CATWOMAN #85 (DC COMICS)
Welcome Back Selina!
After an extensive tour around the world, Selina Kyle has returned to Gotham City. Things have changed since last time she prowled the gritty streets. With these changes, some things remain the same. Someone is waiting to welcome her back, though not with open arms.
An old enemy looks to settle the score once and for all!
CATWOMAN #85 by Torunn Grønbekk, Davide Gianfelice, Patricio Delpeche, & Steve Wands (DC COMICS) begins a brand new stat quo for the Batman ally/enemy.
Let’s take a peek and see how this fares.
CATWOMAN #85 by Torunn Grønbekk, Davide Gianfelice, Patricio Delpeche, & Steve Wands (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Grønbekk wastes no time in bringing the pain to Selina in this story. The opening with Black Mask shows his downward spiral. His demeaner shows his fading confidence start to rise. This all changes when a stranger shows up at his doorstep, teasing of taking down Kyle. That is always easier said than done. As the next arc shows, defeating Catwoman when she’s focused is near impossible.
The ruse to break into police headquarters is vintage Selina. Readers watch as she wears a fake body suit to pass as being pregnant. Her dialogue is playing the con job to the letter. The writing shows her at work with much calmness. Her reasons for stealing align with the gray moral code she lives by. The conversation with Holly wins over the bad choices in making. After the brief flashback, the heist is back on but not without complications. Grønbekk tosses in a great wrinkle into the mix that leads to more issues down the road. Once at the close, a heartbreaking message has been delivered. A very different tone in this story but one that nails the landing.
Gianfelice & Delpeche open with a gritty look at Gotham’s underworld. Black Mask’s torture of a captive is brutal and unapologetic. Even as he comes to turn with his fall, the art shows a possible savior walking in. This transitions quickly to Gotham Police Headquarters and Selina’s return. The panels show her maneuver her con through various characters. A quiet smile can be seen as she moves form room to room. The path leads to a full page reveal of her true identity, launching events into the next phase.
Readers watch as the homecoming flashback is treated with a quiet sense of acceptance. Selina’s mannerisms reflect her dealing with the changes. Once back to GCPD, the art showcases her alter ego. Panels move fast as she hustles to the score. A near full shot swings big to take out guards. It is a very stark contrast from her talk with Holly. The mood is accepting of trouble. This is the spark for what’s next. Her score goes off the rails in a very dastardly way. Her talk with a certain Family boss leads to more drama. This is all eclipsed by the final page. A series of panels lead to a devasting close-out image. Solid work in building up this crime caper.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
Home is not where the heart is for Selina Kyle. Her return to Gotham City is met with high stakes and devastating losses. Grønbekk weaves in the emotional pulls behind a major heist. Gianfelice & Delpeche orchestrate the drama and criminal activity very easily. Selina is back on the prowl & Gotham City isn’t ready for what’s next.
Let me know your thoughts on CATWOMAN #85 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
