Batwoman #12
DC Comics
Written by: Marguerite Bennett
Art by: Scott Godlewski
Colors by: John Rauch
Letters by: Deron Bennett
After all of the side stories and call backs, we finally get to see what happened in Batwoman’s missing year. A year ago, Batman sent Kate on a mission to hunt down The Many Arms of Death. After getting a message from the leader of the organization, Batwoman heads to a confrontation in a location that is close to her. A location she was truly happy at and one she told to only one other person.
At the end of Batwoman’s lost year, she continues to luxuriate on the island of Coryana with Safiyah. As Kate continues to investigate the mystery toxin that is infecting the creatures on the island, she and Safiyah continue to get closer. As Kate tracks the source of the infection, Safiyah determines who is responsible and calls the rogue warlord to a meeting at The Desert Rose. The man named Maksim threatens everyone in the room until something completely unexpected happens that takes Kate by surprise.
In an act of brutality, we are shown why Safiyah is the leader of the warlords on the island and Kate is powerless to stop what comes next. Kate begins to come to the realization that she has been blind to the reality of who the woman she loves really is and what her presence on the island has brought. She is confronted by Safiyah, who gives her a piece of truth that the hero doesn’t want to face about herself and she decides to take control back. Unfortunately, her taking back that control puts her into conflict with Safiyah and her forces as she tries to leave the island.
Batwoman continues to be a great book. I truly enjoy both the writing and the art with every issue. There is real care to craft an engaging ongoing story that builds on some really multi-layered characters that are fleshed out with each issue. Bennett has created some great stories for this character and every issue has been a journey. The art is great in this issue as well. There are some great camera angles and use of shadow that enhance the emotional moments in the issue. Can’t wait to read what happens next.