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Catwoman (2001) (Old Editions)
Catwoman, Vol. 2: Crooked Little Town
Holly Robinson, la jeune assistante de Catwoman, enquête dans les
bas-fonds de Gotham sur un trafic de drogue. Malheureusement pour
elle, celui-ci est organisé par des flics ripoux ! Aidée par le
détective Slam Bradley, Catwoman devra affronter gangsters et
policiers pour sauver sa jeune protégée. (Contient Catwoman #5-10)
bas-fonds de Gotham sur un trafic de drogue. Malheureusement pour
elle, celui-ci est organisé par des flics ripoux ! Aidée par le
détective Slam Bradley, Catwoman devra affronter gangsters et
policiers pour sauver sa jeune protégée. (Contient Catwoman #5-10)
168 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2003
4 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Ed Brubaker
1,798 books3,010 followersEd Brubaker (born November 17, 1966) is an Eisner Award-winning American cartoonist and writer. He was born at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 28, 2014
I love Catwoman. She's always been one of those bad-ass women in comic books. In this one she has gone somewhat vigilante on the East Side of Gotham. She is poking her nose into a drug trade that involves kids being used as cocaine mules and ends up in the middle of a corrupt cop mess.
See..Catwoman is hawt.
The artwork in this book was somewhat lackluster to me. Catwoman deserves to shine.
There were some tongue in cheek moments in this book that were fun. I just wanted a bit more of the story. It seemed to drop off at times and never really got finished.
See..Catwoman is hawt.
The artwork in this book was somewhat lackluster to me. Catwoman deserves to shine.
There were some tongue in cheek moments in this book that were fun. I just wanted a bit more of the story. It seemed to drop off at times and never really got finished.
August 24, 2023
A great follow-up to a excellent first volume.
This one has Salina's friend as the focus, and it's a great way to give some character growth to a character I knew nothing about. Even more so is when she gets in danger, Salina does everything she can to help her friend out. While not as explosive as the last volume this gritty crime fighting story still hits home and works well with great art style to boot. Issue 5 is a standalone but a treat of a story as well. Give me more! A 4 out of 5.
This one has Salina's friend as the focus, and it's a great way to give some character growth to a character I knew nothing about. Even more so is when she gets in danger, Salina does everything she can to help her friend out. While not as explosive as the last volume this gritty crime fighting story still hits home and works well with great art style to boot. Issue 5 is a standalone but a treat of a story as well. Give me more! A 4 out of 5.
November 11, 2018
T/W- Heavy Drug Use
This was... OK. I felt the pacing moved too slowly and as mentioned in a previous review, I'm not the biggest follower of DC in general. Some of the artwork was visually stunning to look at but this won't be a re-read for me. If you do like Catwoman/DC, you may like this!
This was... OK. I felt the pacing moved too slowly and as mentioned in a previous review, I'm not the biggest follower of DC in general. Some of the artwork was visually stunning to look at but this won't be a re-read for me. If you do like Catwoman/DC, you may like this!
November 23, 2010
It was ok. I wasn't crazy about most of the art, but I think I'm in the minority with that opinion. The stories were solid, but for some reason they just didn't appeal to me. I think a lot of people would be happy with this volume...I was just hoping for something different.
August 30, 2022
(Zero spoiler review) 3.5/5
I am reading this as part of the new Brubaker Catwoman omnibus. A book that, now being a fair way through it, has nowhere near lived up to my, admittedly fairly high expectations. One of my favourite characters, written by one of my favourite writers, I mean come on. A sultry Selina Kyle prowling the streets of East End. A dark noir twist instead of the same old tired super hero histrionics. Sing me up. Sadly, this collection has seen no one covering themselves in any particular shade of glory. What with the artist team changing quicker more frequently than a hookers knickers in summer. Not to mention Brubaker, whether hamstrung by DC or not, isn't exactly giving us A material, though it does get worse unfortunately, but more on that later.
When Cameron Stewart is on and inking his own work, it all works rather well, though that is not such a common occurrence. That, and because Darwyn Cooke started on the book, with his very distinct cartoonish style, everyone since has been trying to copy it, with varying degrees of success. When I think Selina, I think sultry, I think sexy. I definitely don't want to be staring at art that looks like it belongs in a YA novel. Again, there's worse to come from an art perspective as well in future volumes. This didn't leave me feeling dejected as much as disappointed. Its all perfectly decent enough. Just nowhere near as good as I'd built it up in my head. 3.5/5
OmniBen.
I am reading this as part of the new Brubaker Catwoman omnibus. A book that, now being a fair way through it, has nowhere near lived up to my, admittedly fairly high expectations. One of my favourite characters, written by one of my favourite writers, I mean come on. A sultry Selina Kyle prowling the streets of East End. A dark noir twist instead of the same old tired super hero histrionics. Sing me up. Sadly, this collection has seen no one covering themselves in any particular shade of glory. What with the artist team changing quicker more frequently than a hookers knickers in summer. Not to mention Brubaker, whether hamstrung by DC or not, isn't exactly giving us A material, though it does get worse unfortunately, but more on that later.
When Cameron Stewart is on and inking his own work, it all works rather well, though that is not such a common occurrence. That, and because Darwyn Cooke started on the book, with his very distinct cartoonish style, everyone since has been trying to copy it, with varying degrees of success. When I think Selina, I think sultry, I think sexy. I definitely don't want to be staring at art that looks like it belongs in a YA novel. Again, there's worse to come from an art perspective as well in future volumes. This didn't leave me feeling dejected as much as disappointed. Its all perfectly decent enough. Just nowhere near as good as I'd built it up in my head. 3.5/5
OmniBen.
January 10, 2018
Me encanta esta Selina y tiene algunos detalles gráficos más que notables. Son historias cortas, pequeñas aventuras, que aunque sirven para hacer avanzar al personaje son bastante contenidas.
Dos grapas al final, con cambio de dibujante, me han gustado menos. Aunque el puntito irónico de Brubaker refiriéndose a los fans que le critican ha estado muy divertido.
Dos grapas al final, con cambio de dibujante, me han gustado menos. Aunque el puntito irónico de Brubaker refiriéndose a los fans que le critican ha estado muy divertido.
October 19, 2024
3 récits des aventures de Selina Kyle, où elle sauve les enfants abandonnés de Gotham, combat les policiers ripoux et protège les petits gens de la ville face à une Justice injuste. La Catwoman au grand coeur et inarrêtable qu'on adore <3
September 16, 2020
A very interesting run. I liked the last issue alottt. In some moments this reminded me of Chip Zdarsky's daredevil with the crooked cops situation.
June 16, 2024
The writing is great pulp fiction, Ed Brubaker is the master of crime story. The art is kind of 50s with clear lines, sharp edges and really suits the story. The last two-pager of the stories in the album kind of sticks out with some serious male gaze.
November 2, 2010
Ask and ye shall receive!
So, the only previous fault I found with volume 1 was that I didn't care for Darwyn Cooke's art because I felt it did not match the tone of Catwoman. This time around, a new illustrator is on board and I seriously loved every minute of it!
This volume opens with Catwoman facing off against a drug mule operation using kids that no one cares enough about to put up a fight. Heavy stuff to be sure, especially in comics, because kids forced into drug muling is a very real problem!
In some ways, Catwoman is a bit more grounded in reality than the current run of Batman. Her villains are drug dealers and dirty cops. The action is based in the East End of Gotham which she has returned to in an effort to clean up the streets and defend those that have no protector.
Her moral code is clear, but it most certainly gray which makes her an interesting character and a realistic one.
As realistic a character can be when one dresses up in tight black leather as a cat.
The supporting cast of characters is genius! Slam Bradley (a DC character modeled off of Dick Tracy) and Holly (a former prostitute turned informant with a heart of gold) are fantastic characters who do well to balance out the personal and private world of Selina Kyle.
The interaction with Batman/Bruce Wayne is minimal but well done. One particular story gives us a few pages of Selina and Bruce together which was heart warming! I don't care what anyone else says, Catwoman is the only woman that Batman truly truly loves!
I've already mentioned Dick Tracy once, but I'll mention the strip again. Catwoman is essentially written as if it were a Dick Tracy comic in that it concerns itself with corrupt urban issues.
In any event, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this Catwoman series.
Hopefully it doesn't change to much when Ed Brubaker leaves as head writer.
So, the only previous fault I found with volume 1 was that I didn't care for Darwyn Cooke's art because I felt it did not match the tone of Catwoman. This time around, a new illustrator is on board and I seriously loved every minute of it!
This volume opens with Catwoman facing off against a drug mule operation using kids that no one cares enough about to put up a fight. Heavy stuff to be sure, especially in comics, because kids forced into drug muling is a very real problem!
In some ways, Catwoman is a bit more grounded in reality than the current run of Batman. Her villains are drug dealers and dirty cops. The action is based in the East End of Gotham which she has returned to in an effort to clean up the streets and defend those that have no protector.
Her moral code is clear, but it most certainly gray which makes her an interesting character and a realistic one.
As realistic a character can be when one dresses up in tight black leather as a cat.
The supporting cast of characters is genius! Slam Bradley (a DC character modeled off of Dick Tracy) and Holly (a former prostitute turned informant with a heart of gold) are fantastic characters who do well to balance out the personal and private world of Selina Kyle.
The interaction with Batman/Bruce Wayne is minimal but well done. One particular story gives us a few pages of Selina and Bruce together which was heart warming! I don't care what anyone else says, Catwoman is the only woman that Batman truly truly loves!
I've already mentioned Dick Tracy once, but I'll mention the strip again. Catwoman is essentially written as if it were a Dick Tracy comic in that it concerns itself with corrupt urban issues.
In any event, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this Catwoman series.
Hopefully it doesn't change to much when Ed Brubaker leaves as head writer.
December 26, 2018
I've really been loving this Brubaker Catwoman series. This issue tells a complete story, in which everything is planned for a reason, and we get to know characters naturally as they become a part of the plans. Holly is back as Selina's roommate, and Slam Bradley is back, this time as Selina's almost-partner. Selina takes down some dirty cops, but her primary goal, always, is protecting her own people. I love how she walks on that knife edge between lawful and criminal, stepping over one way or the other as it suits her needs.
It's clear that the writer and illustrators collaborate in these, because the character facial expressions are always perfect for the dialogue, the body language is pitch perfect, and I'm never confused about what is happening or which panel to read next. Brad Rader (pencils) and (in most issues) Rick Burnett (ink) and Matt Hollingsworth (the ONLY colorist I ever bother noting) are a fantastic team. The characters are all drawn in an exaggerated noir comic style, but also completely realistic and natural, each person has their own face and expressions. Their poses are always natural and never in a silly "action" pose (Leonardo Romero, I'm looking at you and your silly poses in Hawkeye, where everyone looks like they've just been scared shitless by a small animal jumping in front of them, with their arms held out for no reason, intended to show motion but in the way no one ever actually stands).
I enjoyed the little meta comments throughout, especially the last two page mini-issue, "Why Holly Isn't Dead," talking about characters that are killed off in one series, but brought back and rebooted for a new series, all while Catwoman changes from one ridiculously skimpy outfit to another, finally settling on the zip-up full bodysuit that she wears in this book.
It's clear that the writer and illustrators collaborate in these, because the character facial expressions are always perfect for the dialogue, the body language is pitch perfect, and I'm never confused about what is happening or which panel to read next. Brad Rader (pencils) and (in most issues) Rick Burnett (ink) and Matt Hollingsworth (the ONLY colorist I ever bother noting) are a fantastic team. The characters are all drawn in an exaggerated noir comic style, but also completely realistic and natural, each person has their own face and expressions. Their poses are always natural and never in a silly "action" pose (Leonardo Romero, I'm looking at you and your silly poses in Hawkeye, where everyone looks like they've just been scared shitless by a small animal jumping in front of them, with their arms held out for no reason, intended to show motion but in the way no one ever actually stands).
I enjoyed the little meta comments throughout, especially the last two page mini-issue, "Why Holly Isn't Dead," talking about characters that are killed off in one series, but brought back and rebooted for a new series, all while Catwoman changes from one ridiculously skimpy outfit to another, finally settling on the zip-up full bodysuit that she wears in this book.
July 22, 2012
Love this take on Catwoman. Thief turned vigilante of sorts. Not trying to kill people, just make her part of town right. Old-style graphics, hot outfits, a certain coolness surrounding her at all times. Very sweet!
October 10, 2020
If Batman is the protector of Gotham, then Catwoman plays a similar role in Gotham's East Side. I'm really having a hard time deciding if volume 2 is better than volume 1, but I think I like this volume more. Volume 1 had powerful moments but I wasn't a fan of the supernatural aspect. Volume 2, on the other hand, is more grounded as Catwoman is fighting against corrupt cops.
I think Brubaker has a good grasp of who Catwoman is and what she's all about. It's also nice to see Catwoman have her own team. Slam Bradley and Holly Robinson are the perfect support characters to support Selena in her adventures. I really like the last issue wherein Holly breaks the 4th wall. This was Brubaker's way of explaining why he disregarded continuity and brought Holly back from the dead without explaining how she came back. We also get a Batman/Bruce Wayne cameo. I can really see why these two have chemistry. As for the art, I really loved Cooke's art in volume 1, and Rader's art in this volume is very similar to Cooke's.
I think Brubaker has a good grasp of who Catwoman is and what she's all about. It's also nice to see Catwoman have her own team. Slam Bradley and Holly Robinson are the perfect support characters to support Selena in her adventures. I really like the last issue wherein Holly breaks the 4th wall. This was Brubaker's way of explaining why he disregarded continuity and brought Holly back from the dead without explaining how she came back. We also get a Batman/Bruce Wayne cameo. I can really see why these two have chemistry. As for the art, I really loved Cooke's art in volume 1, and Rader's art in this volume is very similar to Cooke's.
September 29, 2025
4.25⭐️: there’s no female character like selina kyle in comic books, at least for me. the more i read from this run, the more i love it.
i’ve got to say that it’s refreshing to see selina work with other characters like holly and slam. and since they’re both very fleshed out, they aren’t boring to read.
also black mask as the main villain?? mhh inch resting.
the batcat rooftop chase definitely got to me, as well as the little scene of bruce being so flustered over selina being very much alive. love him!!!
side note: the artwork is so good man, i could stare at these pages forever. i don’t know how to explain it, but it feels SO selina.
i’ve got to say that it’s refreshing to see selina work with other characters like holly and slam. and since they’re both very fleshed out, they aren’t boring to read.
also black mask as the main villain?? mhh inch resting.
the batcat rooftop chase definitely got to me, as well as the little scene of bruce being so flustered over selina being very much alive. love him!!!
side note: the artwork is so good man, i could stare at these pages forever. i don’t know how to explain it, but it feels SO selina.
July 24, 2024
I wasn't sure about this but picked them up for £3 at Oxfam and I'm glad I did. I love Burbaker's pulp comics and this was very much like that, just set in Gotham. Here we had Catwoman fighting corrupt cops and drug dealers, and the wonderful Slam who walked out of a 40s detective novel, alongside a 90s queer girl, with some social commentary thrown in. It was nearly all my favourite things in one go.
November 26, 2020
The new and improved, heroic Selina Kyle, protector of the East End, versus the cops. Because it’s the East End, and the cops are just as crooked as anyone else in Gotham. Every time I read Ed Brubaker, I want to watch some black and white detective film. He always leaves me wanting more, and this book is no different.
June 11, 2019
I did not like this as much as the previous volume. The loss of Cooke was probably the main contributing factor. The story itself with its stings and setups was pretty fun, but did feel drawn out by one issue too many.
October 6, 2018
The art is really distracting and it doesn’t help that the story feels like it’s serving the art rather than the other way around.
May 5, 2024
A new interpretation of the character…
June 10, 2024
4.5
Muchísimo mejor de lo que esperaba, pensé que iba a a ser una porquería XD
Muchísimo mejor de lo que esperaba, pensé que iba a a ser una porquería XD
June 25, 2024
well fuck this is the wrong language. but i’m here now. more women should be written by men
July 8, 2025
I think I’ve read most of these stories before, but they were worth borrowing and re-reading.
August 26, 2025
Por qué catwoman acaba siempre liada con señoros??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2025
Good book, slight improvement on Volume 1. Has the same cons and pros as the previous book, but I found it easier to get through and had better dialogue.
August 6, 2015
Amazing world building and man that Holly issue was great!
So, Cooke is gone, but Stuart is taking his place and it's great! This is the second arc of Brubaker take on Selina and it's getting tense in here:
World: As I've said above with Darwyn Cooke leaving the series after the first arc and the mini series Cameron Stuart had huge shoes to fill, and man did he ever fill them. I just love the art for this series so far, it's stylish, noir with thick borders, it's beautiful and district. The world building this time around is wonderful as we are getting more and more glimpses of the East End and it's a dark and seedy and grim place to be. This backdrop that Brubaker has created is just a wonderful playground for Selina to play in.
Story: Wonderful! So many things to say, but I don't want to ruin anything with spoilers. The Holly issue was amazing, giving us insight on her and setting the tone for that 4 issue mini story. Joy Ride was a fun character study of Selina's past, and Secret Files was also great for world building and also setting up for the massive arc to come. The stories are paced well, the tone dark but charismatic, dirty but enticing, it's wonderful. The stories matter, have consequences and building forwards something bigger. This is simply good storytelling.
Characters: Rich and deep. Brubaker is a master of characters, all of the characters from big to small are real, deep and have stories of their own. Selina is amazing and rich for storytelling. This time around we also saw glimpses of Holly and more Slam Bradley, then there's Karon and Allen and Black Mask...the list goes on. Each character has an arc, their motivations and personality and voice is distinct and gripping. Just great character writing.
This series is amazing, this is the reason why Brubaker is respect in the crime genre, he creates amazing world, deep characters, and gripping stories. Read this!
Onward to the next book!
So, Cooke is gone, but Stuart is taking his place and it's great! This is the second arc of Brubaker take on Selina and it's getting tense in here:
World: As I've said above with Darwyn Cooke leaving the series after the first arc and the mini series Cameron Stuart had huge shoes to fill, and man did he ever fill them. I just love the art for this series so far, it's stylish, noir with thick borders, it's beautiful and district. The world building this time around is wonderful as we are getting more and more glimpses of the East End and it's a dark and seedy and grim place to be. This backdrop that Brubaker has created is just a wonderful playground for Selina to play in.
Story: Wonderful! So many things to say, but I don't want to ruin anything with spoilers. The Holly issue was amazing, giving us insight on her and setting the tone for that 4 issue mini story. Joy Ride was a fun character study of Selina's past, and Secret Files was also great for world building and also setting up for the massive arc to come. The stories are paced well, the tone dark but charismatic, dirty but enticing, it's wonderful. The stories matter, have consequences and building forwards something bigger. This is simply good storytelling.
Characters: Rich and deep. Brubaker is a master of characters, all of the characters from big to small are real, deep and have stories of their own. Selina is amazing and rich for storytelling. This time around we also saw glimpses of Holly and more Slam Bradley, then there's Karon and Allen and Black Mask...the list goes on. Each character has an arc, their motivations and personality and voice is distinct and gripping. Just great character writing.
This series is amazing, this is the reason why Brubaker is respect in the crime genre, he creates amazing world, deep characters, and gripping stories. Read this!
Onward to the next book!
February 18, 2016
Por diversas razones terminé leyéndolo en muchas partes, la lectura en sí terminó haciéndose pesada (no porque lo sea, es muy ágil, sino por problemas que tuve) y apenas disfrutaba leyendo porque estaba bastante frustrada con otras cosas.
Algunas cosas ya sabía cómo iban a terminar, porque al haber leído antes el 3er tomo (que es el que le sigue a este) algunas cosas quedaban en mi cabeza de cómo habían terminado después.
En fin, muy bueno, espero que el próximo pueda leerlo con tiempo y en otro momento donde no esté tan ocupada.
Algunas cosas ya sabía cómo iban a terminar, porque al haber leído antes el 3er tomo (que es el que le sigue a este) algunas cosas quedaban en mi cabeza de cómo habían terminado después.
En fin, muy bueno, espero que el próximo pueda leerlo con tiempo y en otro momento donde no esté tan ocupada.
February 25, 2013
This is a real gritty street level book that seems more real than most comics set in the normal DC Universe. Although Catowman is the main character, the East End is maybe the true main character. It has a soul all its own. Added to that is the remarkably fun Holly and old school cool Slam Bradley. Throw in a little sexual tension with Batman and you have a really good book. The art, mostly by Brad Rader was pitch perfect for this noir book. A very good read!
October 23, 2008
I was saddened when I opened this volume and realized that Darwyn Cooke wasn't the artist like he was in the first volume. But, if I'm remembering things correctly, he left to work on "The New Frontier" which is basically the best thing ever, so he can be forgiven. Anyway, Catwoman is good, but not great, because of Cooke's departure.
September 15, 2010
Essentially the reboot of Catwoman. Interesting, a little confusing as I didn't read the first and have been a little out of touch but nothing so confusing that you drop the book.
The art was okay but I especially loved the Black Masque introduction (because we all know where that leads) and the fact that Bruce just couldn't stop staring ;)
The art was okay but I especially loved the Black Masque introduction (because we all know where that leads) and the fact that Bruce just couldn't stop staring ;)
November 11, 2013
I really love the art in this book. I just want to see Dick Tracy show up and duke it out with Batman. I want a Catwoman movie where she is styled like a 1940's movie star. It would make me geek out.
Brubaker is so good when he is working on the street level grey-moral characters. Selina is troubled but strong. She doesn't fit the normal unconflicted hero that I associate with DC.
Brubaker is so good when he is working on the street level grey-moral characters. Selina is troubled but strong. She doesn't fit the normal unconflicted hero that I associate with DC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews