REVIEW: “Batman/Catwoman Special,’ Issue #1

Batman/Catwoman Special #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Tom King, art by John Paul Leon, Bernard Chang, Shawn Crystal, and Mitch Gerads, colors by Dave Stewart, and letters by Clayton Cowles. Growing up as an orphan, Selina Kyle saw some hard, lonely Christmases. And while they got considerably less lonely as she grew older, they weren’t always any easier. Come along as King takes readers on a walk through Christmases of past, present, and future with Selina Kyle and her family.

Christmas is, ideally, a time of laughter, warmth, and good cheer shared with friends and family. The reality is often less tidy than all that.  It certainly is for Selina Kyle/Wayne. As Batman/Catwoman Special #1 follows Selina through her years we see how her Christmases run the gamut from lonely, to cheerful, to fearful and cold. Turns out being married to a workaholic superhero doesn’t always equate to happy holidays.

While King does a great job of exploring the struggles of Gotham’s number one costumed couple, he also makes sure to spend just as much time showing why the life Selina walks is worth it. Whether it’s Bruce or their future daughter Helena, Selina is never completely alone. But at the same time, she never seems completely with them either. It is here that Batman/Catwoman Special #1 brings its most potent emotions to bear.

As someone who has never felt truly a part of a gathering or group, the concept that Selina can be among those who clearly care deeply for her and yet still feel on some levels distant is a relatable and poignant thing. Yet despite this distance, she still finds what comfort and warmth she can with her family. Even as the clock follows her forward and her family begins to shrink around her, she finds her imperfect solace in those she knows.

The art throughout this book does a great job of keeping its story grounded in the often hard emotions of its tale. Even when the capes and cowls come out, the story is always first and foremost focused on the humanity of its characters. The art does a magnificent job of keeping this emotion at the forefront of the reader’s mind.

The colors further wonderfully add to the story’s emotional core. Whether it’s a cold Christmas in Gotham Penitentiary or a warm one before a fire surrounded by loved ones, the colors always accentuate the mood of the story.

Wrapping up the book’s presentation is Cowles’s solid lettering. The story always flows smoothly and stays clear of the book’s wonderful art thanks to the veteran’s work laying out the dialogue placements.

The back half of Batman/Catwoman Special #1 is devoted to the late Leon. Essays discussing the impressions he left on his peers, art saluting the creative’s work, and a couple of short stories previously released bearing the artist’s talents are reprinted here to pay tribute to the late Leon. These tributes are touching salutes to the artist’s work and life.

Batman/Catwoman Special #1 delivers a deep, thought-provoking look at how much a life and a person can change through the lens of Christmas.

Batman/Catwoman Special #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.