Catwoman #1
Writer, Artist: Joëlle Jones
Colorist: Laura Allred
Letterer: Josh Reed
Publisher: DC Comics
Review by Cory Webber
Catwoman #1 picks up after the events of Batman #50, the wedding issue. Unless you want that story to be spoiled, don’t read Catwoman #1 before Batman #50. Even Catwoman warns you of this on the cover of her book. I will try my best to review this without spoiling it, but just know that the main gist of what happened in the wedding issue directly plays into this story. So, here goes…
BEWARE: SPOILERS FOR BATMAN #50
Catwoman #1 finds Selina Kyle dealing with the aftermath of the events that unfold in the wedding issue. She find herself in a new town, trying to cope with having left Batman, essentially, at the altar. She tries to lay low, but when she gets wind of someone impersonating her, she sets out to find out who it is and why.
Joëlle Jones is firing on all cylinders. It’s just not fair that someone can write and draw so well. Whether or not you like how the wedding issue ends, Jones has given Catwoman a fresh start in a new place. The look and feel is very reminiscent of Jones’ Lady Killer, which is a very good thing —check out that series out if you haven’t already.
Most importantly, Jones has done a phenomenal job handling the emotional side of Selina. The way she portrays her emotions makes me think that their story isn’t quite over — Tom King has even said something to that effect. After all, he has committed to a 100-issue run on Batman, so there is definitely more to come.
But I digress…now, back to the issue at hand (pun regrettably intended). Jones’ line work is outstanding. Her thick lines make the characters stand out in such a dynamic way. And she really puts them to work when she wants some dramatic flair. I mean, just try looking at her page where she reveals the villain without squirming uneasily.
While her art is truly incredible, Laura Allred’s colors are completely up to the task of showcasing Jones’ talents. This is a match made in comics heaven. The bright colors work to make her art pop. Also, her color choices help to emphasize Jones’ unique design qualities. Seriously, she could be just as successful as an interior designer, fashion designer etc… I will buy any comic on which these two are paired up.
Before I end, I need to mention the letterer. They say that when a letterer does their job, you don’t really notice it. But I say, when a letterer does a great job, you can’t help but notice it.
Most notably, the first panel, which is almost a full page, really draws you in, and Josh Reed’s work is a big reason why. The only words in the panel are Catwoman screaming, “Aaahhhh!,” a “BLAM” sound effect, and a thought box that says, “I CAN’T SLEEP.” All of these are positioned in such a way that naturally draws your eye along with the action. It may be minimal, but it really ties the whole beautifully-drawn page together, just like the Dude’s rug in The Big Lebowski.
VERDICT: Buy it.
Don’t let the outcome of Batman #50 dissuade you from checking this out. Catwoman #1 is a fresh, appealing look for Selina Kyle. Joëlle Jones is on top of her game, and Laura Allred and Josh Reed are equally up to the task of working with her.
