Summary
Selina Kyle is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her younger sister, Maggie. At first that means fighting for Carmine Falcone as a Leopard – part of a girl gang. Selina is smart and skilled. She’s undefeated in the fight circuit.
But when Selina is arrested for fighting with the police who come to put her and Maggie into foster homes, she’s in no position to protect anyone anymore. Talia al Ghūl makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Talia will clean up Selina’s arrest record and make sure Maggie gets into a safe situation where her significant medical needs can be addressed, and Selina will join the League of Assassins.
Two years later, Selina is back in Gotham as socialite Holly Vanderhees. No one knows Holly is also the new criminal, Catwoman, who is robbing the Gotham high society folks blind. Not even Holly’s new neighbor, Luke Fox, knows what she does in her free time. But that’s okay. Holly/Selina doesn’t know Luke is Batwing, determined to protect Gotham from any threat – including Catwoman.
Review
This was terrific! This is the third DC Icons book after Wonder Woman Warbringer and Batman Nightwalker. I have enjoyed all three books, and I’m usually not a DC fan.
This one had a different feel to it as Catwoman is not the “hero” so to speak. She hooks up with Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy to rob the city blind and cause plenty of chaos. But Catowman is a likable villain. She contrasts well with the ruthless, bomb trigger-happy Harley Quinn. Selina is more strategic than Harley and she’s as bright as Poison Ivy which makes them great as a pair. Ivy’s unrequited crush on Harley complicates the affinity she has with Catwoman. Her loyalty is always in flux, which made for a fun dynamic.
Poor Batwing can’t catch a break. Batman’s out of town but still manages to keep tabs on Gotham news and call Luke to ask if he’s up to the task of keeping the city safe. Neither man is aware of the world of hurt about to descend on Gotham.
This was a delight to read. Complicated characters, secret identities, and romantic chemistry between “Holly” and Luke as well as Catwoman and Batwing. And then the mystery of Catwoman’s plan for Gotham and all the things that have to happen for her to achieve it. Completely satisfying!
Book four, Superman Dawnbreaker (spring 2019) goes back to highlighting the heroes. These are standalone stories and can be read in any order (Language)