What do you think?
Rate this book
Catwoman (2001) (New Editions)
Catwoman, Volume 2: No Easy Way Down
Ed Brubaker continues his noir look at Selina Kyle and the growing criminal element in Gotham City, along with new artist Cameron Stewart. The Black Mask, long time foil of Batman, has his sight set on Gotham City's East End to house his drug trafficing empire. When Selina Kyle discovers the Black Mask's intentions, she begins to wage a vigilante war against his operation in Gotham. Selina continues to frustrate the Black Mask at every turn and when Selina uses funds stolen from Black Mask henchmen to fund a youth center, the Black Mask is enraged and vows to make Selina pay an awful price. There is a reason superheroes have a secret identity and when that identity is known, no one in their family as safe, a hard lesson Selina is forced to learn.
collecting CATWOMAN #10-24 and CATWOMAN SECRET FILES #1
collecting CATWOMAN #10-24 and CATWOMAN SECRET FILES #1
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2013
13 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Ed Brubaker
1,798 books3,027 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
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 13, 2019
“He’s just another sheep rushing to slaughter, and love is the knife.”
In this Ed Brubaker noir makeover for both Catwoman and Selina Kyle, we see pretty much what Brubaker did for Daredevil and Captain America, to create a deeper, more character-driven and angsty version than ever before. Catwoman in this volume, No Easy Way Down, returns to Alleytown, the home of Gotham’s underprivileged and forgotten, and she becomes their advocate. Catwoman has always had a struggle between her cat burglar and better selves, she has always struggled with her feelings about Batman, but there’s a couple detours in this 400 page second volume, including an ill-fated romance with sad-sack detective Slam Bradley, a confrontation with the Black Mask, a lot of girl connections (chiefly with best friend Holly, with whom she heads west on a western road trip), and an encounter with some Egyptian ninjas bent on revenge).
The artistic vision here would seem to be a mash-up of Brubaker’s dark noir sensibility meeting an Archie comics lighter feel to much of the art. There’s this image they project of a brooding Selina, not sure how she wants to live her life or who she wants to be, pushed bang up against fifties pulp enemies such as Black Mask and ninjas. It’s not my favorite Brubaker, but it’s my favorite Catwoman (okay, so far, I don’t know any better, still need to read more!). If you want a dose of realism and humanity in your superhero comics, read Brubaker.
In this Ed Brubaker noir makeover for both Catwoman and Selina Kyle, we see pretty much what Brubaker did for Daredevil and Captain America, to create a deeper, more character-driven and angsty version than ever before. Catwoman in this volume, No Easy Way Down, returns to Alleytown, the home of Gotham’s underprivileged and forgotten, and she becomes their advocate. Catwoman has always had a struggle between her cat burglar and better selves, she has always struggled with her feelings about Batman, but there’s a couple detours in this 400 page second volume, including an ill-fated romance with sad-sack detective Slam Bradley, a confrontation with the Black Mask, a lot of girl connections (chiefly with best friend Holly, with whom she heads west on a western road trip), and an encounter with some Egyptian ninjas bent on revenge).
The artistic vision here would seem to be a mash-up of Brubaker’s dark noir sensibility meeting an Archie comics lighter feel to much of the art. There’s this image they project of a brooding Selina, not sure how she wants to live her life or who she wants to be, pushed bang up against fifties pulp enemies such as Black Mask and ninjas. It’s not my favorite Brubaker, but it’s my favorite Catwoman (okay, so far, I don’t know any better, still need to read more!). If you want a dose of realism and humanity in your superhero comics, read Brubaker.
June 24, 2014
I had seen some of the fallout of what happens to Catwoman's poor sister in this volume. I didn't walk in completely unprepared. I knew what I was going to see. I still wasn't prepared. It was a bold move, to do something that entirely over the line. Particularly as I've gotten the impression that it was a huge upswing in ruthlessness for Black Mask.
It was an equally bold move to allow the characters time to come back to themselves. The Black Mask storyline is incredibly intense, and it's unusual and very welcome to see the affected characters actually be affected. It makes for several slow issues, sure, but there's emotional movement in them, even though they're light on action. I'm very happy with that.
I'm happy with pretty much everything about this book, especially the size. What's not to like about a huge collection with great characters, great writing, and great art?
It was an equally bold move to allow the characters time to come back to themselves. The Black Mask storyline is incredibly intense, and it's unusual and very welcome to see the affected characters actually be affected. It makes for several slow issues, sure, but there's emotional movement in them, even though they're light on action. I'm very happy with that.
I'm happy with pretty much everything about this book, especially the size. What's not to like about a huge collection with great characters, great writing, and great art?
May 17, 2024
Continuing the trend of ground-level grit, but with added supernatural flair, there are more familiar faces, more stakes, and more twists. Once again, Brubaker gets to flex his ability to write noir, and Selina slots perfectly into the role of protagonist. An absolute steal of an experience, it is worth your time and investment.
March 22, 2014
As much as I enjoyed the New 52 Catwoman, despite the controversy surrounding her angry sex with Batman, I was intrigued by the overwhelming feeling I got from fans of her previous incarnations that felt this new version of Selina Kyle was not the “lady” they had known and loved. Consequently, I’ve been slowly working my way through some of the older Catwoman stories, and as a result, have come to understand the loss of this lady.
This particular book was recommended to me recently and I grabbed it on one of my monthly trips to the not-so-local comic store. It was described to me as the definitive Catwoman, and with this quote alone, I can see why:
"She’s a creature of instinct and planning, of rigid desire and unpredictable contingencies, shifting between them the way the rest of us breathe.”
It is a character based noir story that gives us a lot of details about Selina’s past. Her origins have changed over the years, depending on the era and who is writing her, but the consensus seems to involve a tough life on the streets, fighting to survive by whatever means necessary. No Easy Way Down takes Catwoman back to Alleytown, the home of Gotham’s underprivileged and forgotten. But Brubaker makes it clear that Selina does not forget her roots or her friends as she performs some Robin Hood-esque feats to take care of them. Even Bruce recognizes the good she does and turns a blind eye to the source of some of her funding.
But in the process of trying to do good, her enemies attack her where she is most vulnerable: her friends and family – and it breaks her. She goes on a self-destructive spiral that, I believe, the New 52 Catwoman books tries to emulate, though the new Selina lacks the level of class and sense of responsibility that the original Catwoman has. Brubaker’s Catwoman falls and Batman intervenes, but he knows that she doesn’t need him to pick her up. Catwoman is and always has been a strong, fiercely independent woman and, when she’s laid low, the only person who can bring her back is herself.
This is truly Catwoman at her finest, which is to say, at her most flawed and therefore her most perfect. She was created to be Batman’s foil as much as a love interest. A villain, yes, but one who toes the line as much as Batman does. Eventually, she earns her title of “anti-hero” and teeters on the edge of Batman’s trust, though she will always have his love. And mine.
See more reviews at
The BiblioSanctum
This particular book was recommended to me recently and I grabbed it on one of my monthly trips to the not-so-local comic store. It was described to me as the definitive Catwoman, and with this quote alone, I can see why:
"She’s a creature of instinct and planning, of rigid desire and unpredictable contingencies, shifting between them the way the rest of us breathe.”
It is a character based noir story that gives us a lot of details about Selina’s past. Her origins have changed over the years, depending on the era and who is writing her, but the consensus seems to involve a tough life on the streets, fighting to survive by whatever means necessary. No Easy Way Down takes Catwoman back to Alleytown, the home of Gotham’s underprivileged and forgotten. But Brubaker makes it clear that Selina does not forget her roots or her friends as she performs some Robin Hood-esque feats to take care of them. Even Bruce recognizes the good she does and turns a blind eye to the source of some of her funding.
But in the process of trying to do good, her enemies attack her where she is most vulnerable: her friends and family – and it breaks her. She goes on a self-destructive spiral that, I believe, the New 52 Catwoman books tries to emulate, though the new Selina lacks the level of class and sense of responsibility that the original Catwoman has. Brubaker’s Catwoman falls and Batman intervenes, but he knows that she doesn’t need him to pick her up. Catwoman is and always has been a strong, fiercely independent woman and, when she’s laid low, the only person who can bring her back is herself.
This is truly Catwoman at her finest, which is to say, at her most flawed and therefore her most perfect. She was created to be Batman’s foil as much as a love interest. A villain, yes, but one who toes the line as much as Batman does. Eventually, she earns her title of “anti-hero” and teeters on the edge of Batman’s trust, though she will always have his love. And mine.
See more reviews at
The BiblioSanctum
January 27, 2014
Ed Brubaker worked wonders with Captain America. Can he do the same with Catwoman? Yes, yes he can!
Catwoman has under gone changes since she first appeared way back in Batman #1. She’s gone from villain to anti-heroine, with the underpinnings of a love-hate relationship with the Caped Crusader throughout. My first memories of Catwoman would be Julie Newmar’s leather clad version on the old Batman TV show.
(Need to take a moment to process that image)
.......
I’m back. Brubaker dials back the super heroics and writes a solid character driven set of stories. In the first half, he weaves detective noir throughout a story involving the Black Mask. There’s a character named Slam Bradley. "Slam", you can’t get more noir than that. The second half of the volume takes a lighter tone as it details the aftermath and recovery (in the form of a road trip) for Catwoman and Holly Robinson.
Batman/Bruce Wayne and several other DC heroes make appearances throughout. Captain Cold takes a memorable turn as well. Cameron Stewart’s art is effective and reminds me of Davie Aja’s work on Hawkeye.
I have read that volume one is better and can't wait until the library gets it in stock.
Recommended.
Catwoman has under gone changes since she first appeared way back in Batman #1. She’s gone from villain to anti-heroine, with the underpinnings of a love-hate relationship with the Caped Crusader throughout. My first memories of Catwoman would be Julie Newmar’s leather clad version on the old Batman TV show.
(Need to take a moment to process that image)
.......
I’m back. Brubaker dials back the super heroics and writes a solid character driven set of stories. In the first half, he weaves detective noir throughout a story involving the Black Mask. There’s a character named Slam Bradley. "Slam", you can’t get more noir than that. The second half of the volume takes a lighter tone as it details the aftermath and recovery (in the form of a road trip) for Catwoman and Holly Robinson.
Batman/Bruce Wayne and several other DC heroes make appearances throughout. Captain Cold takes a memorable turn as well. Cameron Stewart’s art is effective and reminds me of Davie Aja’s work on Hawkeye.
I have read that volume one is better and can't wait until the library gets it in stock.
Recommended.
January 27, 2022
It has been determined that I am a Comics Snob, especially when it comes to superheroes. If you can't give me a self-contained arc, like Gotham City Sirens or DC Bombshells, I'm left feeling pretty unsatisfied. And as we've all come to know, I'm very picky about artwork. And why not? It's half the story, in this medium.
So, my apologies to Javier Pulido, but the title arc absolutely did not work for me. (Update: I'm giving it another go because it's one of Charlie's favorites. Sigh.) Further update: No Easy Way Down was fantastic, artwork aside. Deeply relatable storytelling. Added a star, even.
And even in Cameron's sections, there was sloppiness that took me straight out.
And the pairing? NO THANK YOUUUU.
The Relentless storyline was amazingggg. Wild Ride was pretty good too. And the handful of oneshots at the end were fun, especially the one with Selina trying on all the different costumes. And the Adam Hughes artwork in the gallery! Stunning!
#CharlieAndAshleyReadComics
Popsugar 2022: Book about a secret
So, my apologies to Javier Pulido, but the title arc absolutely did not work for me. (Update: I'm giving it another go because it's one of Charlie's favorites. Sigh.) Further update: No Easy Way Down was fantastic, artwork aside. Deeply relatable storytelling. Added a star, even.
And even in Cameron's sections, there was sloppiness that took me straight out.
And the pairing? NO THANK YOUUUU.
The Relentless storyline was amazingggg. Wild Ride was pretty good too. And the handful of oneshots at the end were fun, especially the one with Selina trying on all the different costumes. And the Adam Hughes artwork in the gallery! Stunning!
#CharlieAndAshleyReadComics
Popsugar 2022: Book about a secret
April 19, 2022
The stories here are going for a noir vibe, so they rely heavily on narration boxes, but I feel that they were used a bit too much. There are pages and pages of characters telling you what they think and how they feel. When working with a visual medium like comics, it is better to show rather than to tell.
October 10, 2015
Solid. That's what I'd call this volume. No Easy Way Down is quality work with equal parts action, adventure, and mystery, headed by a charming and impressive Selina Kyle. Brubaker gives us a protagonist who has many sides, and it relatable in each of them. A lot of serious, heavy stuff happens in this book, but Brubaker is sure to add welcome moments of playfulness.
The art won't make your jaw drop, but it works well with the tone of the book. (And Selina looks dashing in it!)
Bonus points for the LGBTQ+ representation that doesn't feel like it's checking off an "inclusivity" box. And also for the hints that Selina's not totally straight ;p
Great work. I've got the next volume waiting on my shelf.
The art won't make your jaw drop, but it works well with the tone of the book. (And Selina looks dashing in it!)
Bonus points for the LGBTQ+ representation that doesn't feel like it's checking off an "inclusivity" box. And also for the hints that Selina's not totally straight ;p
Great work. I've got the next volume waiting on my shelf.
April 11, 2025
Very exciting and fun, if a little too melodramatic for me at points (mostly regarding the hopeless infatuations of various characters for Selina). It should be noted that this series takes the approach of showing Catwoman from the perspective of the people that know and love her, so the real standout characters of the book are literally anyone but her, mostly Slam and Holly. Black Mask was amazing, while the Captain Cold cameo was kind of wasted.
September 30, 2023
4.25 stars
Initial thoughts:
I loved this title! The tone, the tragedy, and the hopeful ending was so well written by Brubaker. This volume made me love Holly (and tolerate Slam Bradley, though it will always be fuck Slam Bradley for me). I loved how well developed this version of Catwoman is. Makes me sad to think on some newer titles to be honest. Selina is my favorite DC character and I appreciate how this series makes her so competent, so selfless, so human.
Truly loved it!
Initial thoughts:
I loved this title! The tone, the tragedy, and the hopeful ending was so well written by Brubaker. This volume made me love Holly (and tolerate Slam Bradley, though it will always be fuck Slam Bradley for me). I loved how well developed this version of Catwoman is. Makes me sad to think on some newer titles to be honest. Selina is my favorite DC character and I appreciate how this series makes her so competent, so selfless, so human.
Truly loved it!
January 15, 2018
Menudo lío respecto a la publicación en español que hizo norma. Aquí pone que este es el vol.2 pero después de mucho mirar creo que es para mí el cuatro. Desde luego el nombre ("caer no es fácil") y el plantel de artistas con Javier Pulido, tiene más sentido que el que en Goodreads aparece marcado como el cuarto.
Dicho esto. La parte de Ed Brubaker me ha parecido perfecta. He leído al autor definir el género negro como una sucesión de hechos y malas decisiones que hacen caer, cada vez más bajo, a los personajes. "Caer no es fácil" es la quinta esencia de esto pero con una pequeña gota de esperanza.
Los capítulos están divididos en fases del duelo y colores y el dibujo es sobresaliente.
Dentro viene otra historia, de otro guionista, que lamentablemente no consigo recordar bien. Mi cerebro estaba demasiado fijado en lo anterior.
Dicho esto. La parte de Ed Brubaker me ha parecido perfecta. He leído al autor definir el género negro como una sucesión de hechos y malas decisiones que hacen caer, cada vez más bajo, a los personajes. "Caer no es fácil" es la quinta esencia de esto pero con una pequeña gota de esperanza.
Los capítulos están divididos en fases del duelo y colores y el dibujo es sobresaliente.
Dentro viene otra historia, de otro guionista, que lamentablemente no consigo recordar bien. Mi cerebro estaba demasiado fijado en lo anterior.
November 29, 2025
Another killer volume in Brubaker’s Catwoman run. This one leans hard into the noir vibe — moody, grounded, and character-driven in all the right ways. Selina’s world feels lived-in and dangerous, and the supporting cast really comes into focus here. The pacing is tight, the emotional beats land, and the art continues to be stylish as hell.
This run just keeps getting better.
This run just keeps getting better.
Read
February 18, 2021Still good. This book has less straight noir stuff in it than the first, going into familiar superhero/crime-fighting territory. That’s not a bad thing really. Selina remains likable, as does her supporting cast. There’s a nice flow to the stories, too. “Relentless” is a very intense five issues, as Selina is confronted by her long-lost sister and Black Mask (who is cruel, but who I love as a villain). Then Brubaker gives everyone time to recover in “No Easy Way Down,” which is effectively told in short vignettes that move the characters forward. “Road Trip” ends the book (not counting the Secret Files issue) with Selina and Holly traveling across the country to familiar DC locales. This also forwards the plot and hints at upcoming stories. Honestly, the storytelling here isn’t mind-blowing or anything, but it’s above average, and the story is pretty fun overall. Solid art in this volume as well. Though I do miss Cooke.
January 19, 2020
I’ve been a Catwoman, Selina Kyle, fan for a long time & Ed Brubaker’s noir style is excellent! He really brings out the depth of Selina’s & friend’s characters. I also loved Cameron Stewart’s pencils. The art was simple & could still portray the necessary emotions.
August 10, 2021
Made my way slowly through this because I wanted to savour everything. Very much appreciate that time is taken for wonderful character work and dealing with emotional fallout.
August 17, 2013
Joy Ride (10). What a great story. It's about loyalty and favors owed and justice and doing the right thing … and part of the plot would have worked just as well in Criminal [9/10].
Final Report (11). A pretty light caper story that's fun but little more [7/10].
Relentless (12-16). A phenomenal story, all the better for the fact that Brubaker is able to carry out some extreme tension over the entire five-issue arc. This one is brutal, shocking, and surprising. It's got a wonderful, hopeless noir feel to it, offers some interesting changes for the characters, and is obsessively readable. Definitely the best arc in Catwoman to date [9/10].
No Easy Way Down (17-19). This is an entirely amazing story. It's just about three people fighting through loss and trauma, and what they do and how they cope with it. Brubaker's decision to make this story into three narratives that focus on short stories gives it a lot of its power, but so do the very human and believable reactions that those stories include [10/10!!].
Joy Ride (20-24). A light-hearted close to the volume. This is a fun tour of the cities of the DC Universe. It has its moments of humor, and it offers some nice closure finally the harshness of issues 12-19 [7+/10].
DC Secret Files 2. A fair intro piece on Catwoman, though the "Why Isn't Holly Dead?" two-pager is great. The only problem with this comic is that the editor mysteriously decided to put it out of chronology in the volume. It clearly should go before "Relentless". As is, its placement is confusing [7/10].
Overall, this is a terrific volume, every bit as good as Brubaker's creator-owned noir comics. Here's to hoping that DC comes through for once and finishes one of their archival series, as I'd love to see the mostly uncollected final stories, from 25-37.
Final Report (11). A pretty light caper story that's fun but little more [7/10].
Relentless (12-16). A phenomenal story, all the better for the fact that Brubaker is able to carry out some extreme tension over the entire five-issue arc. This one is brutal, shocking, and surprising. It's got a wonderful, hopeless noir feel to it, offers some interesting changes for the characters, and is obsessively readable. Definitely the best arc in Catwoman to date [9/10].
No Easy Way Down (17-19). This is an entirely amazing story. It's just about three people fighting through loss and trauma, and what they do and how they cope with it. Brubaker's decision to make this story into three narratives that focus on short stories gives it a lot of its power, but so do the very human and believable reactions that those stories include [10/10!!].
Joy Ride (20-24). A light-hearted close to the volume. This is a fun tour of the cities of the DC Universe. It has its moments of humor, and it offers some nice closure finally the harshness of issues 12-19 [7+/10].
DC Secret Files 2. A fair intro piece on Catwoman, though the "Why Isn't Holly Dead?" two-pager is great. The only problem with this comic is that the editor mysteriously decided to put it out of chronology in the volume. It clearly should go before "Relentless". As is, its placement is confusing [7/10].
Overall, this is a terrific volume, every bit as good as Brubaker's creator-owned noir comics. Here's to hoping that DC comes through for once and finishes one of their archival series, as I'd love to see the mostly uncollected final stories, from 25-37.
Read
October 26, 2023Not as thrilled by this as the first volume. The overarching story about the Black Mask was less exciting and interesting than the wealthy business owner quietly running a drug operation, and while the action and adventure lent itself to the still amazing art, the villains felt generic and not specific to Selina's life. It lacked the freshness of Selina, Holly, and Slam exploring the damaged East End community at the ground level. There's also a good bit of really gruesome violence and torture here that felt unearned and follows a trend of 2000's superhero comics attempting to be 'mature' but feeling juvenile. That being said, the standout issues of this volume are in the direct aftermath of these traumatic events where we see the entire circle of characters dealing with the emotional fallout. The following arc continues to be very character centered as Holly and Selina journey cross country, but I couldn't help but feel myself having to push to get through the portions where Selina has to fight these Egyptian cult members that she just happens to come across. I think where I stand with Brubaker is that his handle on character is fantastic, and when he lets plot take the backseat I am over the moon, but when the stories get overwhelmed with Selina having to fight some generic bad guys I want to stop. Additionally, this volume feels like it's sinking into a more black and white view of good and evil, particularly when Catwoman rats out Captain Cold for stealing Jay Garrick's helmet for no apparent reason, other than the comic just assumes that this is the right thing to do. This is at odds with Selina's own outlook on stealing from the haves being perfectly ok, and seems to put her on track to becoming just another cape. Surely Captain Cold deserves to hold onto that helmet for a little while? Justice for Captain Cold.
February 13, 2022
A perfectly fun glimpse into Brubaker's past! Between this and his early Batman work, you can really start to see his voice forming (moreso here). The previous volume of Catwoman had him sharing writing duties with Darwyn Cooke, whose heavily noir-ish, stylistic dialogue and visuals really shined a little brighter than Brubaker's additions, unfortunately. But this time around, he really leans into character, and it's very rewarding. Rather than trying to hit the highs of a perfectly balanced noir, Brubaker instead opts to have Catwoman protecting her closest friends and fighting to be a better person without sacrificing what makes her who she is (specifically, an incredible thief).
All told, it doesn't make for the most thrilling storylines, but I found them very comfortable. Brubaker's naturalistic dialogue and reliance on visuals over unnecessary narration makes this a breeze to read, and allows the characters to feel much more grounded and lived-in that a lot of other DC work from this time period.
I've said this in numerous other reviews, but Brubaker is quite possibly my favorite comics writer working today, so taking a look at his past comics and watching him grow feels very inspiring. This is no exception!
All told, it doesn't make for the most thrilling storylines, but I found them very comfortable. Brubaker's naturalistic dialogue and reliance on visuals over unnecessary narration makes this a breeze to read, and allows the characters to feel much more grounded and lived-in that a lot of other DC work from this time period.
I've said this in numerous other reviews, but Brubaker is quite possibly my favorite comics writer working today, so taking a look at his past comics and watching him grow feels very inspiring. This is no exception!
June 20, 2013
Selina never seems to catch a break. In these stories from Brubaker's acclaimed run, you can see that it'd be no fun if she did. These stories examine Selina at her best and worst, really making you feel for her character and how she relates to everyone around her. Plus, there's still time for lots of superhero hijinx too.
The artwork may put people off, but the simplistic style works wonders, really focusing in on facial expressions, and the way Selina moves across the page.
Hopefully the gap between volumes 2 and 3 won't be as long as it was between 1 and 2, because I'm anxious to see where Catwoman goes next.
The artwork may put people off, but the simplistic style works wonders, really focusing in on facial expressions, and the way Selina moves across the page.
Hopefully the gap between volumes 2 and 3 won't be as long as it was between 1 and 2, because I'm anxious to see where Catwoman goes next.
June 26, 2013
Things get much darker than in Vol. 1 (which was no light-hearted spree), but there's a lot of catharsis too. I love Slam Bradley; I love Holly; I love seeing Holly and Selina in a context other than Gotham. It's a great storytelling move, and I remain in awe of everything about this.
This brilliant work once upon a time came out of DC. It's so hard to reconcile with the New 52 bullcrap. This stuff is from 10 years ago and makes me so happy in my feminism and feels like water to my parched story-soul.
This brilliant work once upon a time came out of DC. It's so hard to reconcile with the New 52 bullcrap. This stuff is from 10 years ago and makes me so happy in my feminism and feels like water to my parched story-soul.
August 8, 2016
I would say this was average at best. The story was a bit choppy and I wasn't too impressed with the artwork. Could have used a bit more of the Black Mask in it as well. Catwoman is awesome. This one could have done her a little more justice.
January 2, 2023
Catwoman meets 43829423 shadowy figures from her past. It starts out very strong, but becomes very, very drawn out and predictable.
July 12, 2025
Il numero sulla rapina nella villa (n.11) e’ troppo sopra le righe: alcune delle trappole nella casa sembrano uscite da un film di James Bond
“Implacabile” (n. 12- 16)
Torna Maggie, sorella di Selina.
Fanno il loro debito nella serie il Pinguino e Maschera Nera.
Nell’ultimo numero Selina rompe una catena con la forza bruta: un po’ too much.
Maggie rimane traumatizzata dalle torture subite per mano di Maschera Nera e viene ricoverata in un manicomio.
A fine storia Slam e Selina finalmente si baciano.
“La lunga discesa” (n. 17-19)
Una trilogia di numeri molto drammatica e umana, con i personaggi (soprattutto Selina e Holly) che devono fare i conti con quello che e’ successo nella minisaga precedente.
Il protagonista assoluto e’ Slam, che mentre segue il caso di una moglie scomparsa capisce che questa relazione con Selina non può funzionare e la molla.
Selina dall’altra parte si sente in colpa verso sua sorella Maggie e Holly -di cui veniamo anche a scoprire il passato da tossicodipendente- e dopo essere stata mollata cede momentaneamente alla tentazione di ricadere nelle vecchie abitudini ma ne esce subito.
Javier Pulido, che ha disegnato questo ciclo, e’ molto altalenante: in molte situazioni non ha nulla da invidiare ai disegnatori che lo hanno preceduto, mentre in altri momenti, specie quelli di giorno, e’ tutto troppo stilizzato e le anatomie molto sproporzionate; sembra di vedere dei brutti quadri cubisti.
“Corsa sfrenata” (n. 20-24)
Racconto molto frammentato, con una trama orizzontale accennata ed episodi quasi autoconclusivi. Bello il numero 22, col montaggio parallelo di Selina e Holly nel diner e Slam che fa a cazzotti con Batman.
Conclude il volume “catwoman secret files and origins”. Nella prima storia Holly racconta del passato di Selina, il secondo un piccolo caso di Slam, il terzo una divertente riflessione meta narrativa sui rilanci nei fumetti seriali e l’ultima e’ il prequel di “implacabile”
“Implacabile” (n. 12- 16)
Torna Maggie, sorella di Selina.
Fanno il loro debito nella serie il Pinguino e Maschera Nera.
Nell’ultimo numero Selina rompe una catena con la forza bruta: un po’ too much.
Maggie rimane traumatizzata dalle torture subite per mano di Maschera Nera e viene ricoverata in un manicomio.
A fine storia Slam e Selina finalmente si baciano.
“La lunga discesa” (n. 17-19)
Una trilogia di numeri molto drammatica e umana, con i personaggi (soprattutto Selina e Holly) che devono fare i conti con quello che e’ successo nella minisaga precedente.
Il protagonista assoluto e’ Slam, che mentre segue il caso di una moglie scomparsa capisce che questa relazione con Selina non può funzionare e la molla.
Selina dall’altra parte si sente in colpa verso sua sorella Maggie e Holly -di cui veniamo anche a scoprire il passato da tossicodipendente- e dopo essere stata mollata cede momentaneamente alla tentazione di ricadere nelle vecchie abitudini ma ne esce subito.
Javier Pulido, che ha disegnato questo ciclo, e’ molto altalenante: in molte situazioni non ha nulla da invidiare ai disegnatori che lo hanno preceduto, mentre in altri momenti, specie quelli di giorno, e’ tutto troppo stilizzato e le anatomie molto sproporzionate; sembra di vedere dei brutti quadri cubisti.
“Corsa sfrenata” (n. 20-24)
Racconto molto frammentato, con una trama orizzontale accennata ed episodi quasi autoconclusivi. Bello il numero 22, col montaggio parallelo di Selina e Holly nel diner e Slam che fa a cazzotti con Batman.
Conclude il volume “catwoman secret files and origins”. Nella prima storia Holly racconta del passato di Selina, il secondo un piccolo caso di Slam, il terzo una divertente riflessione meta narrativa sui rilanci nei fumetti seriali e l’ultima e’ il prequel di “implacabile”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2025
3.5 stars.
No Easy Way Down is a gritty, stylish continuation of Selina Kyle's reinvention under the creative vision of Ed Brubaker and I really like it.
Selina's new arc is great, she's no longer just the seductive thief but a protector of Gotham's East End, which I don't really care about but I do like Selina as a somewhat good guy.
The supporting cast is a great too. Slam Bradley brings old-school detective grit which is always fun, Holly is endearing, Leslie Thompkins adds warmth and Bruce Wayne ties it all in to the batman world. Their presence makes the book feel like more than just a superhero story—it's a community drama with stakes and soul.
Black mask is a terrifying villain and one I wish was in the big Hollywood movies along with Hush and the court of owls.
No Easy Way Down is a gritty, stylish continuation of Selina Kyle's reinvention under the creative vision of Ed Brubaker and I really like it.
Selina's new arc is great, she's no longer just the seductive thief but a protector of Gotham's East End, which I don't really care about but I do like Selina as a somewhat good guy.
The supporting cast is a great too. Slam Bradley brings old-school detective grit which is always fun, Holly is endearing, Leslie Thompkins adds warmth and Bruce Wayne ties it all in to the batman world. Their presence makes the book feel like more than just a superhero story—it's a community drama with stakes and soul.
Black mask is a terrifying villain and one I wish was in the big Hollywood movies along with Hush and the court of owls.
December 22, 2019
I am blown away by how much Ed Brubaker's Catwoman is my jam. I liked v1 already but v2 just knocks it up a million notches.
Darwyn Cooke, Cameron Stewart & Javier Pulido are AS LIKE UNTO GODS with their clean, expressive art.
Selina and Holly (and Karon, never forget her) have conquered out a place in my heart. The stakes are high and the threats are grave without feeling exploitative or gross.
The Black Mask arc was perfectly intense, and the rehab arc after that was exactly what I didn't know I needed.
i onno i like it
Darwyn Cooke, Cameron Stewart & Javier Pulido are AS LIKE UNTO GODS with their clean, expressive art.
Selina and Holly (and Karon, never forget her) have conquered out a place in my heart. The stakes are high and the threats are grave without feeling exploitative or gross.
The Black Mask arc was perfectly intense, and the rehab arc after that was exactly what I didn't know I needed.
i onno i like it
June 24, 2021
another amazing run of Ed Brubaker which simply brings this character to life like no other writer has been able to do. it's almost like the layout for a movie script. I enjoy this time. which coincide with Jeff Loeb Batman such as the long Halloween. and which Nolan used for the Batman begins trilogy. so the Catwoman here is very much the one portrayed by Anne Hathaway. although Brubaker is more spot on than the film and I wish again that this character had her own film or series based on the Brubaker issues.
July 14, 2023
Probably the best Catwoman collection I've ever read, and one of the best Bat Family books I've read. No Easy Way Down covers Catwoman continuing to be more of an anti-hero / hero than thief or adversary of Batman. Brubaker knows how to write noir, and he does it so well with Catwoman. The book, at some point, ceases to be anything approaching a mainstream comic and is essentially a story about recovering from trauma. The writing is superb, the characters are deep, and the art is excellent. Highly recommend.
June 26, 2025
In this book: They defeat the Black Mask but only after he does some really creepy torture. Holly grapples with killings Sylvia. Selina grapples with her sister being crazy. They both go on a big road trip. And lots of other stuff. I get why everyone likes Brubaker’s run so much, this is awesome. It’s just like peak fun comics good plots cool character. Will say that some of the art is not my favorite, but thats just preference. Also oh my god they draw catwoman in some crazy sexualized ways that im not a fan of. Stupid men.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2025
My goodness did this book get angsty but oh boy did it earn this depression arc for its characters! Brubaker has developed these characters so well and got me invested in their happiness. I like how well his Selina toes the line between good and bad. Like yes, she's not a menace to society the way Joker is, but she's not a straight up good guy. Her line is a bit farther than Batman's. But she also cares about her community and her friends! She wants to help them! Idk, I'm not ready for Brubaker's run to end. Any other writer's Catwoman just won't be the same.
December 23, 2024
This was a full-course meal. Exploring emotions of trauma, grief, guilt, healing and friendship, as well as offering '40s-'50s-tinged noir and seamless superhero elements, Brubaker wove a crime masterpiece. No one writes crime comics better. Perhaps no one has written Selina Kyle better.
While Stewart's Slam Bradley resembles a rough-and-tumble Dick Tracy, Pulido's Slam is inspired by Robert Mitchum and the characterization brings the PI's voice to life.
Fabulous stuff.
While Stewart's Slam Bradley resembles a rough-and-tumble Dick Tracy, Pulido's Slam is inspired by Robert Mitchum and the characterization brings the PI's voice to life.
Fabulous stuff.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews