I approached the most recent issue of Catwoman with the very depressing knowledge that Will Pfeifer and David Lopez' brilliant work on the series and character will come to a close in just a few short months. Sadly Catwoman has become the latest great DCU title to get the axe (presumably due to poor sales - how many ways do people need to hear a book praised before they decide to try it out?). Even more depressing was the knowledge that Pfeifer and Lopez' second-to-last arc is currently consumed by yet another crossover tie-in, just the latest example of the greater DCU needlessly stepping on one of its books' toes.
With such depressing thoughts running through my mind, I was confronted by the more-than-pleasant surprise of seeing Pfeifer slowly shift his story away from the hell planet of Salvation Run and towards the streets of Gotham's East Side and the perspective of none other than Slam Bradley, the unabashed second-star of this series since its launch. It's as if Pfiefer was told the end was near and immediately decided to return to the essence of what's made his run on the title so phenomenally enjoyable – super-hero fantasy grounded in the sensibilities of good-old fashioned noir. To say this return to roots comes as a welcome sight would be an understatement.
Almost out of nowhere, Pfeifer cuts away from Selina's current predicament on the Hell Planet to follow Slam Bradley, whose search for his missing friend leads him to the trail of a z-list villain too unimportant to be deported to the pages of Salvation Run (and considering the watered down cast of that book, this is really saying something). Right away, Pfeifer slips back into Slam's wonderfully hard-boiled voice; the same grizzled personality Pfeifer picked up from his predecessor Ed Brubaker. Slam's scenes are as humorous and entertaining as fans of this series have come to expect from the character, and they also help warm us up to the idea of Selina getting back to the East End for one last hoorah.
Thankfully, Selina's scenes on the hell planet also work quite nicely, mostly because Pfeifer wisely focus on Selina's relationship with villains that played a role in the writer's run at some point, including Hammer and Cycle, Cheetah and Lex Luthor. We also get a big and very rewarding payoff involving that celebratory cigar the Joker gave Selina at the start of this arc.
I can't begin to describe how disappointed I am to hear this book is on its last legs. Thanks to Pfeifer and Lopez, Selina Kyle has remained one of the richest, most complex characters in comics, and her solo series was one of the most consistently rewarding, well crafted superhero vehicles on the stands. I guess all us Catwoman fans can do is hope and pray that the character lands in a decent series and that Pfeifer and Lopez both inherit a title worthy of their incredible talents.
http://comics.ign.com/articles/867/867260p1.html
Catwoman #78 - DC
I have to say, this one had me a bit confused. This issue should actually take place before Salvation Run #5. In that issue, the Cheetah brings Catwoman to Lex, kind of like your pet cat puts a toy in your shoe sometimes when your not looking . . they want to garner favor from their master. I hate it when that happens. I know. Sometimes it's inevitable. But I would think that they'd be able to plan out the publications better. I know it shouldn't bother me, but, as I'm reading the issue, it's distracting me from the story because I keep thinking of this story in context with that one. Plus, what happened to Sickle & Hammer? In the Salvation Run issue, the Cheetah turns over Catwoman, but I don't remember seeing our pair of Ruskies. Did they take off, leaving Catwoman high & dry? Did they mingle in with the crowd and they're still in on the plan with Selina? That part wasn't really explained in either book. Meanwhile, back at home Slam Bradley is starting to worry about Selina. It isn't until he does a little digging that he finds out that she's not the only villain that's gone missing. There's a whole slew of the A-lists gone. But we knew that. I also don't think Selina told Slam what she decided to do with her daughter before she left . . his grand-daughter. Since this issue seems to be a little behind, it appears that Slam is a little behind the learning curve. He's trying to get information out of this Multiplex type kid. And it seems as if he's getting his way, until the end of the issue when the kid leads him into a trap. I'm not faulting Will Pfeifer, who did the story, I'm sure it was some kind of publishing snafu. But, like I said, to me when this happens, it distracts me and I don't enjoy the story as much. Overall I thought Will did a decent job. At least with what he had to work with. I still don't understand . . or see the reason . . for this whole Salvation Run thing. Other than killing off a few B-list villains . . I don't see what's to be gained. I like even less that Catwoman's even involved in it. Also, as I said with Freddie E Williams II and Pete Woods, I think David Lopez' art is a bit . . "vanilla" for my tastes. It's ok. It gives this book a certain feel. I'm just not overly thrilled with it. Sorry. Unfortunately though, I think we still have an issue or two of this before Selina finally makes it back to Gotham. O' Happy Day!
http://comicinsight.blogspot.com/2008/05/catwoman-78-dc.html
CATWOMAN #78
Written by Will Pfeifer
Art by David Lopez and Alvaro Lopez
Pfeifer seems to have just given up on the Salvation Run tie-in, as this issue features a great deal of time spent on Slam Bradly, Selina's daughter's grandfather (that's a mouth full), and his quest to find out what happened to his grandchild and her mother, Selina. It was good just to get back to Catwoman related stuff for a change.
The rest of the issue dealt with getting Catwoman back to Luthor's camp to tie into the end of this week's Salvation Run and gives us a rather simple fight scene. The cover should give you a guess as to who she fights.
Considering this series is going to end in four or five months, I'm a bit disappointed it's going to wallow in these tie-ins instead of giving us a satisfying conclusion to the series, but, hey, it was fun while it lasted.
Verdict - Check It
http://www.weeklycrisis.com/2008/04/weekly-crisis-quick-shot-comic-book_17.html
Catwoman #78
Oh yeah Catwoman now we are talking about the lady. Looking for a way off of the Hell Planet. This time she tries to get help from some of her not so close friends let's just call them her arch-nemesis
With two of my favorite villains in the Catwoman world (Hammer and Sickle) and I love the talk that Catwoman gives them about Lex Luthor and his capitalist ideologies but what makes this book fun to read was not that or the cat fight with Cheetah.
It is the story line that is taking place back on earth has her dad trying to found out more about where she went missing. Is funny that Cabwoman’s dad is a detective just like the other man. In her life that has a utility belt and like dressing up as a Bat.
I can't wait to see what goes down in the next issue. On a side note one more great cover by Adam Huges and this was issue 78 and it was the may issue that makes it badass since I was born in 1978 in May.
Story: 3 - Good Art: 3 - Good
http://www.52878.org/Archives/2008/April/index.html
CATWOMAN #78: Schizzy book this time out- the Lopezes, while fine mainstream comics artists, don't really do the Noir-inspired Slam Bradley stuff all that convincingly, but story-wise those interludes are far more compelling than the whole Selina-in-space spandex shenanigans, which the Lopezes, unsurprisingly, depict in fine fashion. So I figure that makes this a wash, like it matters in regards to this unfortunately lame-duck title. C+
http://johnnybacardi.blogspot.com/
Catwoman #78
Review by 52878org:
Written by Will Pfeifer
Art by David Lopez & Alvaro Lopez
Cover by Adam Hughes
Size: 32 Pages
Price: $2.99
Oh yeah Catwoman now we are talking about the lady. Looking for a way off of the Hell Planet. This time she tries to get help from some of her not so close friends let's just call them her arch-nemesis With two of my favorite villains in the Catwoman world (Hammer and Sickle) and I love the talk that Catwoman gives them about Lex Luthor and his capitalist ideologies but what makes this book fun to read was not that or the cat fight with Cheetah. It is the story line that is taking place back on earth has her dad trying to found out more about where she went missing. Is funny that Cabwoman’s dad is a detective just like the other man. In her life that has a utility belt and like dressing up as a Bat. I can't wait to see what goes down in the next issue. On a side note one more great cover by Adam Huges and this was issue 78 and it was the may issue that makes it badass since I was born in 1978 in May.
http://www.ifanboy.com/reviews/52878org/dc_comics/catwoman/78
CATWOMAN #78
Writer: Will Pfeifer
Art: David Lopez & Alvaro Lopez
DC $2.99
Matt C: It’s been on the cards for a while but it was still something of a shock to learn that this book is being cancelled. When Brubaker left the title way back when I didn’t think it would remain on my pull-list for long, but Pfeifer has done a sterling job of holding my interest in Selina Kyle’s escapades. DC’s lineup will be worse off with the loss of Catwoman, and so will my collection. 8/10
http://paradoxcomicsgroup.blogspot.com/2008/04/mini-reviews-2042008.html
CATWOMAN #78 REVIEW
Reviewer: Terry Verticchio terryvert@hotmail.com
Quick Rating: Good
Title: The Long Road Home—Part One
The enemy of my enemy is my friend…right? Well, maybe not if your Catwoman.
Writer: Will Pfeifer
Pencils: David Lopez
Inks: Alvaro Lopez
Colours: Jeromy Cox & Guy Major
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher
Cover artist: Adam Hughes
Editor: Nachie Castro
Publisher: DC Comics
Selina is still stuck on Hell Planet and the villains are still not too friendly. So she has to make a deal with a pair of devils in the hopes of making it off that planet alive. Unfortunately, Hammer and Sickle hate Catwoman worse than they hate being on Hell Planet, which results in a situation that Selina tried desperately to avoid. In the meantime Slam Bradley tries to get the low-down on just what the heck happened to Selina and comes across a terrible secret instead.
Okay, with issue we jump into the middle of a story and we jump right out before it’s over. Now this due entirely to being part of the Salvation Run mini for which I do not collect, so I can’t fault poor Will Pfeifer for having to modify this title to conform with that plot. So what he does is just make this all about Selina. We get into her mind and move along with her as she tries to make lemonade after being served a whole heaping bunch of lemons. On this, Will is just hitting every target. But still this makes the story in this issue rather light.
The art is its usual constancy.
Usually this issue would be okay, as everything remains typical of the series. However, considering there aren’t many issues left before Catwoman is cancelled, having to waste time being saddled with Salvation Run is just a crying shame. I hope that Will can end his tenure on Catwoman with a bang rather than whimper.
http://www.comixtreme.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40408
Catwoman #78
W: Will Pfeifer
A: David Lopez
Good news/bad news time, kids. The good news is that, after this issue, it seems that Selina is finally getting back to Earth. The bad news? Well, she won’t have much time to enjoy it because her series is being canceled in the next few months (I believe #82 is going to be the last). I understand that publishing is a business and, as such, you can not conceivably make everyone happy, but is Catwoman doing that poorly in sales? And, if that’s the case, maybe DC should spend less money on insanely expansive “events” with more tie-in books than you can shake a stick at.
Anyway, I’ve only been reading Catwoman for a little while, but I’m going to miss it. I might not have been happy with Selina getting caught up in that whole Salvation Run business, but you can’t fault the book for that. At least Selina was able to finally get the upper claw in her ongoing feud with Cheetah, thanks in part to one of Joker’s exploding cigars.
http://thefaust.wordpress.com/
Catwoman 78
"My god, girl. I hope nothing happened. I know you're a match for anyone, for anything. But a kid...A kid changes everything."
Oh, and here I thought it was Pfeifer's fault that Catwoman has sucked for so long - I never would have thought to blame Helena!
This book is getting canceled soon, and honestly, as sad as I should be about the lack of Selina Kyle book to buy...I can't. I mean, if your dog has rabies when you shoot it, you have to feel like you're doing her a favor, don't you? I don't want a Catwoman book where Slam is smarter and more interesting than the lead character, I don't want a Catwoman book where Selina gives up because it's easier than continuing to fight, and I don't want a book in which Catwoman is anything but the conniving, scheming, intelligent woman she's supposed to be.
This book lost sight of all of those things when Pfeifer took over, and I for one am glad for the ax its receiving, if only because it will make the pain finally stop.
As for this issue in particular, the art inside was gorgeous, the art on the cover not as much. Yes, let's have our female characters bite each other in fights. That's not pandering to a horrible stereotype at all, is it?
Overall Score: 0 yays out of 5.
Doormat Score: 5 doormats out of 5 for the goddamn cover alone.
http://norprostitute.blogspot.com/2008/04/belated-thoughts-on-last-weeks-comics.html
Catwoman #78 - **
Well, this series is winding towards its end, and looking at this issue it's clear to see why. It's just a dull Salvation Run side story, as Catwoman is forced to team up with former archenemies Hammer and Sickle, and then gets attacked by Cheetah in what amounts to little more than a weak excuse for cheesecake fights. What makes this issue at least somewhat enjoyable is the Slam Bradley side story, as he tries to figure out exactly what happened to his old Flame Selina. Unfortunately, they also choose to take this story in an odd direction, as Slam's informant is a punk kid with the power to duplicate himself, and he lures Slam into a one-man ambush. Not looking like an inspiring end to the series.
http://www.606studios.com/bendisboard/showthread.php?t=147877&page=117
Catwoman #78
Posted by Eric on April 29th, 2008
Catwoman #78 (DC - Pfeifer / Lopez / Lopez)
Catwoman’s way off the Hell Planet is set and ready to go, but first she’ll have to deal with the villains she’s crossed. And she’s crossed a lot of villains. Line forms to the left…let’s start with the bloodthirsty, claw-wielding, kill-happy Cheetah!
If I were a long time reader of Catwoman, I would be disappointed, because I am reading Salvation Run on a regular basis and for the last few months, these two series have been complete overlap with very little extra. Take this issue, yes we get a little bit of insight into Catwoman trying to beguile Hammer and Sickle (leftover Cold War cybernetic villains) and we get a close-up view of her throw-down with Cheetah. But it ends at the same place Salvation Run #7 does… with all of the villains trapped on planet Salvation temporarily putting their personal issues aside and dealing with the attack of the parademons. It’s a good thing for this series that this arc is coming to an end.
Don’t get me wrong, I think it has interesting watch Catwoman interact with all of her super-powered cohorts. But it is time for the feline fatale to get back to gritty Gotham with stories that fit her character better. There is nothing wrong with the writing or the art, both are great… it’s just been a fish-out-of-water arc, or more specifically a cat-out-of-the-streets arc.
Issue Grade: B-
http://heroestv.com/blog/strongbadwi/2008/04/29/catwoman-78/
Catwoman #78 by Will Pfeifer (writer), David López (penciller), Álvaro López (inker), Jeromy Cox (colorist), and Jared K. Fletcher (letterer). $2.99, 22 pgs, FC, DC.
Well, here’s another book I can stop convincing you to buy, because it’s dead in the water. I will say that Selina’s fight with Cheetah (depicted on that awful cover) kicks ass, and Slam Bradley is awesome in this issue, and the fact that he’s in big trouble at the end of the book means he can kick lots of ass next time! Oh well. I will compose a better paean to this book in a few months, when it goes the way of the dodo and the fiscally conservative politician.
http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2008/04/18/what-i-bought-16-april-2008/
Catwoman #78 - DC
I have to say, this one had me a bit confused. This issue should actually take place before Salvation Run #5. In that issue, the Cheetah brings Catwoman to Lex, kind of like your pet cat puts a toy in your shoe sometimes when your not looking . . they want to garner favor from their master. I hate it when that happens. I know. Sometimes it's inevitable. But I would think that they'd be able to plan out the publications better. I know it shouldn't bother me, but, as I'm reading the issue, it's distracting me from the story because I keep thinking of this story in context with that one. Plus, what happened to Sickle & Hammer? In the Salvation Run issue, the Cheetah turns over Catwoman, but I don't remember seeing our pair of Ruskies. Did they take off, leaving Catwoman high & dry? Did they mingle in with the crowd and they're still in on the plan with Selina? That part wasn't really explained in either book. Meanwhile, back at home Slam Bradley is starting to worry about Selina. It isn't until he does a little digging that he finds out that she's not the only villain that's gone missing. There's a whole slew of the A-lists gone. But we knew that. I also don't think Selina told Slam what she decided to do with her daughter before she left . . his grand-daughter. Since this issue seems to be a little behind, it appears that Slam is a little behind the learning curve. He's trying to get information out of this Multiplex type kid. And it seems as if he's getting his way, until the end of the issue when the kid leads him into a trap. I'm not faulting Will Pfeifer, who did the story, I'm sure it was some kind of publishing snafu. But, like I said, to me when this happens, it distracts me and I don't enjoy the story as much. Overall I thought Will did a decent job. At least with what he had to work with. I still don't understand . . or see the reason . . for this whole Salvation Run thing. Other than killing off a few B-list villains . . I don't see what's to be gained. I like even less that Catwoman's even involved in it. Also, as I said with Freddie E Williams II and Pete Woods, I think David Lopez' art is a bit . . "vanilla" for my tastes. It's ok. It gives this book a certain feel. I'm just not overly thrilled with it. Sorry. Unfortunately though, I think we still have an issue or two of this before Selina finally makes it back to Gotham. O' Happy Day!
http://comicinsight.blogspot.com/2008/05/catwoman-78-dc.html
CATWOMAN #78- By now, you're probably aware that this is being shitcanned with issue #81. No big surprise, sales were inexplicably low. Can't wait for the inevitable relaunch, probably a "return to that classic Balent style". Shit- I was saving that for my review of the last Pfiefer/Lopez issue...
http://johnnybacardi.blogspot.com/2008/04/this-is-another-of-those-easy-to-write.html
SPLIT DECISION! Catwoman #78
Writer: Will Pfeifer
Penciller: David Lopez
Inker: Alvaro Lopez
Colorist: Jeremy Cox
Publisher: DC Comics
David U.: This review is, unfortunately, colored by the recent news that Catwoman is ending with August’s #82 (not July’s #81, apparently, according to Will Pfeifer). This is really sad, because Catwoman is a damn good comic, and despite the covers - especially the utterly ridiculous one for this issue, with actual lip-biting - it’s a solid example of how to portray a female character, and females fighting females, in ways that seem less like exploitation and more like natural character conflict. I’ll miss this book hardcore, and hopefully the replacement? on DC’s solicitation page, “Bad Girls of Gotham”, will… uh… fill the gap… maybe?
Samantha: You know what would be really sad? If I picked up a Superman comic and realized that Jimmy Olsen was far more competent and interesting of a character than Superman himself. Which is kind of how I feel about picking up a Catwoman comic and seeing that Slam Bradley is more competent than Catwoman.
Also, “My god, girl. I hope nothing happened. I know you’re a match for anyone, for anything. But a kid…A kid changes everything.”
So, it’s Helena’s fault that Catwoman has sucked since Pfeifer took over? Huh. And here I was, blaming the author for bad characterization and ridiculous plots.
On a final negative note, while the art inside the issue is gorgeous, the cover is awful. Catwoman isn’t Mike Tyson. She doesn’t have to bite her opponent to win. No, not even if her opponent is a girl, and the artist can imply some wink-wink-nudge-nudge lesbianism in the shot. I’ll be willing to change my mind on this stance if they ever do a cover of Superman where Clark is biting Lex’s lip passionately.
http://popcultureshock.com/index.php?p=43660
Catwoman #78 – She is still on the Salvation Run world and is trying to keep her distance from the rest of the villains. Last issue she ratted out the Martian Manhunter to save her skin and I think this issue wraps up her visit to the Salvation Run world. Will Pfeifer has done a good job of keeping this detour interesting, but I’m anxious to get back to our interrupted story.
http://comicsand.blogspot.com/2008/04/what-im-getting-wednesday_14.html
Catwoman 78
The cover does creep me out with Selina biting Cheetah's lip, but the story was good. I especially enjoyed Slam's search for Selina. I will really miss this title. Catwoman might show up elsewhere, but what about Slam? And what about a reunion someday between Selina and Holly?
http://shellyscomics.blogspot.com/
I had one comic left, and that was Catwoman #78. This one promised a fight between Catwoman and Cheetah, two feline-based villainesses. I was excited, expecting another all-out slugfest, with Catwoman's right arm thrust back to punch Cheetah so hard she'll have kittens. Instead, what I got was so much better.
One word: Mrrrrrrrooooowwww!
I like this cover because the two characters are kissing and stripping, which is how girls fight. It reminds me of that great poster that's in every dorm room I've ever seen with the two girls making out. Cheetah also has a good costume because the inner lining of her pants are leopard skin and she has leopard skin, so it always looks like you can see her vagina.
Needless to say, after finishing these comics I had to take a shower and then tell my friend Margot about them, but she kept going on and on about - you guessed it! - comic books being sexist!
What a feminazi!
http://ambizarro.blogspot.com/2008/04/comic-books-sexist.html
CATWOMAN #78
Writer: Will Pfeifer
Art: David Lopez & Alvaro Lopez
DC $2.99
Matt C: It’s been on the cards for a while but it was still something of a shock to learn that this book is being cancelled. When Brubaker left the title way back when I didn’t think it would remain on my pull-list for long, but Pfeifer has done a sterling job of holding my interest in Selina Kyle’s escapades. DC’s lineup will be worse off with the loss of Catwoman, and so will my collection. 8/10
http://paradoxcomicsgroup.blogspot.com/
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