Batman Catwoman #4
DC Comics Black Label
Written by: Tom King
Art by: Clay Mann
Colors by: Tomeu Morey
Letters by: Clayton Cowles
While Batman Catwoman continues to be a solid series, it just can’t seem to make that leap to the next level.
The one thing that continues to hold this story back is Tom King’s use of three timelines. Things have become less confusing and distracting, but dividing so much time between them has caused the story to move at a snail’s pace. This is increasingly frustrating since each timeline’s story has become more and more capitvating.
We are now four issues in, and not one story has advanced all that much — which begs the question: would Batman Catwoman have been better served as a six-story arc rather than 12? Batman Catwoman’s greatest aspect is the presence of Phantasm. Her story of revenge has been the most compelling, and the intensity is kicked up a notch whenever she appears. Additionally, over the last two issues, Huntress has had more of a presence which has also added intrigue to the story. However, in each issue, not enough time is devoted to either character.
On the subject of Helena Bertinelli: over the past two issues, we have seen her take on the mantle of her famous father. Much like her old man, she is determined to find the truth — even if that means digging for skeletons within the Wayne family closets.
Overall, Batman Catwoman has all the elements for a fantastic story. However, King needs to find a way to pick up the pace, or else it’s going to be a slog to the finish line.
(Warning: Spoilers for Batman Catwoman #4 ahead.)
Out of the three timelines the one that has the most potential had the least amount of time spent on it in Batman Catwoman #4. With Selina now a prisoner of the Phantasm, how will Bruce respond? Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long to find out.
While the past timeline gave us more drama between Bruce and Selina, we did get to see the fallout from Joker’s dastardly plan of putting Selina in an unwinnable situation. But because we know about the future timeline where Selina and Bruce have lived a long life together, the intrigue of the Joker storyline doesn’t carry as much interest. Though, Helena playing detective looking into the Joker’s recent death has helped add a fascinating element to the story. Additionally, the panels with her interviewing various members of Batman’s Rogues gallery was also a nice touch.