Catwoman #68 Review: Selina Kyle’s Scrappy Swan Song

Catwoman #68 Review: Selina Kyle's Scrappy Swan Song

As a longtime fan of Catwoman, I must say that Tini Howard’s run on the series has been nothing short of exhilarating. The latest issue, #68, is a testament to the character’s complexity and resilience. Selina Kyle’s journey in this story arc has been a rollercoaster ride, and it’s not over until the fat Catwoman sings!


Catwoman’s storyline in mainstream comics stands out uniquely. Initially appearing among a crowd of deceitful women during the Golden Age, she has since transformed into a significant element within the DC Universe, gracing both movies and comic books as a hero, anti-hero, and villain. Remarkably, the current Catwoman solo series is approaching its 70th issue, with various creative minds collaborating to create an unbroken narrative of Selina Kyle’s life. The series continues to thrive, maintaining its numbering as a new creative team takes over for DC All-In initiative. However, this week’s Catwoman #68 marks the conclusion of Tini Howard’s two-year run on the series. This final issue aims to strike a balance between grand events and deep character development.

In issue #68, Catwoman finds herself entangled in an intense conflict as she stands against the White Glove and other DC villains, along with her allies. Selina Kyle’s life is at stake, and this struggle puts not only her bond with Gotham but also her connections with those dearest to her on the line.

Over the past year in “Catwoman,” the “Nine Lives” storyline has stood out as the most compelling representation of the series’ overall potential. As Selina navigates her new regenerative abilities, taking on challenging heists from both Earth and the cosmos, each installment delves deep into exploring her character. This ongoing exploration is vividly showcased in “Catwoman” #68, where Selina gets a chance to reconcile past relationships and understand her self-worth more fully. The impact of this revelation may depend on one’s feelings towards Selina’s relationship with Bruce Wayne/Batman, but it serves as a pivotal moment in Selina’s personal growth.

In essence, Catwoman #68 maintains one persistent issue from the “Nine Lives” saga (and many tales under Howard’s pen) regarding other characters surrounding Catwoman. Although Eiko Hasigawa as Catwoman and Dario Tomasso as Tomcat have occupied a significant portion of the comic pages over the past few years, their storylines are largely ignored in this finale, leaving uncertainty about their future development. Similarly, secondary DC characters like Onyx and Scandal Savage, who’ve briefly appeared in the series, seem to be left untouched, too. Although superhero narratives frequently follow this pattern, it gives a somewhat underwhelming conclusion to one of Selina’s more compelling supporting casts in recent years.

As I immerse myself in the action-packed world of Catwoman #68, I find myself effortlessly sliding into this gripping tale. Carmine di Giandomenico masterfully crafts a whirlwind of impossible escapades and flamboyant vigilante outfits that keep me on the edge of my seat.

Over the last two years, the character of Catwoman has shone brightly with several memorable moments, as Selina’s portrayal as both a superhero and a developing woman has been intriguingly developed. Although the final issue #68 may not wrap up all loose ends neatly, it maintains the same gritty charm and respect for its main character, Catwoman. No matter what awaits Selina Kyle in the future, this run has provided an engaging storyline during her ongoing adventure.

Published by DC

On September 18, 2024

Written by Tini Howard

Art by Carmine di Giandomenico

Colors by Veronica Gandini

Letters by Tom Napolitano

Cover by David Nakayama

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2024-09-18 17:10