Initial Thoughts on Kate Kane:

Okay, as it's Sunday, I don't feel guilty any more about spoiling a comic that came out on Wednesday. Well, I do. But I'm a hypocrite. And too lazy for a post-cut. Sorry.

Anyway, we've now seen the first appearance of Kate Kane.

If you haven't seen it yet, scans_daily posted the scene here. Go look, I'll wait. :-)

Anyway, I have to admit, I'm intrigued. Part of it's because I really really like the Maltese Falcon.

But I'm liking Kate regardless. In a few pages, I'm getting a good idea of what kind of personality she is. From punching Montoya (who deserved it for that crack), already establishing that she's not the vacant barbie doll she looks like. And I particularly like her expression during that whole "I don't know. Possibly. Probably." panel. She might be speaking noncommittally, but her eyes and expression are very sharp. She's thinking.

And something about the line "Do I *look* like I spend time in the harbor district?" won me over. It's hard to explain, but it's a line with such a voice, that I immediately come away with an idea as to what Kate Kane is like.

I've read complaints about Kate being introduced first as Kate Kane rather than Batwoman, thus emphasizing her as the lesbian instead of the superhero, but I actually think this was the best way to go about it. With all the media buzz, Batwoman is already associated with lesbian. If they'd introduced her as Batwoman, it'd be a momentous scene that pulls the audience out of the story, it'd be more "See, THIS is the Batwoman you're all talking about!" She'd feel more exposed, random, like a tacked on token lesbian to the Gotham superheroes.

This way though, she's been nicely integrated into the story first instead of appearing out of nowhere. She's Kate Kane, Montoya's ex and Gotham heiress with some weird connection to the Question's target. She's already nicely integrated into the storyline. Now when she does appear as Batwoman it'll be a natural progression of the story. Renee's ex wants to investigate for herself, stirring up trouble on the way. If the media hadn't made such a huge deal, a lot of us probably wouldn't have realized she's supposed to be Batwoman and would have been surprised!

Now, well, if you're the one person who didn't know before I babbled, I'm sorry.

Anyway, it's a bit early to say for sure, but she seems like she'll be fun. I like what I see of her personality, I really like the tension and chemistry with Renee, and I can't wait to see her meet the Question. Or even better *Batman*.

And I really like that dress. That's one kickass dress. :-)