Comic Vine Review

27 Comments

Batwoman #3 - Hydrology, Part 3: Gaining Stream

5

If you pick only one comic book up this week, be sure to make it this one. Another absolutely breathtaking issue of Batwoman.

The Good

It's hard to believe we're already three issues into Batwoman, but we are, and oh how I wish this book was coming out bi-weekly. I tend to save this one for last because in truth, the last two issues have been spectacular. If you've been a fan of Batwoman's previous series, and you've enjoyed the last two issues, you'll be happy to hear that this one did not disappoint. Co-Written by J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman, the third issue of Batwoman is yet another example of the creative team's breathtaking artistic abilities. This is, by far, one of the best titles to come out of the "New 52" and the third issue continues to be just as breathtaking, interesting and exciting as the last two.

One thing I noticed I haven't mentioned in my previous reviews of Batwoman is that each of the women in this book are illustrated and colored differently. This is most noticeable during Kate's conversation with Bette. You'll notice that the colorist used extremely bright and vibrant colors for Better, whereas Kate maintains the dark, somber, painted effects. Rather than Kate seeming out of place in these panels, it makes so much sense. Dave Stewart's colors brilliantly reflect the individual personalities of the two characters, Kate's somber mood and Bette's upbeat personality. Kate makes an enormous decision to stop training her cousin; a revelation she has after she has her first altercation with the succubus that is the "weeping woman."

The story is slowly beginning to unravel, and the role of the federal agent and her relationship with a certain evil Gotham under-lord is gradually coming to light.

The Bad

If you pick up any book this week, make it this one.

The Verdict

Everything from the colors, to the dialogue, to the plot and overall story will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. The art compliments the story so well, and will absolutely take your breath away. Each scene in this issue is more beautiful than the next, it's hard to imagine how the creative team will top this issue. Lastly, Bette stands up for herself towards the end of the issue, and I am definitely looking forward to seeing what she does next.

27 Comments

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JonesDeini

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Edited By JonesDeini

Reading Batwoman: Elegy was a blessing and a curse. I now see the flaws in the writing on this book. The way Williams/Blackman write Kate doesn't quite hold up when compared to the masterful way Rucka handled her. Definitely still one of the best books of the DCnU though. And the art alone is worth the price of admission.

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longbowhunter

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Edited By longbowhunter

Liking the DEO and Cameron Chase involvement on this book. I really enjoy the fact that the cast is primarily all female.

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CombatSpoon86

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Edited By CombatSpoon86

This book doesn't miss a beat. I knew waiting a year for this would be worth it. Even though it's not up to Rucka's writing, it's still a great book. It gives me faith that there are still some artists that make a good transition into writing a book as long as they understand the character. JHW3, Great Job.

P.S.- It is still one of the most gorgeous artwork of all the DCU new books.

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pspin

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Edited By pspin

I love the book and the art is amazing and unique but this particular issue was too short, I thought it was a little abrupt

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jsphsmth

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Edited By jsphsmth

I am always cynical about artists turned writers, but I was proven wrong by JH Williams. It is like Rucka never left the series. Truly one of the best of the relaunch. Amazing art, complex characters, and a great story.

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Rise2Ragnarok

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Edited By Rise2Ragnarok

I agree that the art is absolutely amazing. After reading through once I go through again just to admire the art a second time. As for the story I'm enjoying that as well, really looking forward to what happens next issue with everything that happened at the end of this issue.

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zackattack529

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Edited By zackattack529

wow this review is a little overrated dont you think? it was good but it wasnt THAT good aha

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doordoor123

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Edited By doordoor123

@JonesDeini said:

Reading Batwoman: Elegy was a blessing and a curse. I now see the flaws in the writing on this book. The way Williams/Blackman write Kate doesn't quite hold up when compared to the masterful way Rucka handled her. Definitely still one of the best books of the DCnU though. And the art alone is worth the price of admission.

agreed 100%

The writing here is different. It isn't bad though. Its just no Rucka.

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TheOptimist

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Edited By TheOptimist

I absolutely adore this book. Story, script, art and ingenuity... I don't find this review to be even remotely overrating of the title, at least for my tastes. I even got involuntary chills reading this book, that beautiful mix of nervous excitement... I'm just so happy that this book is finally even coming out! I'm so glad it was worth the wait.

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Nasar7

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Edited By Nasar7

Is more of Kate's backstory explained? The series has been good so far but I don't care about her at all. Issues 1 and 2 left me wanting some serious character establishment for her before I keep reading.

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Eyz

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Edited By Eyz

This one better NOT be cancelled any time soon!!

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Jonny_Anonymous

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Edited By Jonny_Anonymous
@Nasar7 said:
Is more of Kate's backstory explained? The series has been good so far but I don't care about her at all. Issues 1 and 2 left me wanting some serious character establishment for her before I keep reading.
You should read Batwoman Elegy
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Nasar7

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Edited By Nasar7

@spiderbat87 said:

@Nasar7 said:
Is more of Kate's backstory explained? The series has been good so far but I don't care about her at all. Issues 1 and 2 left me wanting some serious character establishment for her before I keep reading.
You should read Batwoman Elegy

Thanks for the tip I'll check it out although I do think this being the whole relaunch thing we shouldn't really have to. It should all be there in these first issues.

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deactivated-5a4e0e8ea3dfb

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Have to say I'm not really enjoying this book at all. I'll admit the art of these books is great when Kate is in her identity as Batwoman but I don't think it works as well when she's not. The whole pale skin thing is really bothering me compared to how she was drawn previously. Overall I just don't care about this character and I especially don't care about the new Flamebird.

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Jonny_Anonymous

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Edited By Jonny_Anonymous
@Nasar7 said:

@spiderbat87 said:

@Nasar7 said:
Is more of Kate's backstory explained? The series has been good so far but I don't care about her at all. Issues 1 and 2 left me wanting some serious character establishment for her before I keep reading.
You should read Batwoman Elegy

Thanks for the tip I'll check it out although I do think this being the whole relaunch thing we shouldn't really have to. It should all be there in these first issues.

I know but they've only just done her background, redoing it is kind of redundant.
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Knight Train

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Edited By Knight Train

I wish the writing was as good as the art; they just don't fit together, with the art being magnificent and the writing consisting of very mediocre dialogue, little characterization within the dialogue, and lots of build up with no pay off. I'll keep reading but I hope it gets better, at least it is beautiful

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victoriancuckoo

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Edited By victoriancuckoo

ahhh, maybe I'll pick this book up too

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No_Name_

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Edited By No_Name_

@zackattack529 said:

wow this review is a little overrated dont you think? it was good but it wasnt THAT good aha

A review is someone's opinion. You don't have to agree.

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BatBen9135

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Edited By BatBen9135

I'm not a huge Batwoman fan, but picked it up after I heard great things about it. I loved the story, I think it's interesting to have someone from the Bat-family dealing with the supernatural, and I love the characterization of Kate, Bette, and Maggie.

The art is great as well. That being said, the different coloring styles are jarring at times and takes away from the story for me just a bit.

Overall though, pleasantly surprised by this. I just wish the coloring would stay consistent.

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trailofdead

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Edited By trailofdead

This book is fantastic. I was worried about the writing too but so far so good...

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HellBlazerRaiser

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Edited By HellBlazerRaiser

The story is slowly beginning to unravel, and the role of the federal agent and her relationship with a certain evil Gotham under-lord is gradually coming to light.

That's not Black Mask. Chase's boss @ the DEO is Mr. Bones.

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HotSauceCommittee

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Picked up issue 1 after all the good things I heard about it, was ok but didn't understand all the praise, given it two more issues and still don't understand. The art is nice but the rest of the book is incredibly average and this is the most overrated new 52 book I've read.

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iaconpoint

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Edited By iaconpoint

@HotSauceCommittee: Yeah, there are waaaaaay better books out there than this convoluted mess. I don't understand the praise, either, but to each his or her own I guess. Yes, the art is gorgeous, but it's also confusing more than not and the story is eh. I said, eh, not the other word that starts with m.

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MrPilkington

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Edited By MrPilkington

@JonesDeini: In my personal opinion, while it's not as well written as Rucka's take on the character, it's by all means a well made envisioning of the character. That being said though, I am relatively new to Batwoman. I read a few issues prior to the reboot, though I find I like the reboot a whole lot more than I thought I would.

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NoPryingEyes

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Edited By NoPryingEyes

I am definitely enjoying this series immensely. As one of the many characters (and writers/artists) that I didn't know of before my return to comics (a return that was catalyzed by "The New 52"), I have to say that Batwoman is my new favorite storyline so far. The art work is amazing. As has been mentioned before, the choice of colors for different people, the use "glossier" shadings for Batwoman's character is amazing. And of course, the storyline has some great beats. Not knowing anything about Batwoman/Kane before the new issue #1 (both of her and of any previous continuity), I am really excited as to where this trade goes.

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Gordo789

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Edited By Gordo789

Just read these over the weekend. This is a really outstanding book. Great writing and superb art/layouts. Definitely has shot to near the top of my list.

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sixpin

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Edited By sixpin

I'm relieved to find that there are others here that don't understand the praise thrown on this book. The art certainly has the occasional wow moment, but it really isn't my style. The story seems to be a mess, maybe because I get the feeling that I'm missing out on some key detail or because I don't care about any of these characters at all. Granted I'm new to Batwoman in general, but isn't that kind of the point of the New 52.

Anyway, I'm dropping the title from my folder. I gave it three issues to grab me and it just hasn't.