There’s been a lot of grumbling about how Batwing being the “Batman of Africa” paints with a pretty broad brush. If you’re not pulling this title on the merits of those three words then you’re doing abilities to critique a disservice and you’re missing out on a very enjoyable 1st issue.

Winick delivered for me what is exciting about the premise of Batwing in a new DC universe. Simply put if Batwing is the Batman of Africa, who’s the Superman of Africa, who’s the Aquaman, etc. The potential for presenting heroes/villains reflective of the traditions, mythologies and cultures in the Africa continent is boundless and Winick hints at that in this issue. He’s got a whole continent of superheroes to play with here and he knows it.

Artwise Ben Oliver has a cinematic-almost noir style that fits right in with the story. His panels are striking and move the plot along well.

This book has tremendous amount of potential. What we have here is one of the few superhero titles without firm roots in the old DCU or a back story elsewhere (Milestone – Static, Wildstorm – Voodoo, Grifter). So far so good. At it’s best it may be the 2nd must-read Batbook in the line.