As the cover says, “First issue of a new era! Start Here!”. So, it’s a new arc, a new storyline beginning with Catwoman #39.
Written by Tini Howard, this four-parter is indeed a new start, and kicks off with an introduction to three criminal Rogues holding a meeting in a fuschia-lit strip joint. Then, we go into the ‘wayback machine’ to a week earlier and get the back story.
The ‘time-jump’ thing tends to exasperate me, and so does the sheer number of characters who have ambiguous motives, and the constant patter of Catwoman’s internal dialogue makes for slow going. Yes, it’s good reading overall but is convoluted.
But ya know, the intention is good, the plot is leading us somewhere, and the artwork by Nico Leon (Jordie Bellaire on colours, and Tom Napolitano on letters) is solid and well-executed. The scenes flow smoothly, the colour and atmospheric effects coordinate well with the nighty-night shades of Catwoman danger.
DC Comics, Catwoman #39, $3.99 for 22 pages of content. Ages 13+
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