Batwoman #26 Review

Written by: Marc Andreyko
Art by: Jeremy Haun
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 31, 2013

 Is there something you can share with the rest of us, Amazing Larry?!

Batwoman and Batman finish their...no wait, what the heck happened?  Batwoman #26 does not wrap up the last arc from issue #24 (remember, issue #25 was a Zero Year issue).  It seems that that story will not end until Batwoman Annual #1 in April.  Oh well, the turmoil surrounding this book has been well documented so a little unresolved loose ends are the last thing we should worry about.  In fact, Marc Andreyko gives us a new arc that is reader friendly and pretty good to boot.

Like I said, this issue is a good jumping in point for new readers. The gang's all here and Andreyko gets everyone up to speed pretty quick.  Kate and Maggie are at a swank affair with an old friend so as they catch up, so does the reader.  There is even a pointed comment on Kate and Maggie's wedding controversy that made me smile.  Also, any book that mentions Pee Wee's Big Adventure gets bonus points from me.

Seeing Kate in her private life is always nice, but the book is called "Batwoman" and things heat up when she dons her costume along with Bette.  I really like the interaction between the two, but unfortunately it is short lived as the new villain starts kicking both their asses.  The villain is still a mystery, but he (or she?) can definitely hold their own.  The issue ends with a classic cliffhanger with everything falling apart for Kate.  I can't wait for next month.

In my book, Jeremy Haun has established himself as the Batwoman artist.  The book looks great as he weaves deftly between Kate's personal and crime fighting life.  Haun's art fits perfectly in the world Andreyko is writing and isn't that the best compliment you can give?

Bits and Pieces:

Batwoman #26 is a great jumping on point for new readers even if long time readers may get annoyed by the unresolved arc still dangling over Gotham.  After last month's Villains Month issue, Andreyko and Haun get to properly introduce themselves to Batwoman readers and it is a welcome hello.  Forget the crazy news surrounding the book over the past months and just start reading it.  Highly recommended.

8.5/10