Why did I pick this up? A question I am asking even writing the review for this. DC had another great idea by ‘reviving’ classic comics for a one-shot deal. Technically it is another issue for the series, but it has no real bearing on the previous story. Sure it’s more tie-ins to an event but it’s still an interesting idea. Anyways, there were a lot of one-shots I wanted to try, Catwoman was not one of them however. I’ve heard amazing things about the previous Catwoman series, but never was that interested. But for some reason, I was compelled to pick this up. Let me tell you something, I’m glad I listen to the voices in my head from time to time.

This was a really good one-shot by Tony Bedard. He’s used to writing the more female aspect of the DCU, what by doing Birds of Prey and the recent Oracle mini. So him writing a Catwoman story seems like a no brainer for him. Basically it has Selina fight the black lantern Black Mask, who I love by the way. (I miss the original Black Mask) Again I know very little about the previous series, but this was explained in a way where it was easy to understand and it didn’t stop the flow of the story. I think Bedard writes a good Selina, very tough and determined and not just a sexed up kitten. (Like so many other writers seem to do for the character) Plus the Gotham Sirens actually make a bit of sense in this!

If I can explain that for a second, yes the Sirens are in this book. (I mean that Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn are involved) Now I did not like the new series Dini/March created a while back. It serves no real purpose other then to show countless ass and cleavage panels. Here however, Bedard makes the team work for me. They don’t live together but they will help each other out because they are friends. That makes much more sense to make a contrive ‘Well we’re a team now, so we gotta live together’. No, make them still have separate lives but make them work together when need be. Plus Quinn actually is pretty formidable in the comic and not just the dumb blond Dini writes her to be.

What also is interesting is the art in this book. This is not going to be easy to cushion the blow so here it goes……It has four artists and three colorists. Which sounds like a problem if you think about it, cause we have seen books falter with too many artists on board. For me, I had no idea this was the case until I looked at the credits closely. For some reason the transitions never seemed that apparent or drastic. When you look at it more closely, then yes you see the difference, but on a basic level all of the artists have a good amount of things in common so it is never jarring.

I am totally shocked this was my pick of the week on the sole purpose that I had no intention on buying it. But my brain was telling me it was a worth while investment, and it also helped that it had a great cover by Adam Hughes. It was a fun little one shot, and I think I will go out and try the Catwoman series people love so much. Yes there are a ton of artists involved but I think you won’t notice as much and you’ll have fun reading it like I did.