Review: Catwoman #13

“Far From Gotham”

Writer: Joëlle Jones
Artists: Fernando Blanco, Hugo Petrus and Joëlle Jones
Color Artists: John Kalisz and Laura Allred
Letterer: Saida Temofonte

Review by Adam Ray

Catwoman #13 is an ambitious and well managed issue. The story continues from the revelations in number #12 and we finally see the power behind the artifact, and start to wonder. That however, is just one third of the story. Jones treats the reader to three plots, twisting around each other: Catwoman’s reluctance to help, or appear heroic,he hostage situation of the past issue, and the legacy of the Kreel family. It all builds several layers of tension.

This title has been ambitiously pushing the character in new directions since issue #1. She’s played at being an anti-hero. She’s had classic heists, and a heartfelt reunion. Moreover, we also dip our toes into the mystical, and the intensely science fictional in the same issue.

The creative team have treated us with a powerful, organic story in Catwoman #13 simply because they know the character so well. I trust them to take this title in any direction, as they handle everything so perfectly.

Each member of the team on this title is strong. I can’t get over that double page spread from this issue. The fight scene is choreographed perfectly. It moves around the room, while also progressing left to right, top to bottom. This is what mastery of the art form looks like to me, personally.

Conclusion

This issue leaves us wondering where else this can go. The secrets certain characters uncover in this issue are too great to be left unanswered. We can only imagine how badly things can deteriorate, because we know what they’ve found.

Catwoman is an unlikely hero, but a perfect fit for the series going forward. I’m eager for more.

Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment

(This review was originally published on the Dark Knight News website on July 10th 2019)