Catwoman #69 sees a new team taking over from Tini Howard’s squad for DC’s All In initiative. And what a memorable issue to start on. No, I’m not talking about the issue number – get your head out of the gutter. The issue itself has stuck with me since I read it.
Fabiana Mascolo makes her DC debut as the artist coupled with Patricio Delpeche on colors, and it couldn’t be a more beautiful sight! Along with Torunn Grønbekk writing the script, I’m delighted we have great women on the team to write this spectacular character. Color me impressed overall with the art and colors. The mix of deep purples with light hues of pinks throughout the issue certainly compliments the overall tone the book is going for and makes for some beautiful pages.
There have been numerous writers of Catwoman in the past who have succeeded in giving the character a realistic, genuine perspective of her intentions and motives. I feel this will be the start of something similar. In my opinion, she is one of the best anti-heroes ever written. Her detective skills, paired with her drive to risk anything to do what she believes to be right, make for great entertainment.
Catwoman’s design, in the past, has been taken in different directions but has not always been received well. To say the least, I’m delighted her costume is back to a more classic yet modern look. I wasn’t a huge fan of the exposed armpits, it simply wasn’t practical! Thankfully that’s been sorted out, bringing Selina back to her roots. There’s one panel in this issue where we get a suit reveal and it’s simply stunning.
The narration of this issue reminded me of the 1993 Mary Jo Duffy Catwoman run; how it was done in the third person for the first issue before switching to the first person for the remainder of her run. It raised a nostalgic feeling in me – as if I was listening to an old radio broadcast about true crime. I wasn’t around at that time obviously, but fans of the crime fiction genre will understand and enjoy the direction of this All-In issue.
I certainly feel this is a great jumping-on point for new readers as it gives an honest feel for who Catwoman is as a character, coupled with a suspenseful plot indicative of the genre. There’s a reason she and Batman go hand in hand. They’re each other’s equal. I’d argue she’s just as good as Batman and never gets overshadowed when their relationship is portrayed. She’s a totally independent and fully developed character.
I thoroughly enjoyed this All-In issue and I’m extremely excited to see where this team takes Catwoman. I’ve good faith that this will be a great run and optimistic new and old fans alike will find enjoyment in the story to come.