Catwoman #30 Review

by Carlos R. on April 21, 2021

Catwoman #30 Cover Image
Written by: Ram V
Art by: Fernando Blanco
Colors by: Jordie Bellaire
Lettered by: Tom Napolitano
Publisher: DC Comics

Wow this was one cold issue, and the creative team works so fluidly together! By now it should be apparent that anything Ram V touches is absolutely worth picking up. From the Justice League Dark to Swamp Thing to Catwoman there’s no doubt of his skill and understanding of these characters.

This issue finds Selina tracking down Poison Ivy with the help of the Riddler and the Penguin beginning to comprehend what joining forces with Father valley entails.

Selina’s harsher than usual, and understandably so. After all that’s happened and how involved she’s become as Queen of Alleytown, Selina’s had to deal with any threats as effectively as she can. I like how ruthless and calculating she is here, from her movements through the caravan and dealing with the guards, she’s not holding back. The silent reflections are eerie, as she becomes more violent as she progresses. I love the dialogue here, especially between the central characters. Father Valley is turning out to be such a creepy antagonist, especially after his scenes with the Penguin. The character interactions raise the tension in the book, Selina knows what to expect from Nygma and acts accordingly, clawing right through him to be sure she isn’t being played; but the Penguin miscalculates his partnership, and we see how much more of a threat Father Valley is.

This issue is a spectacle to behold. The rain and its buildup throughout the book are fantastic. There’s a particular panel where Selina is flipping over a ledge and the droplets are trailing her across, the light reflecting off her costume and highlighting her silhouette against the rain. It’s just a stupendous scene and makes this issue worth it for me. Bellaire’s colors and transitions are amazing. The gray building up to a murky blue and the stark shifts to reds and green help to highlight Selina’s intents and state of mind. Her scene gearing up is deliberate and works to show each of her moves is calculated.

If you’re not already following Ram V’s Catwoman run, don’t wait any longer.
 

Our Score:

8/10

A Look Inside