SYNOPSIS: Things have come to a head for Selina Kyle in Villa Hermosa. Between taking care of her sister and contending with all the crooks who cross her path looking to give her some bad luck, it’s enough to make a Catwoman go bad herself. So maybe she will? “Come now, Selina. Still playing the hero? Stop pretending you’re something you’re not.” It’s Lex Luthor’s words versus Catwoman’s will in this chapter of “The Offer”!
Escalation! Pursuit! Bloodletting!
It’s an eventful night in Villa Hermosa. The Creel family continues to be a menacing force in the city, and their sights are firmly set on the mystical artifact in Selina Kyle’s possession. James pursues Catwoman (literally and metaphorically), but she held his romantic interests at arm’s length. Raymond Creel, the only member of a deranged family who wants to do what is right, uses TV ads to strive for healthy change in the city. And after some significant (and unwilling) bloodshed, the artifact releases some of its inner secrets…
This is another great issue, and while there is a lot happening at once, it never feels sloppy or forced: Joëlle Jones remains firmly in control. She is becoming an expert at varying up the action with quiet character moments while juggling multiple, key interactions simultaneously. Without question, Jones is building an interesting story, but it lacks the compelling nature of her initial Copycats arc. That being said, this continues to be a highly entertaining book, and I can tell that Jones is having a blast scribing it.
Fernando Blanco and Hugo Petrus share artwork duties this month, with enjoyable results. Layouts, movement, and characters are handled seamlessly, and the colors by John Kalisz are excellent. This remains a great looking title month after month.
And speaking of great-looking, we are teased with three pages of Jones’ pristine artwork at the end of the issue — a promise that she will return as the primary artist in the near future (probably in September, and possibly for Selina’s arc in DC’s Year of the Villain). This is definitely something to look forward to.
So there you go! Catwoman continues to be a strong title that I genuinely anticipate each month – the mix of action, crime, and intrigue keep me coming back for more. Until next month! – by John Funderburg
GRADE: B+