Batwoman. Daughter. Sister. Soldier. Hero. But since she was 10 years old, Kate Kane has lived in the shadow of a prophecy and the machinations of a religion devoted to the end of all things. How do you fight the devil when the devil is real? And how do you win? Batwoman #1 kicks off the next era for Kate Kane and Batwoman as it focuses on the past.

“Next Level” is here for DC Comics with new series debuting to guide the comic universe into its next phase. It’s an interesting mix of releases and Batwoman #1 provides an intriguing start that’s a new chapter that’s neck deep in its past relying heavily on the trauma of Kate’s past, focused on her sister and the cult she was a part of. If you really want to catch up with what’s going on you’ll want to pick up Batwoman: Elegy which recently got a DC Compact Comics edition (some nice planning by DC there). That series, also written by Greg Rucka, dove deep in Kate’s history focusing on her sister who “died” when they were children and returned as a villain and part of a doomsday cult. Batwoman #1 picks up from that, with Kate in therapy trying to process her life and that same cult in the background looking to fulfill its prophecy which involves Darkseid and the anti-life.

Batwoman #1 is an interesting story that explores trauma and PTSD though showing off a victim who seems to be pushing back on the fact she is traumatized. While previous volumes focused a lot on Kate’s personal relationships, this first issue doesn’t explore it, instead really narrowing it down to her and her sister. It’s tie-in with the greater Darkseid stuff in the DC Universe is interesting, bringing the character a bit more into the greater meta story and the fact Darkseid will be back for the next “Crisis” event. For those who followed the finale of DC K.O., you can see some of the threads teased her, putting Kate Kane and Batwoman as part of the center of whatever comes next.

Batwoman has had some amazing artists attached in the past and DaNi puts their mark on the series and character with a style that feels like it fits right in to what has come before. There’s a certain sadness that fits the story that Rucka has constructed with a bit of a throwback feel, fitting the pulp-like cult story the first issue teases. Matt Hollingsworth color helps set the mood with a muted choice that adds to the sadness Kate has experienced. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou handles the lettering and the team together paints a visual style that’s familiar but definitely their own.

Batwoman #1 is an interesting start that focuses on the past but also sets up the future, tying in the character and her mystery into the bigger picture of the DC Universe. It does feel like those who have read previous volumes might enjoy it a bit more but it does a good job of catching readers up with what they need to know. Overall, an intriguing start and direction for the character.

Story: Greg Rucka Art: DaNi
Color: Matt Hollingsworth Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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