Selina’s life has never been easy, but things keep getting harder and harder for her.
What They Say:
Catwoman stole from the wrong man, and now he’s got her. He wants his stuff back, he wants answers and he wants blood. Cats had better have nine lives, because Selina Kyle is about to lose one!
The Review:
While there’s a bit of a sensational aspect to it at times, the grim and gritty side of the Catwoman series continues to dominate and frankly that’s a good thing. While we’ve had a more happy go lucky Selina at times over the years, I’m definitely enjoying this series because it feels like what Selina’s life would be like. She has a certain attitude about her that has allowed her to work the city like she has, but there’s times when things just come back to kick her down and hard. The sexual component is definitely a part of that, but considering who she is and how she feels about life, it’s a part of it as well and I’ve been glad to see it included. Particularly with Batman as I’ve always found them a very interesting pairing that’s been toyed with in many ways over the years, so seeing a more hot and heavy version doesn’t exactly offend me.
The hard knocks this time around has some collateral damage as her friend and fence Lola got taken out by Bone after Selina lifted some very precious items from him. It’s done a real job on her state of mind, turning her pretty blank as she just stares at her, though she is taking in what Bone says. His reasoning as to why the things are so precious do make sense with the history he espouses, and it’s something that Selina definitely stores in the back of her head for when she can go against him. What helps to reinforce the intensity of her feelings is a brief flashback to her time before taking on the Catwoman persona when the two were just getting into their business relationship. While we didn’t get to know Lola well overall, the pages here do a very good job of showing the importance that Selina held Lola in. The quiet moments without even much in the way of an internal monologue helps to highlight it.
Selina’s attempt at closure when it comes to Bone is done in short order, which is actually appreciated as it would be annoying if it went over a couple of issues. Her intensity is good as is the banter she uses to cope with it, especially when it comes to the bat she hauls out. Having Batman appear again is a little problematic though as it almost makes the book feel like a team-up book of sorts. He has a good role in it and I really do enjoy the tension that comes between them. The gala event in the previous issue gave it one feeling, showing Bruce himself, while this time he has his work face on and that’s a very different sexual tension. And the almost daddy-like way that Batman presents himself with her here about the choices she’s making is even more fun when you get down to it.
Release Notes:
This comiXology edition of Catwoman comes with the main cover as released with the print edition and no other extras.
In Summary:
While this series gets some grief from some readers, it’s a book that I’m continuing to enjoy and look forward to with each release, making it a same-day digital purchase. This issue lets things slow down a little bit and fills in the past a touch more when it comes to Lola before it lets Selina just take care of business. The book has a great look to it as the art really works perfectly, though I’m looking forward to some new locations for her to visit, and the storyline itself is simple, straightforward and lets us get a feel for Selina quickly and easily before it shifts to wherever it’s going next. And as much as I like Batman appearing here again, I’m hoping we get a few issues without him so that she can establish herself more.
Grade: B+
Readers Rating: [ratings]
