“Nine Lives” – Part Six
Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico
Color Artist: Veronica Gandini
Letterer: Lucas Gattoni
Catwoman #64 brings us a cosmic heist, which could be deadly for anyone other than Selina. It is a chatty issue, but one with stunning visuals and excellent action.
The issue builds tension from the very start, concerning the forces we saw rally at the end of the last issue. Catwoman’s time is running out. Plus, we’re now only three issues away from chapter nine.
Next, we see Selina’s masterful infiltration of a satellite and the overarching narration that showcases her confidence. This is Catwoman at her finest, but this series’ story is taking her in lots of different directions.
There’s a recklessness to her these days, and she’s not handling all these heists as well as she should. An enfranchised fan of Selina’s, like myself, should probably be concerned about her wellbeing.
The details around the numerous settings are a wonder to behold. The ground crew members at this secret base are sprawling and limitless, and the sea of stars makes for a wonderful stage for this story to take place.
There are moments when we get some real insight into the DC universe, like the offhanded comment about Green Lantern Laws gives us such an outstanding level of interconnectedness that reminds us all that, even in a heist narrative like this one, we get to see Catwoman tangling with cosmic forces beyond the world.
Conclusion
Catwoman #64 has moments where its overall wordiness somewhat breaks the flow of the excellent tension, layered heist drama, and stunning visuals. Sometimes a story needs to let itself breathe in this medium, to tell the most effective story possible.
Nevertheless, the issue still delivers a great tale for those who love the Cat, and get hints at what could be coming to get her in just a few issues time.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment