“The Time Of Your Life” – Conclusion
Writer: Marguerite Bennett
Artists: Fernando Blanco & John Rauch
They say that all good things come to an end. I say that the most recent 18 issue run of Batwoman has been a very, very good thing indeed. I’ve been a huge fan of this character since she mysteriously popped up in the classic 52 weekly series, back in 2006. I can’t believe that this run has been going for a year and a half, and am truly saddened at its cancellation. Like I said in my review for issue #17 though, however beloved this character may be, sales of her comics have never been what I, for one, or DC Comics believe they should – or deserved – to be.
This final issue has everything I’ve come to expect from a comic by Marguerite Bennett, and from the rest of this incredible creative team. The script contains a ton of action, terrific character moments, insightful dialogue, heart, passion and emotion. Bringing Renee Montoya back into Kate Kane’s life is something that I’m sure all Batwoman fans have wanted for years, this reviewer included.
Do they rekindle their relationship? Buy the comic to find out!
Gaining New Perspective
Man, I’m going to miss Fernando Blanco’s Batwoman. This is an artist who isn’t afraid to take risks and push boundaries. If the preview pages in this review aren’t enough to showcase this gentleman’s talent, then pick up a copy of the book and check out pages 18 and 19. The strange perspective used, coupled with the TV like panels are fresh, and innovative. In fact, all the double page spreads in this issue are gorgeous.
As always, the color art of John Rauch is excellent. There’s a page after the main fight scene where I can actually feel the sunlight on Renee and Kate’s faces. Rauch’s light enhances the smiles and facial expressions exquisitely drawn by Fernando Blanco. I hope that I see these two artists working together again soon, because they make an incredible team.
Deron Bennett also ends his tenure on this series with a bang. As I mentioned, Fernando Blanco’s layouts are incredibly innovative, and some of the pages do not flow in the conventional way. Deron’s letters are part of the art, fitting in a way that enhances it, and feels organic and natural. Sometimes with double page spreads the eye wants to go one way, but the art and lettering don’t work together. I’m sure everyone’s come across a comic where they’ve had to go back and re-read a page, because they’ve followed the words/art in the wrong order. Deron Bennett’s letters have been strategically and professionally positioned so that they work with the visuals, and not against them.
Conclusion
Like I said earlier, this final issue has everything I’ve come to expect from a comic by Marguerite Bennett, and from the rest of this incredible creative team. If you’ve never read a Batwoman comic before, I strongly suggest that you grab issues #17 and #18 of this run. In fact, you could do a lot worse than track down all 18 issues, or the trade paperback collections.
With Batwoman making her TV debut later this year, and possibly getting her very own series, I promise that you’re going to want to know all about Kate Kane. However the live action version works out, though, for me comics are the first, best home of all superheroes. Batwoman is going to be big news, get in the ground floor, people!
They say that all good things come to an end. I say that the most recent 18 issue run of Batwoman has been a very, very good thing indeed.
Images Courtesy Of DC Entertainment
