Catwoman: Selina's Big Score (Classic Review)

Originally released in 2002.

Writer: Darwyn Cooke

Artist: Darwyn Cooke

Publisher: DC Comics

Collects: Original graphic novel

As I was reading this gripping heist story, it occurred to me that it wasn't really about Catwoman.

No, sorry. Let me clarify that. Darwyn Cooke has an excellent handle on the character of Selina Kyle. She's a woman with a troubled past, looking towards a brighter future. She takes what she wants when she wants it and is not too proud to be proud without losing a shred of her grace or allure. This is a spot-on portrayal of Catwoman.

But Selina's Big Score is one of those stories that superhero fans are somewhat afraid of. It feels almost free of the confines of the DC Universe, and could honestly be about a totally original group of characters and still be just as good. However, most comics readers won't pick anything up unless it has a big name they recognise on the front.

It is basically a classic heist story, as Selina, eager to make some big money the only way she knows how, pulls together some of her old criminal accomplices to carry out one of those "impossible" jobs: Robbing a moving train carrying mob money.

As in any heist story, there are the minor members of the crew -- Chantel, Swifty, Jeff -- who are really there only to fulfill their function and maybe deliver some witty dialogue now and then. But your attention is immediately given to Stark, an old "acquaintance" of Selina's who doesn't exactly see eye-to-eye with her.

Stark is the most fleshed-out original character in SBS, and is precisely the type of hard-edged career criminal mastermind that Darwyn Cooke seems to love and write so well (see his adapted Parker series for more). His prior relationship with Selina is played out perfectly in both flashbacks and present narrative. Their mutual trust/distrust is clear on every page, and flip-flops as needed brilliantly.

Slam Bradley, an old DC favourite, also features in this story, but for the life of me I couldn't tell you what purpose he serves. While it's always great to see the old P.I., breaking down the doors and dreams of criminals all in one kick, he feels a little redundant here. Not only is he too similar to Stark (both grizzled and no-nonsense, just on different sides of the law) but he also does not seem to add anything to the overall story, at least nothing that could not have been compensated for.

Cooke's art also feels a little bit sketchier than its usual solid and vibrant style, although the generally darker and heavier tone is captured well, without seeming brooding or melancholy. And, as one might expect when writer and artist are one, it matches the zippy pace of the plot. The character name panels are very in keeping with the tone and just as witty as the dialogue too, as an example.

I cannot honestly say that I would definitely have read this if it wasn't a Catwoman story, but I can say that I would recommend this to both non-superhero readers and anyone looking for a good story about everyone's favourite feline fatale.

Rating: 3/5