***Contains Spoilers***
The 1989 Huntress miniseries consists of four issues and explores the dark world of Helena Bertinelli, a vigilante navigating Gotham’s notorious crime families. The narrative centers on her drive for revenge against the mob leaders who shattered her family. In contrast to the exaggerated superhero confrontations, this series remains realistic, crafting a crime noir story filled with betrayal, justice, and personal conflict.
What I appreciated most about this series was its tone and focus. This isn’t a cape-and-cowl spectacle with flashy supervillains—it’s a hard-boiled look at mob crime and the moral complexity of seeking justice outside the law. The writing captures the grim atmosphere of Helena’s world, and there’s a palpable sense of danger and loss throughout the story. If you’re in the mood for a tightly written crime drama, this series fits the bill.
However, the series also has its drawbacks. At this point in her publication history, Helena was still in the early stages of her character development. That makes it tough to fully connect with her and the supporting cast, who don’t get much time to shine across only four issues. The story feels more like a setup for future tales rather than a fully satisfying arc on its own. While I appreciated the grounded storytelling, it didn’t leave a lasting impression or compel me to revisit it.
In conclusion, the Huntress 1989 miniseries is a well-crafted story, but it’s not one I’d read again. Its focus on mob crime instead of traditional superhero fare is refreshing, and it sets a strong foundation for Helena’s future adventures. However, as a standalone tale, it lacks the depth and character connection to make it truly memorable. My rating? 2 stars.
Feature Image The Huntress #1 cover art by Joe Staton and Bruce D. Patterson
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