Batwoman has gotten weird since I last read it. Can't imagine things getting any better, but I do like Marc Andreyko's writing.
I think Kate definitely received one of the cooler steam-punk variants...
"It is wrong to assume that art needs the spectator in order to be. The film runs on without any eyes. The spectator cannot exist without it. It ensures his existence." -- James Douglas Morrison
Enjoying the character and book a great deal. This was my first exposure to her, and I have not been disappointed. She's a very complex person, and that leaves room for all kinds of interesting plots and conflicts. She's got a ton of family conflict; sister, cousin, father, mother, etc., her personal life, her struggles with the DEO, not to mention the tenuous connection to Batman.
I wonder what everyone thinks could be the fate of the character post-"Batwoman". Not to be a doomsayer, but if the book's sales aren't wonderful...I think she works well in a two person team-up, but I can't honestly see her part of the JLA or Outsiders, or...anybody, really, unless they craft a whole new book where she 'might' fit in. I'd hate to lose her, but I wouldn't want her watered down for the sake of a team book, either.
Maybe Birds of Prey?
Agree with all of that, plus, let's face it...90 percent of female comic characters look the same...impossible build, blond or brunette hair, standard Caucasian skin tone. Kate's different appearance is one of many things that set her off from the rest and I welcome it.
It is kind of hard to picture, but a ton of great things have been born from low expectations. In my opinion she could realistically fit in several places. As it stands half the book is already filled with side characters, and its usually the stuff that drags the product down. If they can keep superhero Kate and personal life Kate material intact, the stuff that makes the comic great to read, then just about anything else can fill up the rest of the pages.
I also gotta say... she has to be the most visual appealing superhero in comics. I always find myself pausing in awe at the images when reading.
Kate meeting Batman for the first time in Secret Origins #3
Secret Origins 3 page 18.jpg
and Kate donning the costume for the first time.
Secret Origins 3 page 21.jpg
"It is wrong to assume that art needs the spectator in order to be. The film runs on without any eyes. The spectator cannot exist without it. It ensures his existence." -- James Douglas Morrison
They are almost line-for-line repeats of the the original scenes. Glad I skipped the issue and that Secret Origins is being so upfront about what it is; the most basic versions of the origin told as straightforwardly as possible.
They do basically just look like some straightforward stories to establish who these characters are... Which, given some things are still up in the air thanks to the New52 (and Batwoman as a book has not been exempt from this, given what happened with Bette and the Titans references), it's not a bad idea. But for the people who have Elegy in trade, it's not really gonna be necessary, nor will it look as good as JHW3 channeling Mazzucchelli.