DC COMICS – @DCComics
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
STORY: Joelle Jones
ART: Joelle Jones
COLORS: Laura Allred
LETTERS: Josh Reed
EDITOR: Jamie S. Rich
COVER: Joelle Jones with Laura Allred
VARIANT COVER: Stanley “Artgerm” Lau
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (November 2016)
Rated “T” for “Teen”
Batman created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane
“Copycats” Part 1
I will start off with a spoiler. In case you, dear reader, did not know, Catwoman and Batman did not get married. After 25 issues of filler stories about the complexities and weirdness of their engagement, Catwoman realized that if she married Bruce Wayne, he would stop being Batman. And the world needs Batman.
Now, Catwoman has a new ongoing comic book series, and yes, dear reader, the first issue is worth your time and money.
Catwoman is a DC Comics villain/anti-heroine most commonly associated with the DC Comics superhero, Batman (in case you, dear reader, did not know). Catwoman was created by Batman's creators, writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane. Catwoman made her debut under the name, “the Cat” in Batman #1 (cover dated: June 1940). “The Cat” was really Selina Kyle, a Gotham City burglar, and she would go on to be Batman/Bruce Wayne's most enduring love interest.
The new Catwoman comic book is written and drawn by Joëlle Jones. The creative team is filled out be colorist, Laura Allred, and letterer, Josh Reed.
Catwoman #1 opens with Selina Kyle enjoying time at the gambling table, while Catwoman shoots two police officers to death! Suddenly a hunted woman, Selina discovers that she is wanted as both Catwoman and in her civilian identity. Who is behind this? Well, it isn't just one person...
I was cynical about Catwoman #1. I have mixed feelings about Joëlle Jones. I like some of her art. I have no feelings about some of it. And I think the rest is ugly.
However, I feel invigorated after reading Catwoman #1. The story really takes off, and Jones tells a it in a graphical language that is like a cat bounding from one hot tin roof to another. Jones plays off Catwoman's natural sultriness and sexiness, but presents her as a character always in motion. The story moves in that manner.
Laura Allred's almost-flat coloring gives the illustrations a visual appearance that blends art deco and an urban grittiness that is not quite Film-Noir. Josh Reed's lettering is solid, but not spectacular, which is a good thing. He should not get in the way of these killer creative ladies, Jones and Allred.
8 out of 10
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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