Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Catwoman #1
DC Comics
Winick & March
Media Release -- DC's relaunch of Catwoman feels an awful lot like previous incarnations of the character probably because the character has been in so many creator's hands over the years. This version uses a lot sex appeal and a little bit of trepidation and a mix of anger to get across the character's foundation. I can see long time fans not enjoying this book at all (unless you like the sexed up version a lot) because this doesn't exactly portray the Catwoman as a strong character. Newer readers may not have enough plot to come back for more either. What this issue does do is it establishes the point of the book, which is to provide a view of a character that walks the line of hero and villain and is mostly just struggling to get by day to day. That isn't enough for me but it may be exactly what you are looking for.
The issue opens with a lot of skin. Catwoman's apartment is invaded and of course she isn't dressed. She manages to dress herself as she is diving out of the window but not before we get an eyeful of her breasts in underwear. It's nicely drawn and it could be seen as over-the-top by some, but it could potentially be seen as necessary to lay the foundation for the character.
After her apartment gets blown up she seeks out a friend for help. This friend (I have no idea if they existed in the previous DCU) seems to know Catwoman's identity and seems to know her profession is to steal things. She gives Catwoman a place to stay and some leads on the next caper.
Finally, we get a glimpse of Catwoman on the job. This is clearly the best part of the comic. Catwoman has rage and uses it well. She's cunning and very sneaky and extremely confident. These few pages make the purchase price worth it. Until the ending.
Batman makes an appearance and it seems to be the Batman from All-Star Batman and Robin. It's got more T&A and shows Batman weaken at the knees like a fifteen year-old boy in a co-ed gym class. It's a very bizarre sequence that seems to be totally out of character for Batman.
The comic book just isn't my cup of tea. Not that the T&A is the issue but the fact that it drives the book. I think of Catwoman as thief first, sometimes hero second and sex kitten third. This seems to be reverse order with the emphasis on sex. However, as I stated above you may find this to be a breath of fresh air and if that's the case then you are going to love this issue.
The artwork is beautiful. Catwoman's characteristics are enhanced by the artwork. Any energy that this story puts forth is entirely because of the artwork. The cover actually does portray what's between the covers. This is an excellently draw comic book regardless of whether you approve of the material it puts forth.
Catwoman is a tough character to embrace. She has fans that seem to see her any number of ways. There seems to only be gray areas with regards to the character. This first issue might not have the punch to keep a brand new reader coming back but if you like a highly sexual-sometime-bad-ass version of the character then you have it here. For me, it misses as something I want to see more of.
2 out of 5 Geek Goggles
