Catwoman, Vol. 3: Death of the Family by Ann Nocenti, Rafa Sandoval (Illustrations)

Catwoman, Vol. 3: Death of the Family by Ann Nocenti

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


I have mixed feelings about this series.  I am definitely liking Selina Kyle, for the most part. However, the panels are rather difficult to read in some issues, and the art quality isn't always up to par. But, when it's good, it's very good. I especially liked the art in the last issue, which features Selina's interesting backstory.  I think the writing could definitely have more clarity. There is a disconnect between the action in the panels and the storyline, and it left me confused, especially in the first issue. I did like the cameo of Batman, I mean who doesn't like when Bats shows up? I wasn't always the biggest Bat/Cat shipper, but I'm slowly coming around (if he can't be with Wonder Woman, that is).

I'll keep reading this.

Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.



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Catwoman, Volume 4: Dollhouse by Judd Winick, Guillem March (Illustrator)

Catwoman, Vol. 2: Dollhouse by Judd Winick
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I liked the artwork in this volume much better. Selina's features aren't harsh in this version, and she does have the sharper, intelligent beauty of a cat. The story was pretty good, but the ending was a bit anticlimactic as far as the Dollhouse storyline. It was really disturbing what the Dollmaker was doing to those poor streetwalkers. I'm glad that they had Catwoman to fight for them.

I liked Catwoman's team-up with Spark. The inclusion of the Talon storyline was good too. Catwoman's sympathy for the Talon made sense in light of her antiheroic/villainous reputation. Catwoman continues to toe the line of moral ambiguity. Her actions are often spurred on by self-interest even if she does the right thing.

Looking forward to the next installment.

Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.

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Catwoman, Vol. 1: The Game by Judd Winick
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I'm working my way through my library's graphic novel collection and availing myself of the New 52 titles. I would be remiss if I didn't check out Catwoman. I did start reading an earlier run (single issues) with Ed Brubaker several moons ago (still have a stack I never got around to reading). I thought, why not try this?

Catwoman isn't always my favorite. On one level, I like that she's morally ambiguous, sometimes on the good side, sometimes on the bad side. I like strong women who can fight and hold their own, but her selfishness and how it leads to others being hurt is hard to handle. I couldn't stand her in the last Nolan Batman movie. I didn't like her with Bruce/Bats, but I did like them together in this book. I can see why some ship Batwoman and Catwoman so avidly. I think they understand each other, even though they are on the opposite side of the line more than not.

I didn't like the artwork. Catwoman looks harsh and rather scary. Her features don't have the catlike beauty or appeal that I would associate with her. The colors were too washed out for my tastes as well.

I like Judd Winick's writing. I didn't find that much fault with the storytelling in this one. He shows Catwoman as a morally conflicted person who has made poor choices out of a damaged psyche. I can get that about her.

Overall, this was pretty good. The biggest issue for me was the artwork. Otherwise, I'll keep reading this title. Batman showing up drove my rating up a lot (I can't even lie). My library also has Brubaker's run, so I may grab those to read next year (which is only two months away now).

Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.

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