Catwoman #1

Selina Kyle aka Catwoman is on a fast hurry. It appears some masked men are after her for something she more than likely has done. She barely escapes her apartment as they shoot it up, and then blow it up. This lands her sharing an apartment with an old friend by the name of Lola. Selina then ventures to the underworld in hopes of learning who's after her. -summary

Catwoman is one of the most controversial titles in DC's New 52! reboot run. For one thing, people are still quite uptight with Ed Brubaker and Darwyn Cooke's run as they attempted to make Catwoman into more than just some costumed chick with the hots for Batman, plus there was an issue with her design. Another thing is that some readers are blowing out of proportion the sex and violence found in this story. If people didn't read this book for themselves and just took the word of certain types, they would swear that this comic should be rated XXX, I'm dead serious. Finally, people are forgetting or ignoring this is a reboot, so just expect a different character. Catwoman: The Game is more complex than some people give it credit for, because they are clearly allowing their dislikes to overshadow whatever else the book has to offer. I will admit that Winick's writing comes under questioning at times, but it's far more readable than that Suicide Squad garbage. This TPB collects Catwoman 1 - 6.

I think this book could have been a lot better had Judd Winick focused more on Catwoman's down to earth security issues, because when he focused on what was exactly wrong with her, as well as her connection with Batman, this was when the story began to move in an interesting direction. Apparently, Catwoman is a very reckless, thrill seeker. She gives no thought to her actions and as a result she pisses off a lot of people. She also seems to forget that there are consequences. This isn't the super villain or some times anti-hero readers has grown up with; this is an unlikable woman with some serious growing up to do.

I'm kind of mixed on Catwoman as a person; I really like her in terms of skill. She can definitely defend herself, plus her moral code isn't close to as strict as Batman's. I also enjoy that she is quite vulnerable. She puts up the front of a very strong woman that can take care of herself, but then engages in casual sex with Batman simply out of need. Not exactly due to being in heat, instead she needs his companionship to remind herself that she is still just a woman. At the same time, she brings out the more human side of Batman as well; had this been anyone else he would have locked her up already. Batman is a good judge of character, and he can see that Selina is lost and needs serious guidance.

Winick can hit it out of the park when he wants to, but the biggest draw back to the book is his attempt to appeal to the hardcore male reader. The book is occasionally exploitative, and it feels more immature at times than adult oriented. It's quite frustrating, especially with DC as they clearly view women as objects. It's true that Catwoman's greatest weapon has always been her power of seduction, but when I look over at Suicide Squad for example at Amanda Waller's new fit look, and Harley's new slutty costume and attitude. It's difficult to look at Catwoman as anything other than eye candy. The writing also stumbles in its choice of villains; the two villains Bone and Reach are garbage. I can see the latter making a return as a threat towards Catwoman, but she will more than likely disappear. There is nothing to this lame meta-human.

Guillem March's stylish artwork is among the high points here. Although it may be off putting for some; the brutal action does a good enough job setting Catwoman apart from the Bat-Family. She has her own way of dealing with the wicked, and after seeing what these guys are capable of doing. Most people will probably cheer her on. There's plenty of vicious exchanges and quite a bit of fantasy thrown in there. Many people complain about the action, however I noticed some of these folks not only enjoyed Batman: Court of Owls which is violent as well, but also Suicide Squad: Kicked in the Teeth which is more brutal than both books. This leads me to believe these folks were looking for something else. The artwork can also work against what ever female empowerment angle Winick is shooting for, as there are plenty of awkward positions of Catwoman for the sake of T&A.

I like the character designs though; Catwoman is sexy, and Bone looks scary as hell. As for the Bat and Cat sex scene; there's nothing graphic to be shown here, and despite some people claiming it served no purpose. Well, I guess it just depends on one's perspective. I think it was a moment that pretty much summed up Batman and Catwoman's very complicated relationship.

Catwoman: The Game is far from soulless. Selina is a realistic character; she makes mistakes and very bad decisions that can cost people their lives. This is nothing new as real people commit these acts everyday. However, I can understand people not taking a liking to a character like this. They can some times annoy you with their "not giving a damn attitude", in which she did bother me at times to the point I didn't care if she made it or not. Still, I was able to understand her and appreciate what the story had to offer.

When people think of superheroes, they think of selfless service and people who always make the right decisions. Not everyone can be Superman, Batman, or Captain America; we need our Punisher's, Spider-Man's, and Catwoman's. We need internal conflict and people who think about and even some times cross that line. There is plenty of room for Selina to grow, and there's room for improvement with this series. If you prefer edgier characters with serious attitude, characters nowhere near perfect and aren't even trying to be, then this is the book for you. If you're looking for a female superhero on the opposite side of this fence, Batgirl: The Darkest Reflection would be a nice pick.

Pros: Stylish artwork and complex character

Cons: Uninteresting villains and can be exploitative