Intrigued, but not hooked
This is an issue that I've been both anticipating and dreading. The start of a new arc for Batwoman. After the circumstances surrounding Williams' and Blackman's leaving the series, I doubt that any true Batwoman fan was not apprehensive going into this issue. I know that I was.
Let's start with the art: I approve. Williams' art was gold. It was a near perfect complement to Batwoman's character. And while it's sad to see him go, Haun does a very nice job. His art style is similar to McCarthy's (the artist for the previous arc). Sometimes the characters' faces look a bit off (particularly Kate and Bette in civilian clothing). But Haun really shines when the characters are in costume.
Next, the story. We're given a flashback in the beginning which is not referenced again throughout the issue. I assume it has something to do with the depression (given that the flashback took place in 1929 and that the depression in Gotham was briefly referenced by Evan). I like that Andreyko seems to be setting up a history for this arc that dates back almost a whole century. And Black Spider (or is it Wolf Spider?) made for an interesting villain for the limited space he had in the issue. We are only getting setup at the moment, so there is not much to judge just yet, but I am definitely interested in what comes next. Hopefully the real hook will be coming in the next issue.
Writing was pretty good. Andreyko seems to have the characters' voices down well. The dialogue was interesting and relatively witty. It's hard to say much at the moment because this issue seems like a prologue to the real story that will be coming soon. But I feel better going into the next issue after reading this one.
As for the issue of the unconcluded previous arc, we get a vague reference to it. That's something at least. I am trying to not judge this issue based upon the previous story being left behind. Hopefully Andreyko will deliver us a satisfying conclusion in April.
If you are a fan of the first 24 issues or are interested in the character, I'd recommend picking this up (even if you don't pick up issue 25; it is really not very important). 7.5/10 stars.
