Comic Book Exchange: Marvel vs. DC

On Geek Girls Bloggers we decided to make a comic book exchange. And from it came the idea of Marvel vs. DC! Bloggers in the US would exchange comic books, and those in the UK would do so as well. And so, my partner in crime was Scruffy Little Nerd Herder. As you already know, we met last Saturday for a geek day of mayhem, and we took the chance for exchanging comics. Emma is a fan and an expert on DC, and I am on Marvel. I’ve recently started to read Batgirl, and I must say that I’m enjoying it. However, as you might know, I’m not a fan of DC, and even if I tried to read its titles, I ended up frustrated and stopping reading them. Emma has a similar experience with Marvel. She has read little to nothing and had no idea. With our backgrounds, it was only logical to decide to give to each other a title that we think we will enjoy reading, and in doing so, enjoying Marvel & DC.

I gave Emma Ms. Marvel: No Normal Volume 1, and she gave me Batwoman: Hydrology Volume 1!

I think Emma spot the main attributes I like in a character: someone independent, resourceful and who shatters stereotypes. So far, Batwoman seems to meet my expectations of what a good character is. She is also diverse, in the sense that she is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. What I like about it is that it appears in the story in a natural way, not forced in it.

From the artwork we know that all the focus in on Batwoman. She has white skin, red lips, red hair, and dresses in black and red. Even when she is dressed in casual clothing, the author has decided to keep her pale skin and her red hair and red lips. There is no choice but to notice her and to follow her whatever she does. No wonder Batman keeps track on her from page one! He is testing her from the distance, but it’s more like it is us who are doing so. Following Batman’s explanation, we find Batwoman’s origins. Pretty dark, like Batman’s and Gotham.

And the story is dark. Ghosts? Check! Kidnapped people? Check! Frightening origin story? Check. Daddy issues? Check! Creepy character development? Check! Good writing? Check! Alluring artwork? Check!

I won’t lie to you: it’s dark! If you like horror, this Batwoman might make it for you. So far, volume 1 promisses a lot. I want to know what comes next, but I must also confess that the artwork isn’t working for me. I know that it’s supposed to be dark and gloomy, but somehow it makes me want to look away instead of look deeper! [But I do like the idea of drawing her in different colors so that you can’t take your eyes from her!]

So, how was this comic book exchange? GOOD! I think Emma took her time and found a character I want to explore, even if she creeps the hell out of me! I’ll see what happens next 😉 Don’t worry! I’ll keep you posted!