Batwoman #2 Review - Noir Atmosphere to The Hilt

• Written by: Greg Rucka

• Art by: Dani

• Colors by: Matt Hollingsworth

• Letters by: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

• Cover art by: Dani, Matt Hollingsworth (cover A)

• Cover price: $3.99

• Release date: April 15, 2026

Batwoman #2 (DC Comics, 4/15/26): Writer Greg Rucka and artist DaNi put Kate Kane back in her costume after she escapes her hospital room to seek vengeance against the people who harmed her. While the issue is packed with dramatic, intense moments and plenty of Bat-family action, new readers will likely be completely lost without a proper setup or history lesson on the players. Verdict: This is for Batwoman fans only who already have a handle on her previous runs.

First Impressions

It's fair to say the reviewer had a tough time with the first issue. This was due partly to Greg Rucka’s choice to jump right into Batwoman’s lore without context and partly due to DaNi’s stylized art. If you had similar trouble with the first issue, the second issue compounds those problems significantly. While it may be enjoyable for those with a solid handle on the history from Rucka’s previous runs, it's a difficult jumping-on point for those coming into the mythology cold.

Recap

In Batwoman #1, we catch up with Kate Kane as she is forcibly enrolled in a mental hospital. Through snippets of flashbacks and memories, we see her prior conflicts with Alice, who turns out to be her biological sister. Eventually, Kate comes to her senses (maybe) and escapes the hospital with a new mission: seek revenge against the cult responsible for her woes.

Plot Synopsis

The issue begins with Jake, the gatekeeper of Batwoman’s lair, talking on the phone with Cat, a friend who lives in Gotham City. While on the phone, Jake sees the Batwoman symbol and realizes she has escaped the hospital and taken up her old persona. His suspicions are confirmed once he finds a costume missing from the lair. He decides to use her suit’s built-in tracking device to find and aid her via motorcycle.


Meanwhile, Batwoman shines her symbol at the headquarters of the cult led by Despina and Mr. Gores to draw them out. They take the bait, leading to an explosive fight on the rooftop that moves to the streets below. By the end of the issue, several people are killed, Jake is wounded, and Batwoman walks away, though her mental state remains unclear.

Writing

Greg Rucka likely knows Batwoman better than anyone currently at DC or elsewhere. However, the choice to restart the series buried so deep in the lore is becoming an obstacle. Without understanding the players, the gravity of the scenario, or Batwoman's motivations, the story structure becomes exceedingly muddled. While this wouldn't be an issue in the middle of an ongoing run, it makes for an increasingly difficult starting point for new readers.

Art

DaNi’s squiggly, heavily-inked style bears echoes of Frank Miller’s early works. It succeeds in providing a noir-like atmosphere and a heavy Gothic tone, which is a stark contrast to the sharp, clean, and glossy presentation common in Batman titles today. That said, the line work is sometimes so rough that it hinders visual clarity.

Character Work

Batwoman is the central protagonist, yet the reader does not hear her thoughts or words beyond a few grunts. While the issue nails her as the focal character, her motivations are severely lacking because there is so little setup regarding what she's after or why.

Originality and Concept

This version of Batwoman is a pleasant change of pace from typical Bat-family stories. The comic feels unique enough to stand apart from other titles in DC's Bat-lineup. Conversely, the concept remains a bit of a mystery because the story feels like it was picked up in the middle, leaving the overall picture incomplete.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The Gothic look and feel stand apart from typical Bat-family titles.
• The issue elevates Batwoman as a character who "takes no prisoners".
• Rucka takes Kate Kane's dilemma and the cult conflict seriously, adding dramatic weight.

Cons

• DaNi’s hyper-stylized art frequently trades clarity for "vibes".
• If you don't know the backstory, you will be lost.
• The cliffhanger ending seems important but is unclear as to why.

About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

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The Scorecard

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 2/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 2/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1/2

Final Thoughts

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Batwoman #2 provides plenty of atmosphere, intensity, and dramatic impact. However, impact comes at the expense of a clear story and, in some cases, clear art. If you liked Greg Rucka’s previous work on the character, you will find more of the same here, but those unfamiliar with that work will likely tune out.

5/10

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