Learn the past of the mysterious lone wolf Batwoman, who took upon the symbol of the bat without invitation.
Another member of the extended Bat Family, Batwoman is still in a league of her own. Whereas Batgirl and Oracle work directly for Batman, Batwoman is different in that she was inspired to begin her crime fighting career by Batman, but did not seek him out. Raised dreaming about serving her country as a soldier, but denied the right to do so based on her sexual orientation, Kate Kane finally found her place by donning a different sort of uniform, and becoming Batwoman.
First of all, I have to say, THANK GOD for this character! Though she is obviously designed to create an image of diversity in the DC universe (she's Jewish too!), her characterization does not suffer for it. She is written as a well-rounded and whole person, more defined by her upbringing than her homosexuality. It sort of rankles me that it took a lesbian to point out some of the inanities of female superhero cliches (she's aghast when her father has picked out high heeled boots for her to fight in) but at least someone is making the point! Speaking of which, one of the other very unique and interesting things about Batwoman is that, yes, she works with her father. He serves the same function to her as Alfred and Lucius Fox do to Batman; he maintains a "cave", designed her costume, and keeps her stocked in the highest tech and non-lethal weaponry. In her off time she's a spunky, funky, gothed out tom boy who begrudgingly tries to get along with her high society step-mother.
The story has her pitted against Alice, the new queen of the "religion of crime" in Gotham, a cult who previously attempted to sacrifice Batwoman as an offering by stabbing her through the heart. This attempt was based off of a prophecy identifying her as the "twice-named daughter of Cain". So you know, her last name is Kane and she goes by both Kate and Batwoman. When she finds out that the group will soon have a new leader, Kate decides to nip the problem in the bud by eliminating Alice before she can be eliminated herself. But meeting Alice spurs a flood of memories from Kate's childhood, and the mother and twin sister that she lost. These memories take the reader back, and lay out the history that set Kate on the path of becoming Batwoman.
History laid bare, the reader follows as Kate is thrown out of West Point, and struggles through her next few years as a civilian. Without duty, Kate loses purpose, and stops trying. Living off of her father's money, she simply drops out. The memories briefly cover the rise and fall of her relationship with Renee Montoya, former GCDP detective and current superhero The Question. Hurt after Renee leaves her, inspiration comes when a mugger attacks. She fends off his attacks easily, but is given a helping hand off of the street by Batman, who has been watching from the shadows. As she watches his silhouetted figure rise into the sky, she suddenly knows how she can reclaim her purpose.
I feel like this book is very important. Though it is unfortunate that all female superheroes do not possess the confidence and know-how of Batwoman, it makes her a breath of fresh air. She is the first female superhero I've ever read that has absolutely no restrictions thrust upon her based on her gender. The thing that is unfortunate about is that I feel she is portrayed this way because she is a lesbian and therefore, by many perceptions, more masculine. And therefore, more capable, it would seem. The reader will have to draw their own conclusions on that point. Either which way, she is a much better role model that anyone who fights in a string bikini.
The art, by J.H. Williams III, compliments the book perfectly, with huge double page layouts of gorgeous fight scenes, moody art deco/noir characters, and art nouveau frames and decoration. For an art fan, this alone makes the book worth picking up.
Above all, the focus on family, integrity, and honesty really shine in this book. Heroes are often forced to hide their identities from their families, but by becoming Batwoman, Kate and her father are given an opportunity to bond in a way that they had lost since she was kicked out of the military. The support system that he provides is one that many heroes could benefit from. And, as a high ranking colonel, he isn't someone likely to allow a villain to target him as a victim. He can hold his own. Batwoman is also very fresh in how she operates and approaches fighting crime. There is a really difference between coming from a military background as opposed to someone who picks it up without previous combat or strategy training. She doesn't look to Batman for approval or answers, and rarely has to. In one brief scene he meets with her to share information, and can find no fault in her investigation or tactics. He seems taken aback, out of place from his usual mentor/pupil rapport with the other younger members of the Bat Family, and leaves after weakly suggesting that she "cut her hair" so it isn't pulled during a fight. What he doesn't know is that the long locks she sports with her costume is a detachable wig.
And that's why Batwoman is awesome.
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