Speaking of 52, AfterEllen.com, a site that focuses on lesbians in entertainment, examines the first appearances of Kate Kane/Batwoman, and her relationship with Renee Montoya:

The reader is told that Renee doesn’t want Kate hurt, having already seen too many people she cares about die. Kate believes her former lover is merely being obstinate. After arguing, the scene ends with both women as angry as they were following their last meeting.

The sexual tension in this scene is clearly written. It’s implied that Kate is currently involved with a female doctor (seen sitting in Kate’s car) and Renee’s reference to the doctor is less then cordial. Even Charlie gets in on the fun, ribbing Renee about her feelings for the rich redhead.

Unlike some well-known fictional lesbian characters of the past, for example Xena and Gabrielle in Xena: Warrior Princess, this story isn’t being written as subtext. The emotions and feelings are on the page and readers aren’t forced to fill in the blanks.

The writer isn’t as positive about the change in art between Issues 7 and 11, noting that in their first appearance together, Montoya and Kane were drawn with “realistic measurements.” However, “their second encounter is drawn like they recently left the WWE.”

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