For being titled “The Gotham War”, there really hasn’t been too much “warring” happening. Catwoman #57 is part three of the Bat-Family crossover promoted as ‘Bat vs. Cat.’ The issue fits in neatly with the rest of The Gotham War issues, meaning it is unfortunatley a bit of a mixed bag.
In act three of the story arc, Batman becomes increasingly isolated from the family. At the same time, Catwoman reflects on her relationship with the Caped Crusader as the Italian opera Turandot plays in the background.
There is a lot to like about Catwoman #57. Like most issues in the series, artist Nico Leon puts together an entertaining book. He has infused his style into every panel, and his care and detail is evident. Each character and their shapes, bodies, and expressions feel authentic and real, but blended with the perfect touch of cartoony action and style. It makes for such a great book to look at. He also designed a pur-fectly killer costume for Catwoman’s night out at the opera.
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The art is paired expertly with the colours of Veronica Gandini, who brings real emotion to the panels and some exciting bursts of colour throughout. She has a particular ability to bring the light to life, whether it’s the warm glow inside the opera house spilling out onto a balcony or the cool fog-covered rooftops of Gotham at night. Every moment of the story reflects the talent of Leon and Gandini. Plus, Lucas Gattoni rounds out the team while having fun with letters, making particular moments pop for the audience, like the crack of Catwoman’s whip.
While Catwoman does have a chance or two to bring the whip out, most of the issue she spends in a different costume while attending an opera. There are few things I love more than an operatic setting for a story, and writer Tini Howard has some real fun getting inside the mind of Selina while the story of two lovers echoes in the background. The scene of Catwoman exploring her relationship with Bruce is easily the book’s highlight. Howard writes Selina with such a terrific level of sorrow and strength. The only downside is that this moment is relatively brief.
The problem with this issue, and essentially The Gotham War as a whole, is that there feels to be a lack of forward momentum. With four issues of nine (including the prelude and Battle Lines) now on shelves, the biggest hole missing seems to be what the story is building to. What lies at the end of The Gotham War?
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There are teases about more significant elements and characters in play, including a fun little reveal at the end of the book. Still, those elements feel out of place when juxtaposed with the more quiet and subtle moments exploring the two heroes’ relationship with each other. The “war” part of The Gotham War isn’t as exciting as seeing Howard write about two people struggling to find an even ground with each other (if any still exists).
However, looking at the issue as a whole, the entire team is putting together a solid package. The art, colors, and letters make Catwoman #57 a fun and dynamic book. It’s easy to imagine that trying to balance a large Bat-based crossover is a challenge, but Howard still manages to have some real standout moments with Selina in this issue, and the biggest letdown is simply that we don’t get more of them. I am still choosing to trust in the talents of Howard and Batman writer Chip Zdarsky to take readers for a spin as the story continues.
Catwoman #57 is another solid, if not a slightly mixed bag, issue in The Gotham War saga. Readers who have enjoyed the story so far will find this issue an exciting addition as we get inside the mind of the Cat, but those who haven’t entirely found the crossover their speed will most likely not have their minds changed by this installment.
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