Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale is a game-changer in the Young Adult genre, unafraid to tackle tough themes that impact teens every single day.
There’s a moment in Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale when Selina Kyle’s entire life flips upside down. Though she has been the victim of domestic violence, this time around she’s a witness to an unspeakable act to someone she cares about. It’s that moment that her life is changed forever and it serves as the foundation for her story.
It’s a tense moment, to be sure. The entire book is at times so stark and visceral that it seems wrong to praise it, but writer Lauren Myracle and artist Isaac Goodhart work in tandem to portray the harsh reality of domestic violence and survival in a way that makes the reader cheer when the story’s tortured heroine Selina Kyle rises above it all. In fact, it’s Selina’s triumph amidst such darkness that gives Under the Moon its vibrancy.
Selina Kyle is a teenager trying to juggle the challenges of high school, friends and family life. Her home life is a mess, she’s not sure where she stands with Bruce Wayne and she’s struggling to keep up appearances. Under the Moon follows her journey through tragedy and triumph and everything that comes with the highs and lows of being a teenager…and so much more.
To say that Under the Moon is haunting is an understatement. Despite its 208 pages, it can be read in one sitting, but be forewarned that it packs a powerful punch that requires some time to digest. It’s a must read for veteran Catwoman fans and it provides a unique origin story for fans new to Selina Kyle or even comics in general.

When DC Comics launched its Young Adult imprint DC Ink the idea was to create graphic novels that would resonate with teen and young adult readers. The stories were designed to be edgy, revealing the origin stories of fan favorite characters like Catwoman, Harley Quinn and Mera. What DC Ink ended up doing is creating stories that mirror the challenges of today’s young adults using well-known characters to deliver the message. The result is a series of powerful stories that appeal to teens and adults alike.
Under the Moon is a no-holds barred take on the harrowing reality of domestic violence and self-harm as well as the journey of self-discovery. Selina’s life is a roller coaster where all she wants to do is get off the ride and settle down. When her mother chooses not to help her, Selina takes matters into her own hands and eventually becomes a champion for victims that can’t save themselves. It’s a tribute to the one life Selina couldn’t save.
If you plan to give this book to a teenager, be sure to follow up and ask if he or she has questions about the story. Under the Moon can be shared by parents and teens alike, and the conversations it will spark are ones that every family should have. It would also make an ideal book for book clubs, Girl Scout troops or high school students.
With Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale Myracle and Goodhart have delivered a story that is an instant classic and an indelible part of Selina Kyle’s story.
Under the Moon is available now at comic shops and bookstores everywhere.