Catwoman #1

Writer: Judd Winick
Artist: Guillem March
Company: DC Comics

Sex. Boobs. Sex. Boobs. It's almost as if you elude to these things in any way, shape, or form in a superhero comic, the internet implodes upon itself and a news cycle is created. Really though, sex sells, and while I know the gender debate is raging right along with the question of with things like this, is DC bringing in new female readers, I think a question is being lost among all of the hubbub.  That question is this: Is the comic even any good? And the answer to that is yes. Winick and March bring their A games with this one and provide an over the top, rip roaring good time that caters to fans of both good story and great art. Is it the creme de la creme? No, like many other books it does
have a few things that could improve it, but for the most part this new status quo for our favorite feline in tight leather hits the right mark.

Let's first talk about the art though, as with some books, that was what initially drew me in. Guillem March, who's worked on Gotham City Sirens and various covers for other DC books, certainly brings an arsenal of sexy. From page one of this book, that is something that is made abundantly clear. It makes sense, as Catwoman has always had that element. However, it isn't tasteless. It actually has a lot in common with Amanda Conner and her work on Power Girl. Sure, it's a bit more up front in its sexuality, but it still contains that fun, frivolous, character centric focus. More to the point though, it's gorgeous. His linework is amazing. It looks simple, but it isn't. It's complex and a thing of beauty. The way he captures the normality of Catwoman one moment as she talks with friends and the next she's leaping over bad guys, dodging bullets, and bashing heads is some of the most excitement laden artwork that I've seen in a long time.

So yes, having March as the artist was definitely the thing that brought me in. Still, when it was announced that Winick was going to be the writer, my ears perked up a bit. His Batman, specifically his work on the Red Hood character, was more than solid and his work on Justice League Generation Lost was a swift kick to the head reminder of just how well he can write both characters and action. With this issue, we are introduced to a Catwoman who may or may not be the shining example of criminal rehabilitation. From page one, she's on the run from a group of bad guys who are out to get her. Their motivation? Selina doesn't know, but it's a pretty good guess that she stole something that they want back. It's a cool way to open a book. The action is inventive and provoking. It's high energy and scripted in such a way that it makes sense. The captions, which are basically Selina's thought bubbles, don't feel needless, they are indicative of the character and bring something more to the table.

From there we are introduced to a new supporting cast member, one that I think Winick will be able to flesh out in cool ways, our main character gets new digs, and then the mystery of who is after her and the why of it all is revisited. Of course the relationship between our main character and Batman is explored, but its best for the reader to experience that for themselves. Just know that it's...interesting. There is a sense of being overly violent, especially with one scene in particular, but it really never feels too out there in that respect. The event is warranted and it lets the reader understand just how deadly serious Catwoman can be.

So yes, Catwoman is a book to definitely seek out. Like I said, it isn't the end all be all, but there is entertainment to be found her. Sexy and fun entertainment with sensational artwork.