Catwoman #25 Review

Writer: Ram V
Artist: Fernando Blanco, Juan E. Ferreyra, and John Paul Leon
Cover Price: $5.99
Release Date: September 16, 2020


We usually get an "anniversary" issue with a #25, and while that always makes me roll my eyes a bit, this Catwoman #25 also kicks off Ram V's Catwoman run.  It also is a Joker War tie-in and has three stories with three artists, so while I still laugh at it being an "anniversary," it makes sure fans get their money's worth!  However, is it quantity over quality?  Let's find out...



The issue opens with the Joker War tie-in, which the end of Batman #98 set up.  Selina, Riddler, and Penguin are stealing Bruce's money back from the Underbroker and then some.  I liked the back-and-forth between the three frenemies, and Ram V has each of their voices down as well as their Modus Operandi.   Edward tells his riddles, Oswald orders his goons around, and Selina double-crosses both of them and tries to make off with all the cash!  I say "try" because, while Riddler wasn't ready for it, Penguin was, and it takes an old friend to save Selina.  It's a callback to Villa Hermosa, and despite it coming out of nowhere and then vanishing, it does connect the past run, and V's stories in it, to what we are starting in Gotham.  In the end, we get more connections with the boy who could have been Batman heading off with Selina's money and specific instructions on what to do with it.

The second story, and my favorite of the three, has Selina heading back to Alleytown and her roots.  On the way, she runs into some new strays that need to be taught a lesson, but she also gives them a home.  Ram V doesn't shy away from the seedy side of things here, and Selina shows that she has a code, like a certain other Gothamite.  It may not be as goody-goody, but it's still there, and it's one of the reasons she has been such a great hero/anti-hero all these years.  I love it when a Catwoman story shows how intelligent Selina is while also showing her heart, especially for down and out kids.  This story does both and has John Paul Leon art that always looks classic.

The last story has art by Juan Ferreyra, one of my favorite artists, and while it looks great, it's just a cute little story told through the eyes of a cat.  There isn't much to it, but it's a nice little addition to end the issue.

This was a nice start to Ram V's run, and he uses the extra space to tell a Joker War tie-in and set up his story as we advance.  I liked all three artists and enjoyed the read overall.  I am looking forward to the next issue to get things going, but if this is any indication, it should be good for as long as it lasts.

Bits and Pieces:

Ram V starts off his Catwoman run with a bit of a one-person/three artist anthology issue that has a lot going on.  He already proved himself while filling in for Joelle Jones on the previous run, and I am looking forward to what he has in store from here on out.

8.0/10