Written by Jeph Loeb
Art by Tim Sale; Richard Starkings; & & Dave Stewart
Cover Art by Tim Sale
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for April 2005, this penultimate issue of the six-part mini-series is entitled “Chapter Five: Friday.” After punting him off a private yacht, an infuriated Selina Kyle evidently gets some vital intel from an overboard Riddler. Dangling a prized ring in front of feared albino mobster Guillermo Verinni and his cronies, she soon discovers where the elusive Louisa Falcone is. Scaling a heavily-secured compound, Selina makes a heartfelt effort to confirm whether or not the ex-Mrs. Falcone is really her biological mother. Batman’s nebulous presence continues to haunt Selina’s sub-conscious. The endgame begins, as a solo Catwoman is targeted by multiple enemies seeking her imminent death.
REVIEW:
Co-storytellers Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale do an excellent job conjuring up this stylish segment of Catwoman’s Italian crime drama. In particular, Sale’s visuals sell the storyline’s film noir aspects exceptionally well. Despite making one too many references to her sex life, Loeb’s tough-talking, street-smart Selina makes a relatable protagonist, particularly without Batman available as her convenient back-up.
The hostility a suspicious Selina exudes toward the Riddler is well-played, as she realizes that her uneasy Gotham City ally is a bigger threat than anticipated. Loeb only stumbles by rendering a few dialogue sequences solely in Italian per the plot’s setting – yes, their general meaning is rendered, but it’s still somewhat pretentious to not provide any specific sub-titles for readers.
Ultimately, Catwoman: When in Rome # 5 is a great adult read. It’s an enticing advertisement to track down this mini-series in its entirety, with the best bet being its trade paperback form.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
DC’s mystery ‘mole’ pens another “DC in Demand” column. Thumbnail cover reveals are for Flash # 219; Seven Soldiers # 0; DC Countdown Special; and Legion of Super-Heroes # 3.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
