Catwoman #7 review: An old friend comes to visit

An old friend from Gotham City arrives in Villa Hermosa to chat with Selina in Catwoman #7, but what could he possibly want to talk about?

Selina Kyle moved across the country to escape her past in Gotham City, and yet the past won’t leave her be. Since the start of this stunning series from Joelle Jones, Selina has been plagued by the decision to leave Gotham City, and Bruce Wayne, behind. It hasn’t been easy for her. And in Catwoman #7, Gotham City comes calling.

This is the first of the two part “Something Smells Fishy” arc featuring Penguin’s trip to the West Coast. But what could he possibly want with Selina Kyle?

This post contains spoilers for Catwoman #7.

Catwoman #7 is different than the stories we have seen from Joelle Jones so far, particularly because there is very little by way of dialogue. The story is driven by the magnificent artwork and in this case it works very well because early on in the story Selina reveals the advice she received from Mama Fortuna during her early pickpocketing days: “Be fierce, little girl, even if it’s all just a mask.”

In this case, Selina’s eyes tell the story. She knows someone wants to see her (and is willing to blow up the pier to get her attention), but she has no idea it’s Penguin until she arrives at the aquarium to see him waiting for her. And he wants to talk.

Will Penguin be all business during their conversation, or will he speak of what’s happening in Gotham City? Will the Batman news open barely-healed wounds for Selina?

Given that Catwoman’s story spins out of the Tom King Batman series, it’s interesting to see Penguin in Villa Hermosa after he’d been seeing asylum with Batman after revealing the details surrounding Bane’s plans to the Dark Knight. Penguin had been mourning the loss of his beloved wife Penny and in his grief he was ready to go out in a blaze of glory…which makes us wonder why he came to visit Catwoman. Is this a ploy to get back at Batman, or does he really need her help? Or is there no connection at all between the stories? Only time will tell.

Raina Creel shows up to remind us that she’s still around, so expect to see her again in the future.

Joelle Jones did the cover art for Catwoman #7, but this issue’s art comes entirely from Elena Casagrande and Fernando Blanco, who do a fantastic job following Jones’ signature style. From start to finish it’s another gorgeous book, and one for the collection.

Story: Joelle Jones

Art: Elena Casagrande and Fernando Blanco

Colors: John Kalisz

Lettering: Josh Reed

Catwoman #7 is available now at your local comic shop.