Robot 6
Stiletto heels are so ... three years ago
- Posted on April 13, 2009 - 07:45 AM by Kevin Melrose
Batwoman character designs, by J.H. Williams III
One of the criticisms lobbed at the new Batwoman when she was introduced back in 2006 was that her costume played up the "lipstick lesbian" titillation angle. After all, who could effectively leap from rooftops and fight crime in those Alex Ross-designed stiletto heels?
Luckily for Kate Kane, and for us, artist J.H. Williams III has taken a more practical approach to Batwoman's costume.
In character designs posted Friday on the DC Comics blog, we're given a glimpse into Williams' thought process: Gone are the stilettos, replaced by boots -- with serious tread! -- "more realistic to purpose." She's given more heavily armored arm braces, with detachable points that transform into throwing weapons, and a protective mask.
I'm not sure at this point what I think about Batwoman's "retro-rockabilly" alter ego, but I'll concede that it's several steps up from the generic, slinky gown-wearing persona we were initially introduced to almost three years ago. This Kate Kane radiates personality with a look that's distinctive, at least in the DC Universe. Before, she could've been any background character from virtually any crowd scene.
Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams' take on Batwoman debuts in June in Detective Comics #854.
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6 Comments
Scott W
April 13, 2009 at 9:17 am
After foaming at the mouth after seeing your post on Marvel's Divas, this is nice and refreshing.
I love the rockabilly alter-ego. But that's just my own personal tastes. I can see how it's not for everyone.
The very functional and non-sexual costume is just great.
Now all I need is a good Batgirl comic that both I and my 8yr old daughter can enjoy.
Wesley
April 13, 2009 at 11:06 am
On one hand, I agree that the heels had to go. They're totally inappropriate for any woman in an active lifestyle, and is there any more active lifestyle than super-heroics?
On the other hand, I'm not so sure about the retro look. From the issues that I've read with Kate Kane in them, this look severely clashes with the 'celebutante' that we were introduced to. I honestly expected a look more like Lindsay Lohan than some indie rocker. The trouble is that I think lead characters have to be a bit generic in order for readers to identify with them. I'm afraid this look will just be dropped by the next artist.
Amit
April 13, 2009 at 12:55 pm
I totally can't wait for this.
Jack Norris
April 13, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I like the idea of giving her alter-ego some kind of identifiable taste in things like music/style/whatever.
This makes her more of a person, and not just someone who's going to love the music of the next fake comic-book rock star (characters that I somehow just know their music sucks, even though comics are a totally non-aural medium).
Plus, I've met more lesbians who fit into that subculture than are millionaire heiresses (even if they're keeping the money & background, this grounds her and makes her more relatable, at least to me).
RonnieThunderbolts
April 14, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I think that having a look and personality that isn't generic works fine for anyone other than the giant icons. Perfect example is Jack Knight, he has a style and a look, personal tastes and personality in every appearance he is in, portrayed consistently by the creators who've used him. Most of his appearances by far were by his creator, but who is to say Batwoman will be any different? I think individual style is a good thing for characters to have, and that isn't to say she should be stuck like that, if another artist or Williams have her change up her style, well that is something real people do from time to time.
Romanticide
April 16, 2009 at 2:12 pm
I'm completely in love with the new look, both of them. Finally they decided to get rid of those damn heels that were too silly for a un-powered superhero to use. The only times I even tolerate them is when they can fly or don't need to move at all.
And the rockabily, I love it too but it for what I seen seems to be a love it or hate it thing. Also Kate being completely a photocopie of Bruce Wayne was so boring to me.