The graphic novel adaptation of Catwoman: Soulstealer confused me at first. There are several of the Batman villains but no Batman. There are the people we know, such as Lucius Fox and Commissioner Gordan but not really “there” just “Oh yeah by the way…” And though she is a villain that we all know and love (or hate) Catwoman is the new gal in town, with Poison Ivy and Harley already established. We have Luke Fox as Batwing (yeah, I’m with Selina Kyle/Catwoman, what’s up with these names?) and then we have the romance issue between the “Bat and Cat.” The mix-up of what “I know from before” and this (possible?) retelling finally flowed when I said, “Just enjoy the ride.”
The story is simple, Selina wants revenge for the things done to her, but at the same time is caring and almost does not want chaos; but loves it just the same. A difference in her backstory (for me) is that she has a sister and is part of a gang that does extreme fighting for Carmine Falcone, called the Leopards (you get tattoos for you wins, making the nickname “Kitty” and “Catwoman” come into play and Selina taking her power back and embracing it). In the anti-hero movement, Selina is not good or bad. She made a deal with the Devil and then is surprised it came back to haunt her. Louise Simonson had their work cut out for them by already working with an established character but did a nice job of making the story new and modern. Of course, she had the novel by Sarah J. Maas as their template and you almost cannot go wrong with a Maas. Though, I do wonder how it varies from the novel.
This is an all-around typical graphic novel-comic (or comic-graphic novel) that was well done and adapted well for the illustrations as well. An interesting point is how physically dark the story is, as well as the art. Samantha Dodge made detailed images, that can be busy, but it is the color or lack of that really hits home. Red, yellow, and purple are the main colors used. They are what is expected in the way of violence and blood seen. There are some shirtless scenes from Luke Fox/Batwing, but hey, a little eye candy is nice now and again.
I was taken by the Joker’s physical looks, as it seems they went more Suicide Squad with him, but seemingly better looking. And it truly captures the feeling they want of this mostly named-only character (he’s only used as a plot push for Catwoman’s plan). And the Harley character is not a sweet, or loveable as she has been portrayed. I was thinking the Joker might be insane, but hers is a madness that of course, makes sense, but less flattering than what we might be used to. This dynamic was both a plus and minus to the story.
Again, overall, I enjoyed the book, and might even reread it, but it did not blow me away.