Batwoman and The Question by Kathryn Lano.

I read Amy’s blog post addressing her departure from the book. I also read some entries posted on JH Williams III’s blog. One directly discusses the change; another is a bit more abstract. Also, it is my understanding that there are Batwoman pencils by Reeder that will not see print. So, she was in the middle of working on an issue when they pulled her off? Seems … emotional. That makes me wonder if the “differences” were between Williams and Reeder … as in Williams is a tough act to follow.

I LOVE Amy Reeder’s work. She is one of my absolute favorite comic artists. When I heard she had paired with Williams (another favorite artist) on Batwoman (a favorite character), my brain nearly ‘sploded. BUT Reeder has her own style, one that I think works well for Kate Kane. Her work in Batwoman #6 and #7 is beautiful. Much of it has Reeder’s signature hints of Manga and rich expressiveness, but some of the panel layout and flow are very … Williams. Even if his art does not appeal to your aesthetic, it is still absolutely brilliant. I even think that may be an understatement. There is no one out there who does sequential art the way he does.

I know it is kind of in the job description, but what must it be like to take direction as an artist from another artist? Not just any artist, but JH mothafucking Williams III.

I have gathered from things that Williams has written on his blog, the way he writes Batwoman, and looking at his art that he is very meticulous. Maybe he’s even got a streak of extreme perfectionism (which a lot of artists have). So, perhaps taking direction from Williams (on a character whose image he essentially defined) is no cake walk. I wonder if that didn’t stress Amy all to hell. Maybe her style didn’t jibe with Williams’ vision. Maybe Williams ran out of patience. Given his legendary status, maybe he just wasn’t having it anymore.

That is, of course, just a theory.

We may never know the real reasons behind the change-up, at least not in any official capacity. No one owes us an explanation, either. I certainly can appreciate that all parties involved — DC, WIlliams, and Reeder — seem to be minding their manners, and there has been no mud-slinging. Professionalism is good. That doesn’t do much for the disappointment I am feeling, though. It is not just because I am a fan of Reeder, but because that’s one less lady working on a major title in comics. Talent absolutely should be the reason for hiring a person on a book, and I assume that is why Reeder got the Batwoman gig in the first place.

But still.

Amy, I love that you drew one of my favorite characters, and you will be sorely missed on Batwoman. I look forward to whatever you do next. I will buy any book you draw … because you are drawing it. Best of luck!

Batwoman is a shining star in the DCU. I knew it would be. I reveled in every single panel of J.H. Williams III’s stellar art. He wins on writing, too. E. concurs.

Once upon a time I was getting Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps, AND Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors. I lost interest and dropped all of the titles from my pull list. I thought maybe, just maybe, that a Green Lantern book with Sinestro as the star could win me back. But while I read Green Lantern #1, all I could think was how do we get a reimagined Superman but GL picks up right after the War of the Green Lanterns? I think we all know why that is, but my brain says, “NO!” Also, Hal Jordan is even more of a cad. Snore.

Action Comics and Batgirl were equally pleasing to me. Rags Morales is a rock star of comic proportions, and Morrison’s Supes is intricate and intriguing. Gail can write the hell out of some Barbara Gordon. Special kudos to Mrs. Simone for humanizing her in such a relateable way, and showing a Babs with an authentic trauma response. Realism for the win.

I was terribly disappointed by Eric Wallace’s Mr. Terrific. I admit that my reason for reading the book in the first place is rather shallow: I think the character is hot, but the story was just as shallow. It portrayed Michael Holt as haughty and dissociated, and don’t even get me started on the clichés regarding race, gender, and belief. This Mr. Terrific is a far cry from the wise and compassionate Michael Holt that Greg Rucka gave us in Checkmate. No thanks, DC.

I am a fan of Lemire’s Sweet Tooth, so both Animal Man and Frankenstein got bought. I gave Animal Man a try, and it felt lukewarm. Some in my geek circle were complaining about the art. I admire the clean simplicity of Travel Foreman’s art, and it does rev up into some rather complex, gory panels. I think this is a quality book, but there was too much Buddy with the morphogenetic field inner-monologue. It got a little boring in parts for me. Maybe I don’t relate to Buddy Baker, but you might.

That brings me to Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E., I enjoyed this book more than all the others. I reread it as soon as I was done, and I feel compelled to make a case for it. The art is going to be an acquired taste for some. The colors and lettering are pretty great, but the loose lines and gritty feel might be off-putting. Don’t let it be. It really works with the tone of the book. What’s the tone of the book?

Awesome.

Okay. Seriously. It is just the first issue, but it is quite fun. Lemire skillfully references Frankenstein’s continuity with quick dialogue. There are tons of festive physics oddities and S.H.A.D.E. technology. Frankie is quoting the British poet Milton. Father Time is a little girl with pigtails. There is a crew of “Creature Commandos” complete with an amphibious lady scientist, a mummy, and a werewolf and vampire who have a penchant for bickering. The baddest S.H.A.D.E. agent of all is Frankie’s wife. This book has the right mix of camp and grit, and I can foresee these characters making for a most entertaining monster mash. I need you to go buy it so it doesn’t get canned. Please.

P.S. I am beyond excited about Azzarello and Chiang’s Wonder Woman, tomorrow!

Of course, everyone had something to say about Wonder Woman’s new costume, much of it hilarious. My favorite observation came from Tom and Lorenzo, the duo behind the brilliant Project Rungay blog: “She kind of looks like she’s on her way to yoga class. In Vanilla Ice’s old jacket. That sound you hear is the wail of drag queens the world over, all of whom wouldn’t be caught dead in this thing.”

Now that the dust has settled, we were inspired to survey the field of DC superheroines to determine who looks red-carpet ready, and who looks a hot mess. The men just didn’t interest us as much, because frankly, there’s not much to say about dudes who favor briefs and capes as a daytime look.

As for Vixen’s outfit, well, you know where we stand on that madness.

Liberty Belle: Ms. Chambers if you're nasty.

Liberty Belle: Call me old-fashioned, but I’ve always liked Jesse Chambers’ classic Liberty Belle getup. It’s a nice homage to her mom, and since she’s got that Veronica Lake thing going on, she manages to be sexy without giving away the store. Few people could get away with those thigh-enhancing jodphurs — or that color scheme for that matter — but L.B. does so with grace. What a classy dame. Grade: B+

Yawn.

Wonder Girl: Cassandra Sandsmark’s costume, if you can call it that, reflects the problem with her character. There’s no there there, and certainly nothing fitting a heroine. You could walk into any Forever 21 or Wet Seal in America and come up with the equivalent of what she’s wearing. Her boyfriend, Conner Kent, seems to share the notion that a pair of Gap jeans and a logo shirt are just dandy for saving the universe, but where’s the glamour? The intimidation factor? The effort? Girl, bye. Grade: D

Black Canary

Black Canary: Artist Ed Benis’ Matrix-referencing take on Dinah Lance makes our favorite Bird of Prey as stylish as she is deadly. The long, cinched black coat, Dinah’s trademark fishnets and the motorcycle boots are gangsta in a very good way. Siu Jerk Jai deserves nothing less. Grade: A

Artemis: New Earth

Artemis (New Earth): Brimming with Amazonian swagger, Artemis of Bana-Migdhall looks great no matter what she’s wearing. But I’m partial to the sultry I Dream of Jeannie togs Artemis wears in her New Earth incarnation. It’s exotic (wispy genie pants), fashion-forward (calf-high gladiator shoes) and a touch dangerous (leather push-up top). Extra points for the bicep-enhancing gold bangles and choker. Fierce! Grade: A

Showoff.

Starfire: When you’re hot, you’re hot, but that’s no excuse for dressing like a truck stop lingerie model. I know what the Starfire apologists are thinking: “Jealous, much?” Yes. Grade: D-

Wonder Woman in "Amazonia"

Victorian Wonder Woman: Wondy went Steampunk to solve the case of Jack the Ripper in Amazonia, an Elseworlds tale set in the Victorian era. Of course, she looked fantastic in this retro version of her iconic costume: Crimson corset with a fishtail flourish, elbow-length gloves with filigree bracelets and chic, lace-up boots. The hair is very Padme Amidala in The Phantom Menace, but Diana rocked it out with the tiara. Grade: A-

Manhunter

Manhunter: Unless it’s got some built-in Spanx, Mahunter’s costume leaves absolutely no room for error. This is an aerodynamic, body-hugging costume that means business. In addition to being sleek and functional, it’s got that cool plating at the neck and shoulders (with matching clawed gauntlets), and the power staff is just cool as hell. Grade: B

Nimue: Nimue’s fashion has evolved to suit the times and moniker of Madame Xanadu. Her woodland nymph garb, complete with antlers and proper baubles, is hippie ethereal in an “I’m actually Homo Magi” kind of way. The knee-high lace up hoof heels are just about the cleverest shit we’ve ever seen for those times when you don’t want to be found in the forest — aaand you might not want to be found if you’ve pissed off your lover, Merlin.

Batwoman

Batwoman: I love everything about this costume, which somehow manages to be more menacing than Batman’s. Maybe it’s the stark black-and-red color combo, or maybe it’s the kickass footwear JH Williams III bestowed upon Kate Kane in his Detective Comics run. These are not girly boots for prancing around, but wall-climbing, roof-jumping, thug-stomping kicks. Throw in some red gloves, and you’ve got a look that’s a little bit scary and a whole lot sexy. Grade: A+

Stay classy, Star Sapphire Corps!

Star Sapphire: Cher wept. Grade: F

Her alternate personality is a beautifully twisted version of Alice Pleasance Liddell of Wonderland fame. Fans of Greg Rucka’s Detective Comics/Batwoman run were all set for an entire Alice story arc. I know I was. Alas, her tragic origin story was cut short by Rucka’s abrupt departure from DC. We were robbed, damn it. ROBBED! What we did get of her left me jonesin’ for more. The last time we saw Alice was at the end of the “Elegy” story, when she fell into the ocean after a fistfight on a plane with her sis. Her body was never found. Rucka stated he had her origin story planned and was ready to write. I hope that one day he will grace us (and DC) with said story. In the mean time, I hope all other writers keep their hands off of this amazing character.

JH Williams‘s phenomenal rendering of Alice was interesting and unique. You could tell by looking at her that she was clearly insane, yet the design and colors were were still so pretty. His concept of Alice made for some of the best cover art I’ve ever seen. While the character was only half featured on some of the covers of Detective Comics, the art was clearly designed to foreshadow her presence in the story and her connection to Kate. Fans will have to wait and see if we’ll ever get another look at Alice. In the meantime, I may have to keep the dream alive with the coolest cosplay costume EVER.

While V. and I celebrated the news that J.H. Williams III will write and illustrate a regular Batwoman comic, it occurred to me that reading comics is a bit like dating. The sheer variety is exciting, but once you really connect with a title (or five), it’s like magic. You’re positively giddy on the Wednesdays that it ships, and you can’t wait to curl up and spend time with it.

Then, inevitably, things get all weird. Maybe the creative team changes and there’s a steep decline in quality, or a larger event gums up the works. Pissed off and confused, you start talking about breaking up and seeing other titles — maybe even other publishers. Call me a sucker, but the Williams announcement is the equivalent of a beautiful flower arrangement or a Tiffany charm bracelet sent just in the nick of time. Maybe it doesn’t completely atone for Rucka’s departure and the Power Girl craziness and the iffy Wonder Woman announcement, but it’s still pretty wonderful.

Together, Rucka and Williams created a stunning series of Batwoman stories in Detective Comics, and Williams’ illustrations were so beautifully and thoughtfully executed that they set a new standard for the comics medium. With Rucka out of the picture, it’s a huge relief to know that Williams will stay on as Kate Kane’s caretaker, so to speak. He struck all the right notes in an interview with Comic Book Resources, showing appreciation for Rucka’s vision while making the case for his own. Plus, his enthusiasm for Batwoman and her supporting cast members, including cousin Bette Kane (Flamebird), is palpable. As Williams himself put it, “I just kind of felt like, ‘OK, if anyone can do the character any justice, it would be me.’ ” It’s a bonus that current Madame Xanadu artist Amy Reeder will provide her considerable talents on the second arc.

DC, consider your telephone number unblocked. For now.

I’m running out of ways to say how much this sucks. Rucka’s run on Wonder Woman was, in my opinion, second only to George Perez’s 1980s reboot — and a close one. Along with artist J.H. Williams III, he created a killer origin story for Batwoman via Detective Comics, which was easily one of the best stories I read last year. I was looking forward to their rumored reunion on a standalone Batwoman comic, and I was frankly crushed to learn that he wouldn’t be stepping in for Gail Simone once she departs Wonder Woman.

I know Rucka has his critics, and I’ve heard all the lame jokes about how he specializes in troubled lesbians. (No one ever jokes about Geoff Johns specializing in idealized white guys, but I digress.) To many a fangirl, he is one of a handful of writers who not only gets strong, female characters, but seems to genuinely like them. In a candid interview with Comics Alliance, Rucka shed some light an an issue that V. and I have talked about many times — people who either dislike Wonder Woman outright or don’t know what the hell to do with her: “A lot of the guys who have written her don’t like her; they just want to f–k her. … And people want to simplify her, so they go, ‘She’s Superman with tits.’ No, she’s not.”

As RuPaul would say, “Can I get an amen?”

I’ll leave it to others to speculate about the reasons behind Rucka’s departure, though he certainly has a lot of other cool projects on his plate. I’m willing to believe that the man simply has other stories he wants to tell, and that he’s looking for new challenges as a writer. But … but … but. While talking about the Batwoman stories he and Williams had hoped to do, Rucka said something that stopped me in my tracks: ” ‘Elegy’ was supposed to be four issues; there were supposed to be three issues that were ‘Go,’ and then there was a five-part story that Jim and I had, but because of a variety of things in-house at DC, we were moved out of Detective [Comics] and we couldn’t tell the story there.”

Seriously? He and Williams were moved off of Detective Comics, despite making it one of DC’s most buzzworthy books of 2009? What the hell?!

Anyone who reads comics for any length of time is going to be disappointed by something — a character dies, a beloved writer or artist moves on, an awesome book is cancelled. That’s life. But something about this announcement, on top of recent DC bombshells about Wonder Woman and Power Girl, put me in a seriously foul mood. Aside from Gail’s return to Birds of Prey, I can’t think of a single upcoming DC event that I’m genuinely excited about — and that makes me wonder whether it’s time to back away from the caped entertainment and start exploring more independent comics.

I’m tempted to say that I might be expecting too much, but my standard for comics is no higher than it is for any other form of entertainment. And thanks to dream teams like Rucka and Williams, among others, I know what comic books are truly capable of.

HOT!

Renee Montoya (The Question) and Kate Kane (Batwoman): As a couple, Kate and Renee shared a relationship that was tender and passionate. But even before they became superheroes — Renee was a cop and Kate was a soldier — these two could kick some serious ass. The relationship proved too turbulent to last, though issues of 52 and Detective Comics indicated that these two still love each other. Maybe their troubled past or their vigilante alter egos are keeping them apart, but the sparks are definitely still there.

Sasha Bordeaux and Michael Holt (Mr. Terrific): For starters, these two are equals in the hotness department, especially in Lee Bermejo’s cover art. The secrecy of their relationship in Checkmate made it kinda naughty, and it was obvious that they had a deep connection. But once they were found out, duty trumped desire. Their romance, woven into the overall awesomeness of Checkmate, was a Grade-A love affair. Michael watching Sasha “die” in Final Crisis was devastating.

Black Adam and Isis: Isis made Adam a better being, and her love redeemed him. She softened his edges, making him a viable and sympathetic anti-hero as opposed to a one-dimensional, all-powerful villain. Her death, and his subsequent suffering, was incredibly moving.

HATE!

Dick Grayson (Nightwing) and Koriand’r (Starfire): We get it. Starfire is essentially a stripper with superpowers, and we’re certainly not mad at her for rocking Nightwing’s world. But alas, she’s no Barbara Gordon, and their relationship always struck us as, well, lame. It appears that Dick thought so, too, given his final answer to Kori’s do-you-love-me query: “No.”

Dinah Lance (Black Canary) and Oliver Queen (Green Arrow): Let’s face it; Green Arrow is a well-known douchebag, and their marriage completely undermined Gail Simone’s development of Dinah in Birds of Prey. (And how come every time this super-couple gets called to action, the comic cuts to a scene of them getting out of bed and/or Dinah in some truck-stop lingerie?) The nail in the coffin was Ollie’s utterly fucked-up decision to send away Dinah’s adopted daughter, Sin — and letting her think the child was dead before explaining. Dinah can do so much better, and she doesn’t need Ollie (or any guy) to be awesome.

Diana (Wonder Woman) and Tom Tressor (Nemesis): Chocotaco said it all in his earlier guest column. Diana is way, way, way out of Tom’s league, and she’s destined to be with Bruce Wayne anyway. Go, BatWondy, Go!

Tomorrow: Five moments in comics that made us swoon.H34QFP8ZRFQN

She's a ride-or-die chick.

As far as my comic-shop file is concerned, 2009 was a good year overall — and it really didn’t have that much to do with lantern rings and cape-baiting zombies. DC’s “Blackest Night” and many of the tie-ins have been perfectly enjoyable, but the books that stuck with me this year were more about individual characters than cataclysmic events. From the brilliant-while-it-lasted pairing of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely on “Batman and Robin,” to the nifty surprises of “Wednesday Comics” and “Superman: Secret Origin,” to the thank-God-it’s-still-good re-launch of Brian Michael Bendis’ “Ultimate Comics Spider-Man,” my pull list generally gave me a lot to look forward to on Wednesdays.

But no title rocked my world in 2009 quite like “Detective Comics” as conceived by writer Greg Rucka and artist J.H. Williams III. I expected Rucka’s writing to shine, but Williams’ visual storytelling has been extraordinary. In each of the seven issues (#854-860) this team has produced so far, Williams has executed pages that are unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a mainstream comic book. Brought to life by Dave Stewart’s expert coloring, Batwoman is frankly terrifying the first time she appears in issue #854, all pale skin, flame-red wig and shiny black bodysuit. Even her crimson lipstick is intimidating. (Dear M.A.C.: Consider making Batwoman the face of your next Viva Glam campaign.) If you’re up to no good, you do not want to meet this woman in an alley, period. That’s how it should be when someone wears the bat symbol.

Fortunately, the artwork serves a mighty good origin story. [Spoilers ahead] What motivates a privileged person, one who isn’t named Bruce Wayne, to put on a costume and stalk criminals at night? After the brutal loss of her mother and identical twin sister, Kate Kane follows in her military father’s footsteps rises through the U.S. Army ranks. But when she’s outed as a lesbian and refuses to lie about being gay, Kate is forced out of the service and becomes a woman adrift — at least, until a chance encounter with Batman inspires her to start taking a bite out of crime herself. Their wordless first meeting is one of my favorite visuals in this series, and though Kate is clearly in awe of Gotham’s dark knight, she didn’t need his help to whip her would-be attacker’s ass.

In Rucka’s hands, Kate has emerged as a truly interesting, complicated figure. I particularly like her kindred-spirit relationship with her dad, who uses his high-level military connections to support her crime-fighting. There’s tension between Kate and her wealthy stepmother, and it’s clear that she’s not entirely over Renee Montoya, aka The Question. A recent discovery about her twin sister, Beth, is a doozie. And of course, there’s that lingering issue of having been stabbed through the heart by a Religion of Crime crackhead.

Word is that Rucka and Williams will reunite in 2010 to continue Batwoman’s adventures in her own title. I’m going to file that under “Please, Please Be True.” After all, Gotham City needs all the help it can get, and I’m pretty well hooked now.