Each Friday, we'll be letting a different DC.com writer share what they'll be reading over the weekend and why you might want to check it out. Here's this week's suggestion for a perfect Weekend Escape!
Rest easy, dear reader, because Friday has arrived, which means you’ve survived the work week. Why not reward yourself by laying down, grabbing a snack and reading an entertaining comic?
This week, we continue our Women’s History Month focus on female creators by shining the spotlight on Catwoman: Copycats, a storyline that originally ran in 2018’s Catwoman #1-6. This stylishly illustrated graphic novel stems from an impactful time in Selina’s life—when her relationship with Bruce Wayne was both stronger than it ever had been before, but also extremely uncertain. What kind of trouble did Catwoman find after leaving Batman at the altar? Let’s dive in and find out…
The Premise:
Selina Kyle needs a change of scenery. After ducking out of her wedding with Bruce Wayne in 2018’s Batman #50, Catwoman has left Gotham City, hoping to get some distance from her personal problems. She sets up shop in Villa Hermosa, a city in California that bears more than a passing resemblance to Los Angeles. However, it isn’t long before sinister forces threaten to upend her new life. A group of women begin masquerading as Catwoman, and one of them shoots a cop. Why is Selina being framed for these crimes, and how is this all connected to the First Lady of California? Catwoman begins to find herself up against a twisted adversary as the governor’s wife proves just how far she’ll go to stay in power.
(Note: If you haven’t read Batman and Catwoman’s wedding storyline, don’t sweat it! It isn’t essential to understanding “Catwoman Copycats.” All you need to know is that Batman and Catwoman didn’t get married, and Selina is emotionally processing the breakup.)
Let’s Talk Talent:
Catwoman: Copycats is written and illustrated by Joëlle Jones, a creator who is no stranger to the world of Gotham. Prior to launching Catwoman’s 2018 series, Jones penciled various issues of Batman, including the classic Selina-centric Batman #44. As an artist, Jones is able to do so much storytelling without any dialogue. Each panel layout and page composition is pure cinematography, with dynamic poses, vibrant action and a distinct style that’s all her own.
Plus, the outfits Jones designs here are a feast for the eyes—including Catwoman’s latest suit. Jones takes Selina into a new era by blending nostalgia (shades of Batman Returns and old school purple) with a few updates to make things a bit more modern and functional.
Fernando Blanco guest-pencils portions of the storyline, including some memorable flashback pages. Blanco’s artwork adds a sense of sinister horror, as we learn about Raina Creel’s twisted background. Since Mrs. Creel is an unreliable narrator, it’s up to Blanco’s pencils to give readers the true story. Blanco understands the assignment, delivering some panels guaranteed to send shivers up your spine. I don’t want to spoil everything, but let me just say that Mrs. Creel is one evil woman.
A Few Reasons to Read:
- If you’ve ever wanted to get to know Catwoman away from Batman, this is the perfect storyline to get you started. This is Selina Kyle, away from the Dark Knight, away from his supporting cast, and away from Gotham. It’s a fun entry-level Catwoman adventure that will hook new readers, while still entertaining longtime fans.
- Raina Creel is one of the most unsettling villains you’ll ever see in a DC Universe story. She’s no cosmic mercenary or costumed criminal. Mrs. Creel is a politician’s wife who isn’t afraid to hurt anyone to get her way. Years of heavy drug use have withered her body into a shell of who she once was, making her look almost inhuman. Raina hides her true appearance with wigs and makeup, but her evil actions are another story.
- This storyline features the return of Maggie Kyle, Catwoman’s down-on-her-luck sister. Maggie’s inclusion allows us to see a different side of Selina. She’s one of the only links to Selina’s childhood, and Selina is determined to protect her at all costs. Mrs. Creel, take note…
- Remember what I said about Joëlle Jones being a great storyteller? One of the best illustrated scenes in the book involves Selina fighting a room full of Catwoman imposters. It’s pages of dynamic action, with very little dialogue. It’s a fun sequence to look at, and it makes me thankful that Jones was given the opportunity to create this storyline.
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
Catwoman is one of the DC Universe’s oldest and most iconic female characters, and this storyline is a perfect vehicle for her that just happens to be written and drawn by one of the greatest female creators DC has ever had. Catwoman: Copycats is a great showcase for her talents, and it will leave you hungry for more of her work. Fortunately, there’s plenty more where this came from, as Jones’ run on Catwoman continues for more than a dozen issues beyond these initial six. So, if you’re looking to spend some quality time with Selina, this is the perfect place to start!
Catwoman: Copycats by Joëlle Jones, Fernando Blanco and Laura Allred is available as a softcover graphic novel and can be read in full on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.
Joshua Lapin-Bertone writes about TV, movies and comics for DC.com, is a regular contributor to the Couch Club and writes our monthly Batman column, "Gotham Gazette." Follow him on Twitter at @TBUJosh.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Joshua Lapin-Bertone and do not necessarily reflect those of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.
