I've been a huge fan of comic books since I started collecting them again in the early 2000s. Instead of the Avengers or Justice League, it was Exiles that rejuvenated my love. Also, because of that series, I’ve come to appreciate alternate versions of characters. That brings me to DC Comics' Absolute Universe, which has surpassed everyone’s expectations. It’s so good that Robert Kirkman says that the Absolute Batman sales help move Image Comics.
Kirkman’s thoughts make sense. Absolute Batman is one of the best comic books out there. Part of what makes it great is the characters surrounding him. Among them is Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman, whose self-titled miniseries (Absolute Catwoman) was highly anticipated. And, let me tell you, issue No. 1 will leave you wanting this to become an ongoing series.
What makes Absolute Catwoman a must-read?
I’m a fan of Scott Snyder. His various Batman stories (New 52 and All-Star Batman) are the reason I gave the Dark Knight a chance. Now, admittedly, I was not aware of writer Che Grayson’s game. However, I did read their issues of Exquisite Corpses and loved them. I also appreciated their energy on Instagram. Their content is full of joy, and they seem to be happy whenever they're talking about comics. That was enough for me to give Absolute Catwoman a shot, and I’m glad I did.
From the moment Absolute Catwoman begins, you’ll fall in love with Selina and notice that she doesn’t need Batman. Readers get to see her be a badass by the way she handles herself in a crisis. She’s calm and smooth and pays attention to minor details others don’t. Then, you see a young Selina and notice that these are skills she’s always needed to survive. It’s bad enough she’s an orphan in Gotham City. But she’s also a woman of color in one of the worst places in the world.
Selina doesn’t only survive in the world made in Darkseid’s image. She thrives. Selina is 25 years old and on her way to retirement. It’s not a life you’d expect from anyone not born into wealth. Nevertheless, Selina busted her butt to be the best at what she does. And unlike Wolverine, what Selina does is very nice. Well, nice for her pockets, anyway.
Lastly, one thing that connects back to her time in Absolute Batman is how her hard exterior hides a soft heart. She didn’t need to assist Bruce Wayne in defeating Bane (Absolute Batman: Abomination). She certainly didn’t have to tell him not to take Venom, but she did.
In this series, Selina can’t help but be there for a friend she hasn’t seen in years. It’s the little things like that which humanize a character and make them relatable. And this is just the beginning. Imagine what Che Grayson and Scott Snyder do next.
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