Review: Catwoman, Vol. 1: The Dark End of the Street

Title: Catwoman, Vol 1: The Dark End of the Street

Author: Ed Brubaker
Illustrator: Darwyn Cooke, Mike Allred
Publication Date: November 1, 2002
Publisher: DC Comics
Genre: Comics/Graphic Novels
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Source: Library

For years, Selina Kyle has prowled the skyline of Gotham City as its most famous thief, Catwoman. But when word spreads of Catwoman's demise, Selina decides to leave the costumed world behind and continue her trade cloaked in the shadows. Unable to enjoy her newfound anonymity for too long though, Selina decides that she must return to her infamous persona. Donning a new costume and attitude, Catwoman returns to the streets and sets her sights on the serial killer that has been preying upon the streetwalkers she calls friends.

I recently picked up the first TPB volume of what the Catwoman reboot that was first released in the early 2002. The series, written by Ed Brubaker with art by Darwyn Cooke and Mike Allred finds Catwoman at a crossroads. With both Catwoman and her alter ego Selina Kyle believed to be dead, Catwoman decides that it's time to lay low and re-evaluate her life and the direction she wants to take it.

The story starts off in classic Brubaker style with a noir-type storyline featuring a detective, Slam Bradley, very clearly inspired by Dick Tracy, who is hired to find out if Catwoman is really dead. Brubaker does hard-boiled and gritty really well and the first couple of issues of this volume really showcase that. I wasn't familiar with Darwyn Cooke's work before this. At first I didn't think I was going to like it, but it slowly grew on me. I really liked the redesign of the Catwoman costume. It is sleek, sexy and functional - perfect for a vigilante cat burglar.

Since most of my knowledge of Catwoman comes from the movies (and I am still trying to forget the Halle Berry Catwoman), this was a really nice jumping off point into the character. It's a rebirth of sorts for Catwoman and Selina Kyle and we see her coming to terms with her life and the things she's done. She even has a therapist. Unlike Batman, Catwoman doesn't see things in black & white, but shades of grey. I like the ambiguous nature of her character. She isn't afraid to bend the rules to get what she wants. I liked her snark and attitude but also the vulnerability beneath it all.

Catwoman's first mission after coming out of hiding it to find a serial killer preying on the prostitutes of East End. I found the story to be well paced and interesting, though the identity of the serial killer and the overall resolution of the storyline was somewhat underwhelming.

Overall The Dark End of the Street is a good intro to Catwoman and is a good starting place for those who might be new to the character. Brubaker has laid the groundwork for what could be a really exciting series and I definitely want to see where he takes Catwoman next.

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Visit the author online at Comic Vine and follow him on Twitter @brubaker

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Review: Hawkeye, Vol. 1: My Life As A Weapon

Title: Hawkeye, Vol. 1: My Life As A Weapon

Author: Matt Fraction (Writer), David Aja (Illustrations), Javier Pulido (Illustrations), Alan Davis (Illustrations)
Publication Date: March 19, 2013
Publisher: Marvel
Genre: Comics/Graphic Novel
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository
Source: Borrowed

The breakout star of this summer's blockbuster Avengers film, Clint Barton - aka the self-made hero Hawkeye - fights for justice! With ex-Young Avenger Kate Bishop by his side, he's out to prove himself as one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes! SHIELD recruits Clint to intercept a packet of incriminating evidence - before he becomes the most wanted man in the world. You won't believe what is on The Tape! What is the Vagabond Code? Matt Fraction pens a Hawkeye thriller that spans the globe...and the darkest parts of Hawkeye's mind. Barton and Bishop mean double the Hawkeye and double the trouble...and stealing from the rich never looked so good.

COLLECTING: Hawkeye 1-5, Young Avengers Presents 6

Hot on the heels of the hit Avengers film comes a new comic book series about Hawkeye, aka Clint Barton. I was never a huge Avengers fan growing up (I was more of an X-Men kind of girl) and pretty much all I know about them I have learned from the recent Marvel movies. You don't need a lot of previous back story to read this collection though and I found it easy to follow along.

My Life As A Weapon is a collection of the first 5 issues of the Hawkeye series written by Matt Faction (The Invincible Iron Man, The Immortal Fist). The first three issues illustrated by David Aja (The Immortal Iron Fist) and the last two illustrated by Javier Pulido (Spiderman: Black Cat). This collection also includes a special issue of the Avengers Presents that features Hawkeye's first meeting with Kate Bishop.

The first three issues of this series are standalone stories. There is no real connection between each episode storywise and I think they are meant to give us insight into how this character ticks. Clint Barton is an everyman who also happens to be an Avenger. He's smart but not a genius and he reminds us more than once that he doesn't have any super powers. He just happens to have really good aim. It's kind of nice seeing a character like this, one who isn't brilliant or have super powers but wants to do the right thing. He gets himself into crazy scrapes and puts his foot in his mouth more often than not.

Kate Bishop is a character that is new to me and I really liked her. She and Hawkeye have an interesting relationship, to say the least, and I enjoyed watching her push his buttons. I would definitely like to read more about them together and see where their relationship goes.

I really enjoyed David Aja's artwork. I wasn't familiar with him before reading this but am interested in reading his back catalog now. He has a clean, bold style that I think works really well for this fast paced action series. I wasn't as big of a fan of Javier Pulido's artwork. There's nothing wrong with it but it didn't wow me. I am also one of those people who enjoys continuity in a comic series and it's a bit jarring when they switch artists halfway through.

While this series is fun, I don't think it's going to be a regular read for me. The lack of an overall story arc didn't give me much to invest in. This may change as the series goes on. If you like The Avengers and/or are curious about Hawkeye's back story, this is a good collection to pick up. There is some great dialogue and action sequences and Aja's artwork is top notch.

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Visit Matt Fraction online at mattfraction.com and David Aja at  blog.davidaja.com/

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