Catwoman #18 Review

Writer Ann Nocenti continues to struggle to find her voice (and Selina's) in Catwoman #18, which suffers from a bad case of hackneyed dialogue, stale characterization, and a snooze-worthy plot. The majority of the issue focuses on a conflict between Selina and Bruce -- Catwoman steals some paintings that Batman liked and he gets angry. The reader is expected to believe that there is some kind of chemistry between the two but Catwoman comes across as a petulant rookie while Batman displays the emotional range of a petrified log.

More problematic than the less than stellar characterization is the dynamic Nocenti creates between those two characters. Still reeling from the loss of Robin, Batman vents his frustration on Selina, serving up a brutal beating that takes on a bizarre and uncomfortable tone in the light of the burgeoning romantic relationship between the two. There are ways to explore sexual and ethical tensions without resorting to episodes of physical violence, but the fight between Catwoman and Batman, followed by a moment that is no doubt intended to be tender and sincere hits all the wrong notes.

Rafa Sandoval's art, on the other hand, is refreshingly original when he takes the time to flesh it out and the book's visuals are occasionally dynamic enough to liven up an otherwise lackluster story. Though it is not without its flaws, as a few of the panels feature sparse backgrounds, making the art look more than a little rushed in relation to the more detailed scenes.

Catwoman is further hindered by Nocenti's tendency to "head hop" between different perspectives -- one minute we're in Batman's head, the next Trip Winters (what a name), and the next Selina's -- and with the revelation on the final page, it doesn't look like this series is going to tighten up its haphazard plot threads anytime soon.

Melissa Grey has a temperamental tabby cat that she picked up off the street. She can be found on MyIGN at MelissaGrey or lurking on Twitter @meligrey.

Source : ign[dot]com