Catwoman #39 Review

Written by: Genevieve Valentine
Art by: Garry Brown
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 25, 2015

Cat Fight

I was one of the few that cried "nonsense" when Genevieve Valentine took over this book and turned our fun Catwoman into a pants suit wearing Crime Boss.  I never like to admit I'm wrong (who really does?!), but I've been eating crow every month since.  Not only do I applaud Valentine for giving readers one of the strongest female characters in comics, but this book has skyrocketed up my pull list.  Genevieve has turned this book around so quick that I'm surprised she didn't get whiplash.  Does this month continue the trend and have me looking for new Crow recipes?  Let's find out.

This month opens with Selina in trouble.  That shouldn't surprise anyone because her rise to the top of the Gotham Underground has been mired with difficulty.  Her main nemesis, Black Mask (edit: I had put Black Hand here originally because I was either real tired or real dumb...or both!  Sorry!), continues gathering allies and things get real as Selina's life is threatened.  It's all about the Family, so Selina goes to check in with her brother.

Last issue ended with Selina finding out that Mason was her brother.  I say "finding out", but he just told her and she still doesn't know what to believe.  She may not find out the full truth, but Mason reveals his plan...He wants control of the Family.  Of course, Selina is not going to do that.  She's already in too deep.

The remainder of the issue involves Black Mask being arrested for the attempt on Selina's life, but more importantly, the repercussions.  It's a huge move and means War in Gotham.  As the Families pick sides and gather, Eiko pays Selina a visit.  This scene is bound to cause a huge stir and I'm not really sure why.  Selina Kyle is bisexual?  It may just be me, but I always figured she was.  It's just now out in the open and I'm all for that.  Seriously, anything that helps further develop a character or story is okay with me and this does both.  Selina's life just got more complicated.

The issue ends with Selina making a huge power play that just may blow up in her face and cause all of Gotham to burn to the ground.  It's a desperate move, but desperate times...  Next issue is going to be very interesting.

Genevieve Valentine is really settling in on this book.  Sure, it doesn't resemble any Catwoman book I could ever have imagined, but I'm glad for that.  The slow and deliberate pace may turn some off, but I think this story demands it.  This is one of the best books out today and if anyone is looking for a tough, smart female lead...look no further.  I wouldn't have been saying that up until Valentine took over.

Maybe I am getting used to Garry Brown's gritty style or maybe this is his best issue of Catwoman so far (I'm guessing it's a combination of both), but I really liked the look of this issue...for the most part. I was not a fan of the Penguin this month.  It doesn't detract from the book at all, it just weirded me out.

Bits and Pieces:

Catwoman #39 continues the excellent story of Selina's rise up the Gotham crime ladder.  It's a gritty story with gritty art and yet it's oh so beautiful.  While this isn't usually my cup of tea, I'm enjoying it so much.  I don't want it to end at the same time I want to see how it does.  Highly Recommended.

9.0/10