To comic book enthusiasts,
Please don't hurt me. I have NO idea who Batwing is, but I guess that's the whole idea behind this reboot, right? To attract new readers... So, here's my review of Batwing #1.
When I first saw the comic on the shelf, I thought to myself, "So, is this a spin-off character from the Batman series? Is this a futuristic Batman in a different world? Kinda like the half Latino, half African-American Spiderman?"
I was sort of wrong... and sort of right...
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As I turned the front-cover, I was blown away by the art. Ben Oliver is amazing!
DC Comics proudly presents Batwing, in, The Cradle of Civilization. Here we go...
The first quarter of the comic was amazing. Judd Winick does a masterful job in quickly explaining the origins of Batwing. From what I can gather, Batwing is Batman's counter part in Africa. Batman seems to be assisting Batwing in creating an "image" for himself in Africa. Same modus operandi as Batman, i.e. fear.
Later we learn that David Zavimbe, an officer in the Tinasha Police Department is the man behind the mask. He has a high opinion about the state of Tinasha, but keeps a low profile behind a desk. humm.. Clark Kent-ish? As Batwing, he leaves clues to lead the Tinasha police force to the master minds behind the criminal activities that have plagued the city.
Everyone knows Batman's secret headquarters... The Batcave. For Batwing, it's The Haven. And Batman's butler? Alfred. For Batwing. Matu Ba. Okay so is this just Batman in Africa?
Whatever the case... The comic ends with a total cliff-hanger!
I have to say... I was really skeptical when I picked up this comic, but I am pleasantly surprised at how good it really turned out! I don't want to say that this series is a means to include minorities... Heck, I feel like there aren't enough Asian super heroes. I really encourage you to give Batwing a chance... Judd Winick is a great a writer and Ben Oliver is a talented artist! I'm a fan!
Writing: 9/10
Art: 10/10
Storytelling: 9/10. I couldn't tell if Massacre or Batwing beheaded the criminals.
Overall: 9.33
