeping Woman” storyline, as the kidnapped children have yet to be found and the issue opens with Kate’s father Jacob tending to the still comatose Bette, a.k.a. the Teen Titan Flamebird, his niece who was brutally injured last issue.  Maggie is having a rough time dealing with the missing kids, but her relationship with Kate seems to be going well, and even though they have a brief argument, they quickly make up.

As Batwoman, Kate is adjusting to working for the D.E.O. and reporting to Cameron Chase.  There are perks, though, for example her new bulletproof suit.  It isn’t shown how, but Batwoman does locate the lair of the villains holding the kids, but the same hook-handed criminal that injured Bette is there and looks to do to Kate what he did to her cousin!

The biggest reveal in this issue is that there was a guiding force behind the creation of La Llorona!  I don’t want to spoil too much, but it’s magical in nature.  I love that!  The Bat Books are usually devoid of any supernatural elements and typically focus on “street level” crime, so I love that Williams and Blackman have embraced that their book is set within the DC Universe and aren’t afraid to play with some more outlandish elements.

The voice of this issue is consistent with the previous storyline, even with the switch to a new artist.  Amy Reeder’s style is very different from Williams and trust me, those are some big shoes to fill, but she handles herself well here.  Certainly not as innovative as Williams (because no one is), she still thinks outside the box, as evidenced by this sample to the right, which uses little boxes to show all the points where Batwoman is struck by bullets.  And like Williams, she seems to mix up different styles for different scenes.  It’s not quite as dramatic, but it’s there.  Comparisons aside, Reeder has a great, clean style that sets it apart but remains consistent with the prior issues.  Kate’s in good hands!

So once again, I’m going to declare this to be the best comic on racks!  The creators CARE and you can tell!  It’s different!  It’s unique!  The characters are incredibly deep and flawed.  Kate may be an ace superhero, but she’s an emotional wreck.  It’s simply top-notch!

Verdict: Buy

BATWOMAN #6
Written by J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman
Pencils and Cover by Amy Reeder