New Batwoman Designs By JH WILLIAM III !

[Karl O'Neill]

Magnificient.

Sold!

http://dcublog.dccomics.com/2009/04/10/jh-williams-designs-for-batwoman/

cover for #854

http://dcublog.dccomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/tec-cv855.jpg

[the goddamn batman]

Yeah... kind of incredibly good.

[Cayman]

It improves on Ross's design quite a bit.

[carabas]

It's usually not that hard to improve on a Ross design. He's okay with painting classic stuff, not so much coming up with new things. Like the Shiny New Captain America uniform... Ugh.

[Don't pee in the (Dead)pool]

It looks similar to Terry McGinnis' costume in Batman Beyond, but it does look good...:biggrin:

[Henker]

I don't even like Batwoman all that much, but I'm definitely picking up this series for the art.

[Retro315]

It looks similar to Terry McGinnis' costume in Batman Beyond, but it does look good...:biggrin:

I remember way back when her design was very first shown in that one sketch, that there was in fact a bit of Batman Beyond influence. I can't remember how much of it was coincidental or not, but I remember Ross or Rucka commented on it at one point, and that the symbol on her chest and red underside to the cape was quite obviously paying respects to Terry McGinnis (and obviously, taking some influence from the original Silver Age Batwoman's design with the flared mask instead of a full cowl)

They got rid of the high heels. Thank god. Only Wonder Woman has the uncanny skill to fight wearing high heels, and even she doesn't wear them anymore. (Had to laugh in the Wonder Woman animated flick when she got smashed by Deimos into a shoe store and stabbed him in the eye with the heel on a stiletto).

Between the constantly impressive art for this, and the preview of the inked Question pages I'm dying for June to get here.

[BurningStarIV]

From the moment Batwoman appeared on the scene, I loved her. I'm really glad to see that she's getting a series (albeit Detective Comics), and her costume looks awesome!

[STC]

Looks pretty much the same.

[AJM]

I don't know the first thing about Batwoman but i can't wait for this, it looks absolutely incredible. This and Batman & Robin will be huge.

[satchmo the dragon]

It's usually not that hard to improve on a Ross design. He's okay with painting classic stuff, not so much coming up with new things. Like the Shiny New Captain America uniform... Ugh.
U m,mmm that costume is badass.

[Karl O'Neill]

I don't know the first thing about Batwoman but i can't wait for this, it looks absolutely incredible. This and Batman & Robin will be huge.

My top picks as well, also, paul dini's streets of gotham looks promising.

[carabas]

U m,mmm that costume is badass.It looks badass becuse Epting and co. don't draw it the way it was designed: all campy chromy and shiny.

[Crowforge]

*Gruumbles* I liked how sleek the ross design was.

[cpahl2000]

This series will be great, Williams III´s art is fantastic and the character has full of possibilities.

[West Mantooth]

Who's the blonde girl that keeps showing up in all the art? Is she new or old?

And the costume/art does look amazing.

[BurningStarIV]

Who's the blonde girl that keeps showing up in all the art? Is she new or old?
What blonde girl? I haven't seen any full color art for the series other than covers. I'd love to see some pages if they're available.

[DonC]

Looks pretty much the same.



Yeah, it looks the same to me too. Unless the gauntlets are different.

[Crowforge]

They are and the boots too.

[RonnieThunderbolts]

There are several small changes to the overall Barwoman design. The boots are cut differently, are more detailed and realistic looking and no longer have high heels. The gauntlets, belt and mask are all different. The cape attaches differently, is longer and is only cut into five scalloped points. Also, the neck is completely covered.

All in all, there are mostly smaller design differences, but all-in-all, it makes the costume resemble Barbara Gordon's Batgirl duds less. At this point it reminds me as much or more of the costume for Terry McGinnis as it does Barbara's.

[Retro315]

The blond girl looks like some new rogue, in other art I believe Batwoman is kicking her ass.

I don't think anything is known about her, but she reminds me of Baby Doll from TAS, just possibly more realistic for the comic-verse. But odds are she's a totally new character.

[Maestro]

I am curious to know why Batwoman is colored vampire white

[Crowforge]

She don't get much sun, mmmm.

[carabas]

I am curious to know why Batwoman is colored vampire whiteShe's one-upping Batman's creature of the night look? She certainly looks like something that'd make a cowardly and superstiteous lot pee their pants.

[the goddamn batman]

I am curious to know why Batwoman is colored vampire white

Because she's a redhead.

[Retro315]

Because she's a redhead.

That does tend to happen to us when we work night shifts.

[carabas]

Williams' arttwork can get woldly imptessionistic. I don't even think we're supposed to take her pale colour literally. Like Batman's cape (and in case of Kelly Jones, ears) that takes on impossible yet very dramatic proportions.

[Crowforge]

Random thought: red hair should be a female only trait.

[NickFury90]

Oh JH William III, if only you could draw the other 98% of comics, I would never complain about artwork again.

[the goddamn batman]

Williams' arttwork can get woldly imptessionistic. I don't even think we're supposed to take her pale colour literally. Like Batman's cape (and in case of Kelly Jones, ears) that takes on impossible yet very dramatic proportions.

Won't be able to say until she's seen in a full color scene with other people. I does say on the character sheet that her skin is literally vampire white.

[paulski]

You know, of all the books I'm looking forward to in the next couple months... I'm thinking this is the one I'm most anticipating. It just looks amazing.

[earl]

The blond girl looks like some new rogue, in other art I believe Batwoman is kicking her ass.

I don't think anything is known about her, but she reminds me of Baby Doll from TAS, just possibly more realistic for the comic-verse. But odds are she's a totally new character.

It kind of looks like that creepy little girl villain in Batman #666.

[Retro315]

It kind of looks like that creepy little girl villain in Batman #666.

I thought that too, but going back and looking at her I couldn't say with a definite or anything. It's possible it's just a new artist take on that character.

[carabas]

Won't be able to say until she's seen in a full color scene with other people. I does say on the character sheet that her skin is literally vampire white.There is a character sheet?

[Crowforge]

There is a character sheet?
http://dcublog.dccomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/batwoman-reference-sheet2.jpg

[Will44]

As much as she needed a redesign, the "emo/goth/punk" look just isn't right in my opinion.

I really wonder how they'll explain the move from socialite to punk rocker though.

[carabas]

Socialites can be into weird music scenes as well.

[Henker]

As much as she needed a redesign, the "emo/goth/punk" look just isn't right in my opinion.

I really wonder how they'll explain the move from socialite to punk rocker though.
I don't mind it. It's different from everyone else in the Batfamily, and its definitely a step up from "lesbian" as her sole defining characteristic.

Plus, I admittedly have a thing for punk/goth women.

[Crowforge]

This isn't punk or gothic.

[carabas]

It says she's into punk and goth MUSIC. Not that she's a gothic punker fashionwise.

[Crowforge]

Ok, well that just feels tacked on. I mean, where's all her emotional scars?

[West Mantooth]

1. I wonder how many other artist are going to stick to the vampire white look outstide her book?

2. It seems wrong to try and blatantly tie a character to a certain era look or movement. Like Storms 80s punk rocker look. It's no longer even referenced in a funny way.

[Karl O'Neill]

This isn't punk or gothic.

Whatever it is it looks good.

[mattman]

Is that little blond girl Babydoll from the animated series?

[sherlocke]

JH is one of the most creative artists at panel designs!

[Elayis]

Will Rucka's run on Detective be new-reader friendly?

This would be my first arc of Detective, but since Williams and Rucka are on it, I really want to check it out.

Does anyone have any specifics?

[RonnieThunderbolts]

Will Rucka's run on Detective be new-reader friendly?

This would be my first arc of Detective, but since Williams and Rucka are on it, I really want to check it out.

Does anyone have any specifics?

It is about Kate Kane, AKA Batwoman. We will see her origin in these 12-14 issues on Detective, but I don't believe it is the first arc. From what I've seen in interviews and heard from Greg about it the title seems like it will be VERY new reader friendly to me.

[Henker]

For all intents and purposes, Batwoman is pretty much a blank slate. Rucka's run should be very new reader friendly.

[robbieglenn]

this looks really promising, im definitly checking this out as a new reader

[the goddamn batman]

Ok, well that just feels tacked on. I mean, where's all her emotional scars?

You know what, man? It's a character sheet. It's about DESIGN not who she is as a person. Read the book for that.

[Will44]

This isn't punk or gothic.

It says she's into punk and goth MUSIC. Not that she's a gothic punker fashionwise.

Really? that's odd that you would say that, cause it says quite clearly in the character sheet that it is both.

"She is really into alternative and edgy music. Retro-Rockabilly Look. A bit of Punk-Psychobilly-Goth and reflects this in her personal style."

So... it is punk and goth. Way to go champs.

[Crowforge]

I don't see it and I don't see why you guys need to convince me.

[Retro315]

More specifically, the art shows that JH is drawing Kate Kane with punk/psychobilly/goth influences. That just means she picks up on some darker trends, even in her ritzy, rich life. Some dark eyeliner. A trendy haircut and trendy glasses. Affinity for black.

I mean, without trying to devolve this thing into focusing on differences between true old-school punk, real goths, hipster goths, and all that ... you're not going to find Kate Kane, one of Gotham's leading ladies, rich, young, and important enough to write it again, RICH, shopping at Hot Topic or Zumiez or even making Salvation Army "I need cheap, black clothes" runs ...

But even Bruce Wayne could be said as having some goth sensibilities - or at least he's got Johnny Cash's wardrobe. He rarely wears anything too colorful, opting for sharp suits, or black jeans and a black turtleneck. Being that he's Bruce mother-effing Wayne, he would keep things "simple" but stylish, really never stressing about what he wears but at the same time having a natural talent for being able to throw on clothes that look decent even if he's only interested casually.

Because Kate's a woman and a socialite, she's damned to accessorize a little bit, and she does it with more rebellious stuff that probably subconsciously reflects her alter ego and "true personality". As opposed to Montoya, who keeps things as Spartan as can be (which isn't to say she's got no style, but it's more of a man's style - simple, efficient clothes, and no need for a lot of other nonsense - men's "accessorizing" being as simple as what jacket and hat they're wearing, and if they have one, what watch - even with today's exceptions, whether you're a punkish sort of fellow with studded bracelets and gauged earlobes, typically guys keep it simple).

Anyway, just on a demographic thought, I know a LOT of girls who fall into punk or goth categories who are absolutely crazy about Batman. They tend to have Harley Quinn tattoos. From a "relate-to-reader" point of view, giving Kate a few things to tie her to that audience doesn't hurt at all, in fact it'll probably endear her to the female Bat-fans quite well provided Rucka makes good on the crime fiction, and since it's Rucka and he's been working on this for 2 years now, he ought to.

[Karl O'Neill]

This could be the sleeper hit of the batbooks.

Look at the creative team.

award winning.

[Elayis]

Thanks for all the info. Definitely going to pick this up.

So it comes out in June?

[Captain Jim]

June, yes.

[Elayis]

Is the price jump to $3.99 permanent, or just for this issue? Because I know Marvel likes to hike up the price for double issues, new #1's, or for a new creative team, but just for that issue. :rolleyes:

So is it just for that issue? Or is it permanent? :confused:

[Henker]

Is the price jump to $3.99 permanent, or just for this issue? Because I know Marvel likes to hike up the price for double issues, new #1's, or for a new creative team, but just for that issue. :rolleyes:

So is it just for that issue? Or is it permanent? :confused:
It has a co-feature. The price jump is permanent, but only because we're getting additional pages out of every issue.

[Henker]

Anyway, just on a demographic thought, I know a LOT of girls who fall into punk or goth categories who are absolutely crazy about Batman. They tend to have Harley Quinn tattoos. From a "relate-to-reader" point of view, giving Kate a few things to tie her to that audience doesn't hurt at all, in fact it'll probably endear her to the female Bat-fans quite well provided Rucka makes good on the crime fiction, and since it's Rucka and he's been working on this for 2 years now, he ought to.
Hmm, I never thought about it from that perspective. Now I'm wondering if this persona is a deliberate attempt to draw in another audience.

[Samanthab]

Red and black... Seems overly used I suggest they use a mix of reddish brown and dark green. :evilsmile:

[Karl O'Neill]

Is the price jump to $3.99 permanent, or just for this issue? Because I know Marvel likes to hike up the price for double issues, new #1's, or for a new creative team, but just for that issue. :rolleyes:

So is it just for that issue? Or is it permanent? :confused:

The co feature is the question, and who doesn't love the question?

[marvelprince]

I agree with whoever said this could be the sleeper hit of the new bat titles. While I'm not too sure about the design for Ms. Kane (personally I love the long red hair, not the wig) it kinda does make sense plus is a very very small gripe. Everything thing else looks really amazing.

[Karl O'Neill]

I was the one who said it would be a sleeper hit.

I change my mind now. It will be a hit!

[Drcharles]

I like the Batwoman costume that did it for me, could never get into this BatGirl character............

[Elayis]

It has a co-feature. The price jump is permanent, but only because we're getting additional pages out of every issue.

But the ad says 32 pgs. Are there no ads?

[Henker]

But the ad says 32 pgs. Are there no ads?
The solicit I'm looking at says 40 pages:

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/090323-dc-june-2009-solicitations.html

[Babylon23]

With Rucka writing both Batwoman and the Question, and Williams and Hamner together in the one book, this should be absolutely amazing.

I've been interested in Kathy Kane since she first appeared in 52, but she's virtually a blank slate at the moment. Can't wait to see Rucka flesh her out a little.

Renee Montoya is one of the most interesting characters in comics IMO. I've loved Rucka's continuing work with her and can't wait to see what he does next.

[Elayis]

The solicit I'm looking at says 40 pages:

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/090323-dc-june-2009-solicitations.html

Oh, okay. I was reading the solicit off of the DC Comics website.

And compared to Marvel's, their site sucks. No real interviews or anything (although DC just set up their blog, I guess in hopes to rectify this), and they don't really update their solicits. The Final Crisis HC still lists just teh core mini, and not the Superman tie-ins, as well as not including the price jump. But man, do I love that cover! Definitely getting this, since I only got the first 2 issues of FC. :biggrin:

[Karl O'Neill]

With Rucka writing both Batwoman and the Question, and Williams and Hamner together in the one book, this should be absolutely amazing.

I've been interested in Kathy Kane since she first appeared in 52, but she's virtually a blank slate at the moment. Can't wait to see Rucka flesh her out a little.

Renee Montoya is one of the most interesting characters in comics IMO. I've loved Rucka's continuing work with her and can't wait to see what he does next.

Agreed, I fell in love with Montoya in 52 and gotham central(yes I read this later in life). She is a tough little cookie.