DC‘s new Absolute Catwoman series trades heists for fights, presenting a Selina Kyle who is as much a fighter as she is a thief. This is a notable change, given the classic Kyle tends to avoid direct confrontation as much as possible. The Absolute Universe version, on the other hand, seems to enjoy violence. At the very least, she’s better armed and able to handle herself.
Absolute Catwoman first appeared in the pages of Absolute Batman. That series confirmed that this world’s Selina Kyle as Bruce Wayne‘s first love. Indeed, he was her partner in crime for a while. However, she went into the world and made a name for herself away from him and the friends she grew up with. Since that time, she’s made a name for herself among some very bad people, mastered multiple martial arts, and acquired a lot of money and toys.
As Absolute Catwoman #1 opens, Selina has just turned 25 and is getting ready to retire to a remote villa. Her plans are thwarted, however, by a surprise visit from an old friend/partner and several women in catsuits kidnapping said friend before blowing up Selina’s apartment. The mystery of who unraveled her identity sends Selina off in search of her would-be killers.
How Absolute Catwoman twists DC’s classic formula
The average Catwoman comic is built around some sort of heist, con, or hustle. By contrast, Absolute Catwoman is all about action and confrontation. This Selina Kyle does not shy away from a fight, which is a notable difference from the original.
Indeed, this Selina expresses disappointment that she didn’t get a chance to use all the toys and weapons she’d acquired as she shuts down her Cat Cave. This includes a motorcycle that transforms into a cat mecha, which she dubs “The Wildcat.” It spoils little to reveal she does get a chance to use it as she starts chasing her would-be killers.
The script by Scott Snyder and Che Grayson shows amazing economy of movement. What little exposition is required flows forth smoothly. This reveals some subtle differences between both versions of Selina Kyle beyond the obvious surface level comparisons. For instance, Absolute Catwoman is a Cuban refugee, though still a victim of Gotham City’s infamously awful foster care system. However, this Selina Kyle lacks family ties and is even more anti-social than the original.
The action of the comic is intensely illustrated by Bengal. From the bombing of Selina’s apartment, to a duel balanced on a motorcycle, every panel is full of grit and kinetic energy. There’s a subtle sense of blur throughout, not quite progressing into manga style speed lines, but continually suggesting motion.
Absolute Catwoman #1 is another amazing entry into the Absolute Universe. It builds beautifully on the foundation from Absolute Batman, offering intense action throughout. Yet this is still unmistakably a Selina Kyle story, even if she is far more like the Bat than the Cat.
Grade: 9/10
Absolute Catwoman #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
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