CATWOMAN #45: Just when I thought you’ve given up, it’s you again…

It’s a brand new arc, and I’m back on Catwoman, y’all! So I’ve been a Catwoman fan for almost as long as I’ve been a comic book fan, and that’s…a lot longer than I want to admit. This is also the first issue of Tini Howard’s run that I’ll be reviewing, so let’s get down to it, shall we? I’ve become quite used to Tini’s writing, first as an avid reader of her Excalibur run, and then with her current mini, Knights of X, where she’s continuing her use of the Captain Britain Corps, Merlyn, and Otherworld (where I’ll be reviewing this week’s issue in an upcoming post), but today we’re talking about Catwoman, and her new world. 

When Tini came on board I was a bit apprehensive, because I’ve found her to be hit or miss with me, but I was pleasantly surprised when she and Nico Leon blew me away with that first arc.  Selina was fun, and playful, her return to Gotham was a welcome change of pace after being in Alleytown for so long. Tini’s voice for Selina continues to improve with every new issue. Sure, I miss her Strays, but there’s always a chance for them to return. Instead we’re getting a new supporting cast, a return to the Batfamily (let’s be honest tho. Did she ever really leave the BF?), and a new love interest/return of a previously unknown love interest, and the introduction of Red Claw, from the 90’s Batman: The Animated Series, to DC, and Batman continuity, and I’m not mad at it. 

This issue starts a new arc for Selina and Valmont, and we see just how interconnected the current era of Batfamily books are. We get a convo between Bat and Cat (to get his side of it you’ll need to pick up Batman #125), Tim’s back as Robin, and we get to see the Batgirls, who are going through their own drama (as seen in the editor’s notes), and it’s just the start. Selina’s taking it on herself to help end human trafficking in Gotham, which is quite the lofty goal. Tini’s Selina continues to show that Selina’s willing to work with the underbelly of Gotham in order to save some of its most vulnerable, which is completely on brand for Selina. Plus that surprise at the end of the issue (if you’re like me, I don’t read the solicits, as I prefer to be surprised with my comics) will be a treat for long time fans. 

Joining Tini this issue is artist Sami Basri, who is no stranger to DC Comics, as he’s had runs on Power Girl, and more recently Harley Quinn, so he seems like he’s a perfect fit for a little dalliance in Gotham. His work here is sleek, and stylish, while also being energetic and moody, which are perfect for the story here. His style is a slight departure from Leon, and BENGAL, who did the last arc that featured Harley and a group of roller derbies, which has continued throughout Tini’s run on the character. I can’t wait to see what comes next.