***Contains Spoilers***
Huntress: Year One serves as a modernized origin story for Helena Bertinelli, chronicling her journey from a member of Gotham’s most infamous mafia family to a driven vigilante. The six-issue series dives deep into her traumatic past, her thirst for vengeance against the mobsters who destroyed her family, and her struggle to find her place in Gotham’s larger superhero landscape. Along the way, key players like Batman, Robin, Batgirl, and Catwoman make appearances, adding layers to her development as Huntress.
What I appreciated most about Huntress: Year One was its depth and clarity in telling Helena’s story. Compared to the late-‘80s Huntress series (which I recently read), this feels like a more cohesive and emotionally resonant origin. The older comics often felt disjointed, and it was hard to tell what parts of her backstory were consistent or contradicted. Here, her motivations and transformation feel more focused and impactful, with the trauma of her family’s murder setting her firmly on her path of vengeance. The story balances her vulnerability with her fierceness, making her a relatable yet formidable character.
I also really liked how familiar Gotham figures like Batman, Robin, Batgirl, and Catwoman were interwoven into the narrative. Their inclusion didn’t feel forced and gave a sense of how Helena fits into the broader Bat-family mythos. Catwoman’s scenes stood out in particular; her presence and guidance added an intriguing dynamic and showed Helena learning from Gotham’s morally gray players. These cameos also help set the stage for her eventual connections in comics like Birds of Prey, while tying her story closer to Gotham than in her original ‘80s run.
That said, the story isn’t without its flaws. While the emotional beats of Helena’s origin are strong, the pacing felt uneven at times. Some parts of the series dragged, while others felt rushed, especially toward the climax. Additionally, though the mob-centric plot was necessary for her origin, it lacked the nuance or complexity I was hoping for. Many of the mobsters were stereotypical caricatures, which diminished the stakes in certain scenes. A bit more depth to her adversaries could have elevated the narrative.
Another drawback is that the story might not appeal to fans looking for Huntress’ solo adventures. While it’s a solid introduction to her character, it feels more like a stepping stone to other stories—skipping her solo series and moving straight into her interactions with Batman or Birds of Prey. If you’re looking for more standalone Huntress action, this might not fully satisfy you.
In conclusion, Huntress: Year One is a good starting point for anyone wanting to understand Helena Bertinelli’s origin. It’s a deeper and more polished take than her late-‘80s stories, and I appreciated how it connected her to Gotham’s larger world. However, the pacing issues and lack of depth in her antagonists kept it from being great. I give it 3 stars—it’s something I enjoyed and plan to revisit, but it’s not without its flaws.
Feature Image Huntress: Year One #1 cover art by Jason Wright and Matthew Clark
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