Catwoman smashes into the stained glass kaleidoscope of danger in DC Comics’ Catwoman 2021 Annual.
This 48-page issue jumps into continuity and expands our understanding of Father Valley. And his habit of keeping a bible for each of his targets, plus the connection to the Order of St. Dumas. Azrael figures prominently in this issue too!
The story is well-paced, and gives us character details. Motives, back story, the ‘why’, the ‘feels’. Writer Ram V has a talent for examining complex relationships and situations. His scenes read ‘real’ rather than contrived. We the reader are there in the action, seeing the story unfold. Visuals by the combined art team of Kyle Hotz, Fernando Blanco and Juan Ferreyra (David Baron is colourist, Tom Napolitano is letterer) are spooky and complex, a bit reminiscent of the late Richard Corben: dark, big shapes, loads of texture, and atmosphere. The issue continues to Catwoman #33.
DC Comics, Catwoman Annual 2021, $5.99 for 42 pages of content.