As I've already stated, the art was wonderful, but beyond that, this book delivers a level of sophistication absent in the majority of super hero books. It's finely crafted from the ground up and its creators are clearly building something far from “just okay.” Read Full Review

Batwoman #19 takes a lot of Bat-Concerns into account and addresses them head on. It is very interesting to see Batwoman digress on details about Batman after the series has been excluded (for the better) from all of the Batman crossover events thus far. This is Batwoman's story and it seems that the creative team wants to make sure we know the whys and hows. Even though this issue doesn't have J.H. Williams on art duties it is still a stunning piece of art, and a very interesting yet slow-burning story. Read Full Review

It's one of the tightest stories Williams and Blackman have served up but there is a glaring fault in Batwoman's characterization that's becoming increasingly hard to ignore. As the DEO continues to pressure her into doing their dirty work, Kate Kane finds herself sacrificing her own relationships while they push her around. The character Blackman and Williams have created doesn't seem like the type to let outside forces pull her strings so thoroughly and for so long. With the DEO putting more pressure on Kate to do things that test the limits of her loyalty, hopefully, Williams and Blackman will soon break Batwoman free from her metaphorical chains and deliver the character we know she can be. Read Full Review

And lastly, the art is just OK. Obviously no one is going to match up to Williams' artistic brilliance, but this fill in is mostly just doing an adequate job. It's clear, it's detailed, and the superhero scenes look good. Though I'm only just now noticing that Hawkfire's mask really only covers the top half of her face. She doesn't have any sort of cowl or anything covering the back of her head and neck. It's like her big, bulky orange mask is held on by string, like a Halloween mask. What's up with that? Read Full Review

In terms of story, much of this issue consists of character-driven one-on-ones. Williams and Blackman explore the various relationships in the world their building, all the while bringing the story along bit by bit toward Beth's reintroduction. Read Full Review

So, Batwoman #19 is a character driven piece that examines its main cast. It is a great read, but it lacks the usual visual presence the book is known for. Yes this is all set up for the next story arc and can easily be called a filler issue, but it is so well handled it doesn't matter. This well-written script from Williams and Blackman ensure that Batwoman continues to provide a compelling read each month. Read Full Review

Batwoman #19 is not a perfect book. Williams and Blackman still have some pacing and character issues to work out, but it is a fresh start and a good place for new or lapsed readers to jump on. Things will never be sunshine and rainbows for anyone wearing that bat symbol on their chest. Still, I'm glad to see a return to the elements that made me fall for this character all those years ago. Read Full Review

All of the pieces that piqued my interest back in "Batwoman" #1 -- Agent Chase, Director Bones, Bette Kane -- get some sufficient panel time in this issue. Not one of the subplots those characters anchor gets wrapped up, but this issue provide me with enough of a hit to keep me checking in on this book a little more frequently from this point. "Batwoman" #19 is a fine sample of everything that fills Kate Kane's corner of the DC Universe while teasing things to come. Read Full Review

This was a perfectly enjoyable issue. If you're a fan of the series, you'll probably enjoy this issue too, surprise surprise. If anything, it just felt like there was a little bit of wheel spinning. The wheels are almost at the ground, but not quite. I fully expect things to get real interesting from next issue and on. Read Full Review

“Batwoman” is a comic that has been enjoyable for people who want “Batwoman” to be “Batwoman,” and on some level that's fine. The book is definitely in cruise control right now, though, and it is beginning to feel stagnant. Comics don't necessarily have to be all lightning and explosions all of the time, but you should at least be able to get a feel for what direction a book is headed in. Either Williams is playing it all extremely close to the chest, or he's just winging it now that the first big story is done and they've passed the cancellation prospects; either option is plausible. Lets just hope that the next big story this book has up its sleeve picks up the pace a bit more and returns this book to a top tier position within the Bat-titles, as opposed to just another average one. Read Full Review