SPOILER ALERT: The following article contains spoilers from the debut issue of Absolute Catwoman. We recommend reading it only after you’ve already read the comic.
 

We first met the Absolute Universe’s take on Selina Kyle months ago over in the pages of Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman. Last week, however, she debuted her own limited series written by Snyder and horror writer Che Grayson and drawn by Bengal. Selina Kyle’s Catwoman is one of the most iconic characters in the whole of DC. Typically portrayed as a morally ambiguous Gothamite who embodies her feminine energy in a dangerously powerful way, Catwoman is known for her razor-sharp wit, charm and intellect. But as we’ve seen throughout all the Absolute comics, this is a very different Selina.

Absolute Catwoman #1 starts out not in Gotham, where you usually see Selina Kyle, but in London, England. As the scene begins, we follow the feline-like prowess of Catwoman as she lurks in the shadows while hitting her next target: an upscale luxury apartment. Dressed in her classic suit, you can’t help but to wonder what is the infamous thief stealing this time? The answer, surprisingly, is identity.

This imposter isn’t Catwoman at all, and her target is Selina Kyle. She’s also not alone. There’s an entire gang of Catwoman lookalikes aiding her in her scheme. Within the first two pages, Absolute Catwoman subverts and plays with the tropes of its protagonist by visually pitting a classic version of the character against the real Absolute Catwoman, who contrasts with the former via her state-of-the-art tactical suit and weaponry.

This version of Selina Kyle is different in many ways, one of the biggest being her costume. Equipped with an A.I. assistant similar to that of Tony Stark’s, Selina’s high-tech suit is notably more deadly than her typical garb. Made from segmented kevlar with prehensile conductive carbon steel, a tail that responds directly to neural signals and a helmet with a portable EMP generator, Absolute Catwoman’s suit is our first indicator of another way this Catwoman differs from her mainline counterpart—she’s filthy rich.

After using her skills to move up the ladder, become wealthy and escape Gotham, Selina is ready to retire at 25 and buy her own private villa. But all that comes toppling down when a ghost from her past shows up: Holly. Selina soon finds herself ripped from her retirement plans and taken on a journey of espionage and mystery as she goes after her kidnapped friend—or should we say “cat-napped” since a gaggle of cat-themed female mercenaries took her?

Oh! And did I mention this Catwoman has a Cat Cave? I am infatuated with the idea of Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle having switched roles when it comes to their tax brackets! There’s simply a cool factor that exists with Absolute Selina Kyle. From her sleek motorcycle to the insanely epic fighting choreography that she engages in, you can’t help to be immediately infatuated with this version of Catwoman. The first issue balances the present day with some expertly woven flashback scenes of Selina’s early years as a foster kid in Gotham, making this the perfect introduction to this version of the iconic femme fatale.

As you probably already know from the internet’s reaction to the first issue, Absolute Catwoman #1 ends with the introduction of another beloved member of the Bat-Fam: Cassandra Cain, who’s first seen going mano a mano on the back of a speeding motorcycle with Catwoman. This version of Cass doesn't appear to be associated with Batman—at least, as far as we can tell this early in this story. The tactical and high-tech nature of her suit rivals that of Catwoman’s, and her combat skills are unmatched. While the fight ostensibly ends in a draw, Cass seems to be in control and have the upper hand throughout it. So, while this may be a different Cassandra Cain than the one we’re used to, she definitely shares her DCU counterpart’s unrivaled martial arts capabilities!

Absolute Catwoman #1 leaves us with a lot of questions: Who is this gang of Catwomen? What do they want from Holly and who does Cassandra Cain work for? But the biggest question you may find yourself asking is: Who is the hero of this story?

All Selina wanted to do was get herself out of Gotham City and buy herself an early retirement—to buy herself freedom. Ultimately, I think Absolute Catwoman is setting up the exploration of Selina’s morality as she is called to action and asked to save her friend in an unexpected hero—or anti-hero—journey!
 

Absolute Catwoman #1 by Scott Snyder, Che Grayson, Bengal and Giovanna Niro is now available in print and as a digital comic book.

Sami DeMonster writes about superheroes, horror and sci-fi for DC.com and reviews comics every week on social media. Follow her at @samidemonster on Instagram and Substack.

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Sami DeMonster and do not necessarily reflect those of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.