Written by Joëlle Jones
Art by Laura Allred & Saida Temofonte
Cover Art by David Finch & Steve Firchow
SUMMARY:
Entitled “The Hard Option,” DC Comics released this 32-page issue for January 2020. In Villa Hermosa, having been urged by Lex Luthor’s ‘Apex Lex’ (appearing ghostly in a purple hooded-cloak), Selina departs Creel Mansion to seek out the Lazarus Pit that the nefarious Raina Creel is utilizing. On her way, Selina contemplates why she still deems Gotham City as home. She then witnesses Creel nefariously sacrifice two of her henchmen to test the Pit’s ability to turn them into zombies. Evidently, Catwoman uses the Pit to refresh herself after being hideously attacked by Creel’s forces.
Returning to Villa Hermosa, Selina calls upon an trusted friend for help: Zatanna Zatara. Zatanna’s guest appearance continues in Issue # 18.
Notes: Finch & Ferchow’s cover has an outside sheer plastic cover where Selina sees her Bat-allies in a mirror; the inside cover depicts a mirrored Selina, in an alternate Cat-suit, fronting Batman’s enemies. For the issue’s variant cover (its image isn’t available here), Albert Varanda is the artist.
REVIEW:
Writer Joëlle Jones’ writing is merely okay, i.e. the glaring inconsistency that a Lazarus Pit would restore a wounded Selina to pristine form (essentially, to freshen up) while Creel’s expendable cronies are left as disfigured zombies. Including the impressive cover image, the art squad’s stylish visuals (including utilizing Zooey Deschanel’s likeness for Zatanna) hide what little substance exists in this plot, as it comes off like a glorified back-up tale. Specifically, the padding is a whopping eleven full-page ads in a mere thirty-two pages; three of which are double-page spreads.
To complete this ongoing story arc, purchasing Catwoman # 17 makes practical sense. Otherwise, DC cheats Selina’s fans in search of a satisfying single-issue read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The “DC Nation” column briefly interviews Far Sector’s creative team: writer N.K. Jemisin and artist Jamal Campbell.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
