Catwoman #39 Review

 

A Valentine Gift

Writer: Tini Howard

Artist: Nico Leon

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: January 18, 2022

I was not a massive fan of the recently ended Ram V run on Catwoman.      While I liked the characters and concept of it, things just never felt like they ever got going in a proper direction before the book was taken over by Fear State and Mr.V was forced to end it.  That said, while I am a little worried about Tini Howard taking over (Excalibur was not my fav X-Men book), I hope that she brings a much-needed boost to this book.  Let's find out if she does just that!

Catwoman #39 is dominated by narration, and while I am more of a dialogue and situation guy myself, it's understandable here.  Howard is giving readers a more solitary Catwoman than we've had in a while, so inner monologue is on the menu, and she does have a good feel for Selina's voice.  However, what got me excited from the start was the inclusion of Eiko Hasigawa.  If you haven't read the Genevieve Valentine run of Catwoman from the DCYou era, you probably won't be as impressed, but if you did, you know doubt got as giddy as me!  I love Eiko, and while it's a shame she took her father's path, it makes total sense and gives Howard's run an immediate kick start.

Eiko isn't the only one here, as the Crime Bosses of Gotham have gathered to discuss business matters.  This issue is more about tone than anything else.  The particulars of what the Bosses are talking about don't matter as much, and while it might not be the most gripping beginning, Howard throws another character in that gives more of the Valentine run vibes and is perfect for what she is setting up here.

Thankfully, though, it's not all just callbacks as Howard sets up an intriguing character that should lead Selina into some adventure, either as allies or enemies, or maybe a bit of both.  That's one of the best aspects of the Catwoman character, and Howard plays it well.

Overall, this issue felt like a teaser to show you the focus and tone that Howard will bring to the book.  There isn't much of a story yet, but what we got is intriguing and has callbacks to one of my favorite runs of the past few years.  The art looks great, and while this may not be the bombastic start that some may expect, I am digging it already and can't wait to get more.

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Bits and Pieces:

Catwoman #39 is a good start to Tini Howard's Catwoman run.  The issue looks great, and Howard has Selina's voice down.  Fans of Genevieve Valentine's Catwoman run are in for a treat, but Howard makes sure the story still feels new and fresh.  

8.0/10