DC Comics Review: KNIGHT TERRORS: CATWOMAN #1

Credit: DC Comics

DC didn’t look far to helm Selina Kyle’s entry into the Knight Terrors event, with CATWOMAN scribe Tini Howard penning the story with Leila Leiz on art, Marissa Louise providing colors, and Becca Carey doing the lettering.

There doesn’t seem to be a rhyme or reason as to which event tie-ins are actual tie-ins that drive the overall plot forward vs. tie-ins that are seemingly ways to add extra titles to the event, but this story falls into the latter group. This story puts the spotlight on Selina’s anti-hero past while on a mission with her sister, Magadlene Kyle/Sister Zero. Selina comes face-to-face with the duality of her past actions and whether or not some of the more nefarious decisions were actually for Gotham’s greater good. Selina saves a version of Batman (who has yet to go by the moniker) and helps nurse him back to health (including a passionate kiss), drawing the condemnation of her sister. The two love birds fly the coop and we end with Selina pledging to get Batman up to speed to defeat Joker.

Credit: DC Comics

Howard’s writing was strong and highlighted her deep familiarity with the character, but the story itself was milquetoast at best. Nothing felt entirely new or revelatory and the lack of connection to the main story kept the stakes relatively low. I appreciate the approach Leiz took with the book’s art though I wasn’t a fan of the end product. The line-work was extra heavy and details were overly harsh, including character faces that felt distorted. For me, Louise’s colors were the highlight of the book and covered a wide spectrum spanning dark colors during nighttime scenes to vibrant bubblegum colors when Selina and her sister went to hunt down the Joker.

Credit: DC Comics

Rating: 6/10