“Desolation Land” – Part One
Writer: Ram V
Artist: Fernando Blanco
Color Artist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Tom Napolitano
Review by Adam Ray
The explosive conclusion of the Catwoman 2021 Annual has left us reeling, and eager for more. We saw the immense backstory of the new and intensely serious antagonist coming for Selina, and in Catwoman #33 we now finally see the tension build up into an actual face to face confrontation. New and old allies are called in, which brings a host of exciting new directions the story can now now go in. Realistic and detailed shots of protest and police action bring the strife of today very close to home.
Selina’s suffered many major setbacks from Valley closing in and the police clamping down on her home, so it’s normal for a character to display the traits of despair and uncertainty that she does. These aren’t tests we would associate with the greatest thief in DC Comics, and it’s the richness of the character that really elevates her, compared to so many other similar anti-heroes. It’s fully believable that she’s gathered this following, and that she’s the kind of person who would struggle emotionally to keep them safe.
The Catwoman Annual brought us a real diverse and beautiful mixture of art and colouring styles, but it’s great to see the return of the highly bold and stylish line work, and the muted colours of the beaten down Gotham. that regular readers of the monthly title have gotten used to. We’re reminded that this is the present, and that things are tough for our hero. I simply love some of the the lettering touches in this issue, too. Including the creator credits on a protest sign is a lovely bit of unique creativity that I, personally, have never seen before.
Conclusion
I’m truly eager for the next issue. Catwoman #33 ended with a need to lick literal wounds, and Selina will come face to face with characters she hasn’t seen in years and issues. This is ambitious and exciting storytelling, and it draws me in every time.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
