Cheetah & Cheshire Rob the Justice League #1 is a Delightful Heist Story With Depth (Review)

by

Cheetah & Cheshire Steal from the Justice League” #1 – A Comic That Exceeds Expectations

This comic book instantly struck us as something extraordinary when we first heard about it, and it surpasses even those high expectations. Greg Rucka is a standout among male writers who skillfully crafts realistic superwomen, so there was no doubt in our minds that he would deliver. Nicola Scott, one of DC Comics’ top artists, known for her exceptional figure work and meticulous attention to detail (seriously, take a look at any comic she’s drawn, and the level of detail never becomes sketchy as it can with other artists), was certain to make this book visually stunning.

Combining Rucka’s storytelling prowess with Scott’s artistic talent is a match made in heaven, and they have consistently produced exceptional work. However, “Cheetah & Cheshire Steal from the Justice League” #1 transcends all expectations, propelling them into the stratosphere. In short, this is the pinnacle of comic book storytelling – top-notch writing and breathtaking artistry coming together in perfect harmony.

It was widely anticipated that “Cheetah & Cheshire Rob the Justice League” would be excellent, and Rucka certainly delivers an unexpectedly brilliant opening. Known for his exceptional Wonder Woman run during the 21st century, Rucka is well-versed in Cheetah’s character. From the outset, he skillfully portrays Cheetah as a ferocious beast yearning to be human, establishing the book’s tone and posing a question that won’t be fully understood until the end. Rucka also masterfully depicts Cheshire, a lesser-known villain compared to Cheetah. In her initial appearance, he expertly balances her brutality with her playfulness, while subtly reminding readers that beneath her love of violence, she is essentially just an ordinary woman. There’s even a witty joke in the introductory pages that perfectly encapsulates Cheshire’s character. Rucka’s portrayal of both women in this book is remarkable, making it a delight to read.

In this opening chapter of a thrilling heist tale, a crook pitches an audacious plan to another character, and author Rucka masterfully executes it. The narrative is packed with suspenseful moments, but what truly captivates me is the interaction between Cheshire and Cheetah in a diner. Their casual banter is disrupted when Cheetah casually mentions her intention to burglarize the Justice League’s recently restored Watchtower. Both characters are formidable and dangerous, yet this task appears beyond their capabilities (a deliberate pun). The Justice League poses a significant threat to any villain, so Cheshire is understandably hesitant. However, Cheetah manages to persuade Cheshire by revealing the target, which leads us to the question I mentioned earlier: what motivates Cheetah to pursue this specific goal? Rucka skillfully addresses this intriguing aspect of the story. Furthermore, there’s uncertainty regarding whether the object in question truly exists or if Cheetah has ulterior motives, adding another layer of excitement to the story that Rucka is constructing. While this is a heist story, it offers much more depth and complexity, making it an engaging read.

Scott’s artwork is nothing short of extraordinary, and it speaks for itself. Each page is a visual treat, a delight for the eyes. One of Scott’s most notable skills lies in her exceptional character acting; she skillfully portrays each character’s emotions on every page, both through facial expressions and body language. In particular, Scott does an outstanding job with Cheetah, effectively conveying the character’s inner turmoil across several well-drawn pages. Cheetah yearns to escape her destiny, and Scott captures this longing poignantly. Among many interpretations of the character, Scott’s portrayal of Cheshire stands out as one of the best I’ve ever encountered. Notably, Scott’s Cheshire depiction is distinctly Vietnamese, a departure from some other artists’ representations. Moreover, she masterfully encapsulates the black humor that defines the character with every appearance on the page. Lastly, there’s an ethereal fluidity to Cheshire that Scott manages to capture beautifully.

The diner sequence is the backbone of the story, and it shines brilliantly thanks to Scott’s skillful handling. The subtle interactions among the female characters, their non-verbal cues, and facial expressions effectively convey the scene’s narrative without relying heavily on dialogue. In essence, this scene would still communicate its message even if the dialogue was removed. Moreover, there’s an electrifying fight sequence between Cheshire and HIVE agents that Scott masterfully executes. The artwork in this book is impeccable. Annette Kwok’s coloring lends a rich texture to Scott’s pencils, elevating the overall visual appeal. Among DC’s many well-drawn books, this one might be the finest in recent memory.

Title #1: The Daring Heist of Cheetah & Cheshire Cat on Justice League Unveils an Engrossing Tale

This opening issue is a captivating start to the story that immediately hooks you in. With so much happening from the get-go, it leaves you yearning for more. Rucka and Scott make a formidable duo, and if they can maintain this level of quality throughout the series, this promises to be an extraordinary comic book series!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Cheetah & Cheshire Rob the Justice League #1 is on sale now.

https://comicbook.com/comics/news/10-superhero-teams-should-never-worked/embed/#

Read More

2025-08-06 16:24