Neither Hawkfire (Bette Kane) nor her uncle Jake Kane knows that Batwoman (Kate Kane) is taking orders (against her will) from the D.E.O. in the latest issue of Batwoman. Jake however, is starting to suspect something is afoot, because Kate has tracked down Mister Freeze (on their orders) in a very unusual manner. With Jake is Bette’s ear and Cameron Chase in Kate’s, the two heroes take down the icy villain, which brings them into a tense encounter with Batman. Meanwhile, Cameron starts to realize that Kate is purposefully defying them, so she and Director Bones attempt to come up with a way to get her to play their game.
Jake has a confrontation with his wife Katherine, while Maggie Sawyer goes apartment hunting.
Artist Trevor McCarthy has upped his game, trying to maintain the excellent art of J.H. Williams III. He does an admirable job! It would be impossible to match Williams, but he does a damn fine job trying! Unique panels and page layout, cinematic fluidity and gosh darn it, it’s just plain pretty!
The story is a change of pace. It’s kind of a stand-alone. It ties back to the Medusa storyline, but also feels like a bridge to whatever is coming next. (I predict a break between Kate and the D.E.O.) I also liked that Batman popped up. This book can be a bit insular, so it’s nice to reference the larger DC Universe, especially since both characters live in the same city and all.
I still don’t like the name Hawkfire, though. What was wrong with Flamebird?
BATWOMAN #18
Written by J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman
Art and Cover by Trevor McCarthy
