Batwoman 7 out now!
Wednesday March 14th 2012, 11:41 amToday sees the release of Batwoman issue 7. Our second installment of an unorthodox espionage plot. This second arc is a tricky one. We felt that there a lot of different things happening over different amounts of time. And that each element’s time progression and length for the event being focused on starts in different places but all end up around the same moment roughly. As example, the reveal of Maro’s schemes shows that he has been at this well before the events in issue 1. We’ve read plenty of espionage plots for comics before, that are released as periodicals, this type of plot can move very dryly when read in installments over several months. Mainly because the juiciest action climax stuff will be in the last chapter. So we thought it might be interesting to remix this by using different pieces, moving through time at different rates of speed all bookended each month by part of the climax. Yes, each story segment takes place at different times, but each also moves forward in linear fashion leading up to the climax point in time, and allowing for specific reveals to happen in a different way, helping to make the smaller and bigger moments sort of interact narratively. We knew going in, this would be a risky idea, but Batwoman has been about risk from the beginning, even in Elegy there was manipulation of time and story, taking chances is what stories about this character have always been doing.
This second chapter of arc 2 is visually brought to us from the talented Amy Reeder. Its unfortunate that she is moving on after only three issues, but bittersweetly we have this week’s issue 7, and later issue 8 from from her to go. Below is her cover to #7…
9 Comments so far
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Hey there Pam
Thanks very much. I hope you find the story worth your time when we reach the end of arc 2.
I admit that the format was off-putting at first, in issue 6, only because there was a lot going on – it was just difficult to keep track, initially – but actually, issue 7 reveals that the overall arc is really coming together. Love it!
Comment by Jeremy 03.15.12 @ 8:39 amHey there Jeremy
Yeah, we knew this structure was going to be challenging. When we initially had thought of doing it, we were hesitant, but ultimately decided its better to take a risk than not. We needed to find a new way to tell and espionage “Classic James Bondian” type of plot within the context of a DCU world, because those types of plots are pretty common. Thats why I did my best to get the word out that it really requires patience from the reader. I’m glad you’re starting to see how it all works.
Like Jeremy mentioned above, I was a little confused by issue 6, and since we only got such short glimpses into each character’s story lines, it felt a bit disjointed. Now in issue 7, I’m seeing how it all comes together. I feel that once this is collected in trade, it will be easier to follow overall.
I have to applaud you and all of the Batwoman team for taking risks in all aspects of this comic! It’s a pleasure to read every month, and something in each issue always surprises me.
Comment by Jamie 03.15.12 @ 7:39 pmHello Jamie
Thank you. Yeah, we’ve been nervous over this phase of the storyline ever since we started writing arc 2 early last year. We knew how risky it was and that we’d probably get some push back on it. But we figured out when taking on Batwoman in the first place that we never wanted to play it safe. Very much wanting to challenge ourselves and the readership too, in ways that may not be expected. And purposely set out to give each arc its own unique thing while still being an extension of what came before. Also, each arc is part of a bigger picture as well. That everything we’re showing you, going all the way back to arc 1 and Elegy is connected. Hence showing Maro being active before the opening scene for arc 1, but saving that detail for arc 2, that he is the one responsible for The Weeping Woman’s creation, along with a lot of other things he is up to. Ultimately we’ll see that Batwoman is facing something much bigger than just a threat to Gotham.
The “challenging” thing is definitely coming across, in a good way. I’m only reading a few monthlies right now, but Batwoman is by far the most intelligent of them. Thanks for your reply, it’s made me even more intrigued to see how it all fits together!
Comment by Jamie 03.16.12 @ 10:19 amOh, no, please, please never play it safe! You all are right on the money with this title!!
Comment by Pam 03.24.12 @ 10:06 amLeave a Comment
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You know, there’s nothing wrong with tricky or complicated storytelling. I like a comic that doesn’t “talk down” to me. A good story, interestingly told, is still a good story. Can’t wait to read my issue!
Comment by Pam 03.14.12 @ 12:22 pm