This review contains spoilers.
Catwoman #52 is written by Frank Tieri with art by Inaki Miranda, Pop Mhan and Giuseppe Cafari with colors by Eva De La Cruz, Beth Soteo and John Starr.
Previously
Catwoman attempted to steal the Faceless Mask but was thwarted by a secret organization run by Richard Sionis, the father of Black Mask as well as a mysterious White Mask. It turned out that White Mask was an old friend of Selina’s who had robbed Sionis years earlier named David.
Recap
Catwoman confronts White Mask and they reveal themselves to each other. Before either can do anything, Black Mask shows up to kill White Mask. In flashbacks, we learn that Richard Sionis hired Selina and David to steal the Faceless Mask but killed David when he tried to demand more money. However, Black Mask reveals that they faked his death so that David could run the European side of Richard Sionis’ criminal organization; he didn’t want Selina because she was a woman. The issue ends with Selina leaving allowing Black Mask to kill David but she manages to leave with the Faceless Mask.
Positives
I like getting information on Selina’s past. The New 52 created a problem where it was unclear what exactly the histories of the characters were. This story gives us new ideas concerning Selina that inform her character and personality.
Per usual with this team, the art is creative with wonderful panel layouts. Miranda has a really unique style that I love looking at. There’s also a great distinction between the present and the past while still being consistent.
Negatives
While I like the idea of filling in Selina’s past, the story with David is a little generic. It’s not bad but it’s not the most interesting thing in the world.
I’m actually torn on Joshua Middleton’s cover. I do like Black Mask looming in the background and the colors work but Selina looks odd and out of place. Maybe that’s the intention but it doesn’t quite play for me.
Verdict
Overall, this is a decent story that is helped immensely by its art. It’s interesting enough but not mind-blowing. However, the art and colors are wonderful and entirely worth the read so I recommend this issue.
