SYNOPSIS: “NINE LIVES” ENTERS ITS PENULTIMATE CHAPTER! Selina’s journey has brought her everywhere, from the deepest reaches of the ocean to the cold vacuum of space, but she’s out of places to hide. With enemies closing in all around her, there’s only one place left to go—home. Prepare for the fight of Selina’s life(s) as the WHITE GLOVE launch their attack on Gotham City!
Writer Tini Howard organizes all the pieces on the chess board as we get to the end game of “Nine Lives” and yet this story isn’t one so much about its plot as its characters. Opening on the big battle, it quickly flashes back to the day before as Selena marshalls her forces across Gotham.
It’s funny. I’ve long thought of Catwoman as a loner, but just like Batman, she’s developed a family of her own. As the narration points out, “She [Viceroy] built an army. We built a community.” Howard focuses on that community, bringing about some of the best moments in the storyline.
Of particular note is a scene with Nightwing coming to Catwoman’s side. Her relationship, or at times lack thereof, with Batman, has been a constant theme running throughout this series and it was wonderful to see it come into focus here, with some brilliant observations from Nightwing.
Don’t misunderstand though, this isn’t just a book about characters talking. There is action aplenty, deftly brought to life by the stellar Carmine Di Giandomenico, aided and abetted by Veronica Gandini on vibrant colors. Like always, I appreciate how Di Giandomenico makes Catwoman’s ears so expressive. Practical in real life? No. Fun for comics, though.
The blood red of Selena’s eye pops in every panel, making the ticking time clock going on inside her brain always at the forefront every time you see her. Continuing to wear the ‘90s purple suit provides excellent contrast when she is alongside Eiko in her own Catwoman costume. I wouldn’t say no if Selena continues to wear the purple when this arc is over, but if it only happens to be for this arc, well, at least I enjoyed seeing it one last time.
I wasn’t surprised by the character who shows up at the end, but it felt very fitting for their appearance. It definitely added a sense of suspense at the climax! Selena questioning the reality of Bastet was a nice touch as well. Supernatural doesn’t often mix with her adventures, but Howard has done an excellent job making it work for this particular storyline. With a consistent art team for this story, this was a banger of an issue, one that has me excited for the conclusion! – Javier E. Trujillo
GRADE: A
