Absolute Catwoman #1: Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

The universe is a dark place, and Selina Kyle has finally found her own way out. At the ripe age of 25, the infamous Catwoman is hanging up the whip and spandex for good in order for a more quiet life, but things are never that easy. When an old friend comes to her with one final job, Selina soon finds out that she may need more than nine lives if she wants to make it out alive.

Absolute Catwoman made a big splash with readers when she debuted way back in Absolute Batman #13. She’s similar to her main universe counterpart in terms of her relationship with Bruce Wayne, but that’s more or less where the comparisons stop. This version of Selina steals as a means to an end rather than for the thrill of it like her Earth-Prime variant, and if Jack Grimm got Bruce’s house, then Selina got his gadgets as her Cat Cave is decked out with all manner of gadgets and such that help her in her thieving. All of it paints a picture of someone who is much smarter and careful than she lets on.

Scott Snyder and Che Grayson create a broader picture of Selina through this issue that keeps true to her original counterpart, while also leaning in more to elements of her character that have only been mentioned in passing. For example, Earth Prime Selina has been revealed to be of Latin descent, but it’s hardly touched upon. Here not only does her design skew more towards these roots, but it is also revealed that this version of Selina came to Gotham by way of Cuba. We also meet this version of Holly Robinson who has a link to the time between Selina’s living in Gotham and the present. There is also one more beloved character introduction at the end of this book, but I don’t want to spoil it here.

Bengal’s art needs no introduction. Their amazing artistic talents are on full display here in this opening issue with grand pages of action held together with more slower-paced scenes which are all wonderfully colored by Giovanna Nira.