REVIEW: Knight Terrors: Catwoman #1

Famed anti-hero turned hero-hero Catwoman takes a dreamy trip to her not-so-distant past in Knight Terrors: Catwoman #1. Where do faith, family, and The Batman fit in Selina’s dreams and nightmares?

Catwoman starts out on a mission tracking down who she believes to be the Joker before she’s joined/interrupted by her sister Maggie aka Sister Zero. As they bicker, Catwoman quickly realizes things aren’t right. A lot if the issue, the sisters debate religion, nature vs nurture, and their different paths in life. It’s a very introspective look at Selina Kyle over and action-packed story about Catwoman. But the action does pickup as the sisters go after The Joker and are joined by Batman. But this isn’t the version we (and Selina) know and love which further cements that Catwoman is not where she’s supposed to be. That balance between deep dialogue and traditional comic book action is well done by writer Tini Howard.

The throwback art style is also a highlight of the issue. The design of the characters by Leila Leiz and the coloring by Marissa Louise is another Golden Age of Comics inspired issue in the Knight Terrors collection. Think Superman #1 for reference. Catwoman’s design is Michelle Pfeiffer, Batman Returns inspired and The Batman in this issue is a shoutout to the Adam West version of the character, and both are special treats. The sisters look cool patrolling the rooftops giving a few Batman comics a run for their money. Visually, the 1960’s are merged with the 90s and both eras get love from the art team. The one word to describe the art of this issue would be stylish.

Catwoman has turned over a new leaf in her real world but finds herself stuck in an off-version of her past life. She’s reunited with her sister, but they are struggling to reconcile. It’s not so much nightmarish and it’s kind of sad, or at least, bittersweet. There is a particular part where she fully realizes she’s in a dream and actually wants to be there, it’s quite touching really. Her nightmare seems to be her past and regrets which makes Knight Terrors: Catwoman #1 one of the most personal entries in the series to date.

Writing – 4 .5 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Coloring – 3.5 Stars

Overall – 4 Stars

Written by; Tini Howard
Art by; Leila Leiz
Colors by; Marissa Louise
Letters by; Becca Carey
Published by; DC Comics

Author Profile

Christopher R. Ford

Writer, author, and blogger. Published author of three children's books and also writes for the boy Creators For The Culture. Part-time sneaker head, full time nerd.