Selina is out looking for help. Already with Croc recruited its time for Selina to chat with some “new” old friends and a couple of more recognisable ones. With the big score proving problematic, perhaps a couple of smaller jobs to help get the juices flowing and to get their act down pat is in order.
Cliff Chiang is on everything duty again; a situation that is not going to change for the entirety of this run. With only four books to play with Chiang needs to get things moving. However, Chiang plotting is that he still has time to show some setup, as well as not but two jobs, both of which have an impact to Selina’s main goal. Throw in the political mess between Mayor Dent and Councilwoman Gordon and you have plenty to grab your attention. Chiang is keeping on top of his spinning plates extremely well, each element is engaging and there is not a single wasted panel. I mentioned that the first book gave off Dark Knight Returns vibes; imagine my joy when Rob and Don make an appearance. Chiang displays some strong Bat-lore in the conversation between Selina and Eddie with hints of previous stories rather than out and out specifying them. It is a well orchestrated scene for sure.
This then leads perfectly, no pun intended, to Chiang’s art. Possibly not as dynamic as some would expect for a Catwoman book, Chiang’s simpler lines suit the aged Catwoman, though shades of Carrie-Ann Moss are evident. Chiang uses a mix of panel designs to pace out the story; this gives the book a focus regardless if you are looking at an action or conversational scene. I loved the exercise first act and seeing the Bat family made me wonder what a Chiang Bat -book would look like; Batgirl looks great. The colors are a muted affair which helps show the passage of time; the book is set ten years into the future! Having Chiang also on letters, I wonder if he is collecting four pay checks?
I would question why you can’t like the Jim Balent purple costume or favour the Darwyn Cooke suit; there are both excellent suits, both of their time! That minor quibble aside, when you consider the fact that the creative team on her own book is bowing out this week, with a new team ready to rock next week and Clay Mann returning to the opus without end (or schedule) that is Batman Catwoman, I am pleased to say that there is someone at DC who is crafting a book that is this high in both quality and content.
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars
Overall – 5 Stars
Written, Art, Colors & Letters by; Cliff Chiang
Published by; DC Comics / Black Label
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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