Top of the Pile - 6/20/12

I’d like to keep writing reviews of comic books, but unfortunately don’t have the time to review all the books I get each week. I usually pick up about 8-12 issues each Wednesday and of course put the pile in order from the one I’m most interested in reading to the least. The one catch however is the limited series. Those I usually sit on and wait till all of the issues come in where I can read the entire story in one sitting.

This week’s top of the pile was Batwoman #10. This issue was written by J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman with art by Trevor McCarthy and color by Guy Major. Batwoman has been an interesting character in the New 52 DC Universe. She was one of the first super-heroes to be openly gay despite the press last month about gay marriage in the Marvel universe and the gay Green Lantern. Also, the artwork has always been a little avant-garde for mere “funny books”. With strange page layouts, and fantastically baroque double page spreads, if nothing else Batwoman has been pretty to look at.

With issue 10, we have a new artist for this new storyline. Trevor McCarthy keeps with the same unique designs. Though not quite as dreamlike as J.H. Williams III art, he maintains the visual continuity while adding what seems his own style to the characters. The story however is a little convoluted. Jumping from character to character from past to present, the narrative can be confusing. Thankfully they clearly let the reader know whose point of view were looking at and when by stating outright what we’re looking at. (ie. “Maggie’s Story – 18 Hours Ago.”)

With that said, I don’t think the next issue will be at the top of my pile. I was really curious about the new artist and the new story arc. Though this issue ends with a cliffhanger, I think Batwoman could wait an extra day or two for me to read some other comics next time.

Ladies in the Comics

I don't know why, but I've been picking up many comics with women as the main character. Usually its because of some creator I really like.

It started with Wonder Woman, which was drawn by Terry Dodson. He has long since left doing this book but I still keep getting it because of the great writing if Gail Simone.

Next was a book from the Vertigo line called Madam Xanadu. However, it wasn't the artist this time but the writer. Matt Wagner, who wrote Mage and Grendel is revitalizing this very minor character from the DC Universe. And the latest story arc has the art of Michael William Kaluta, who has been a favorite of mine since Startruck in 1985.

For the pure fun of it, I've been getting Power Girl. Primarily because of the artwork of Amanda Connor. With all the jokes about Power Girls physical attributes along with some good action and funny writing, this campy book is really entertaining.

For a darker comic, Detective Comics is now highlighting Batwoman. All the bat books are up in the air because Bruce Wayne is presumed dead and all the other characters are taking over. And with a new creative team, I'm finding that the artwork of J.H. Williams III is something really special.

And finally, this last week I grabbed issue 1 of Spider-Woman. This is created by the team of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev who did a great job on Daredevil a couple years ago. This moody and atmospheric book will be one I'll be picking up each month.

So I don't know if more books are being published that have female characters, or the creators I'm interested in are doing more books with women, but I am really enjoying these books and will continue to get them.