Absolute Cassandra Cain: The Shadow's Hand #1
Marcell Hines
Recap
SPINNING OUT FROM ABSOLUTE CATWOMAN COMES THE ABSOLUTE DEMON'S HAND! Years ago, The Joker trained with the League of Assassins, and when he learned all he could, he slaughtered everyone. But out of the wreckage of what was left came Lady Shiva and her daughter, CASSANDRA CAIN. Learn the origin of the Absolute Universe's most formidable assassin and how her story is one that is intertwined with the world's greatest thief, Selina Kyle, Catwoman!
Review
The League of Shadows was one of the most feared organizations on the planet, until Jack Grimm showed up on their doorstep. The devastation he wrought Lady Shiva still has yet to recover from, but she has a plan. Starting with her daughter, Cassandra Cain, Shiva aims to rebuild the League and take revenge on Grimm, but this is not her story. This is the story of a girl whose actions speak much louder than any words she could say.
Cassandra Cain is by far my favorite member of the Bat-Family, so color me pleasantly excited when she showed up in the pages of Absolute Catwoman. Since that moment fans have been waiting to see just how this version of the BEST Batgirl (argue with various walls) differs from her Prime Earth counterpart. While the deviations are slight in terms of personality, it’s the environment that fostered this personality that makes her stand out all the more.
Taking a side road to tell this story on her own, sharing the Absolute Catwoman title with Scott Snyder, Che Grayson centers this tale through the eyes of Cassandra Cain in the form of these journal entries. Despite having a much harder life in this darker universe (which is the running theme in Absolute) Grayson poignantly brings forth the humanity of the character that has made her such a fan favorite. The choices made are deliberate and they culminate in a story that wouldn’t be out of place in a fairy tale of sorts. There are also a slew of character introductions as well. In addition to Shiva (who isn’t really much different than normal), Grayson also introduces David Cain (who is vastly different from the ruthless mercenary on Prime Earth), Bronze Tiger, Alpha, Doctor Daark, Scandal Savage, and Kitana to the Absolute universe. All of these encounters help form Cassandra into a slightly broken, but still honest character.
Matias Bergara’s art is spectacular on multiple levels, again reinforcing the storybook aspect with their panel layouts and pacing. All the character designs are solid, with special shoutout to Kitana’s for just how visually different she is from her main counterpart while still being recognizable.
Yes, I have a type. Be quiet.
Final Thoughts
Absolute Cassandra is a wonderful and action-packed introduction into this version of the character. With astounding art and gripping character moments strewn throughout. It’s more than the sum of its parts.
Absolute Cassandra Cain: The Shadow’s Hand #1: A Daughter’s Love
- Writing - 8.5/108.5/10
- Storyline - 8.5/108.5/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 8/108/10
