Writer: Torunn Grønbekk
Artist: Davide Gianfelice
Colorist: Patricio Delpeche
Letterer: Steve Wands
Cover Artists: Seba Fiumara; Frank Cho; Mahmud Asrar &
Tomeu Morey; W Scott Forbes
International Women’s Day Variant Cover Artist: Leirix
Corner Box Variant Cover Artist: Jorge Jiménez
Editors: James Reid, Arianna Turturro & Rob Levin
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock
Release Date: March 18, 2026
The past weighs heavily on Selina Kyle. When someone tried
to erase it, she crossed the globe to reclaim it. In Venice, Selena risked her
life to honor her mother. Now, she's returned to Gotham. Selena knows home is a
luxury that comes with risks. Still, it's where she belongs. But after everything
that's happened, can Selina resume the life she left behind? Or will Selina
Kyle become a pawn in someone else's game? Let’s leap into Catwoman #85 and
see!
Story
With her skills and all the scores she has pulled off,
Selina could have left her life of action and intrigue behind years ago. But
unlike her sister, she never knew when to stop. Nor has Selina forgotten her
heritage. So even as she returns to mingle among society’s elite at a glittering
social function, Selina Kyle takes time to reconnect with people living on the
streets.
In Catwoman #85, Selina has fallen under the shadow of
Carmine Falcone. Like Selina, the crime boss could have retired years ago. But
his father taught him that life was about control. Carmine’s sacrifices to
dominate his family have not gone unnoticed. Yet amid the bloodbath heard round
the world, Selina Kyle proved Carmine wasn’t untouchable. The head of the
Falcone family knows he should kill her to solidify his new reputation. Yet,
their shared past links them in ways perhaps neither fully understands.
As Selina sets down new roots in Gotham, Torunn Grønbekk
weaves her narrative back and forth through time. Selina’s caper will put her
under Carmine Falcone's control. While confirming her fears about aiding his
criminal empire, her heist will also remind Selina of the corruption inside
Vandal Savage’s police force. Yet in this story about two people with
dominating fathers, Selina demonstrates how much her late mother has influenced
her in Catwoman #85.
Art
In a warehouse by the docks, a masked man works on the
figure hanging before him. While his assistant clutches the bottom of his
jacket over his mouth, the masked man turns to study a human face stretched
over a mannikin head. Then, the man clad in business attire sinks into an
office swivel chair and rests his head on his hand as a shadow draws near.
Outside the Gotham City Police Headquarters, a red carpet
ushers elite visitors inside. While Patricio Delpeche adorns Davide Gianfelice
with a thematic palette, red links the bloody scene by the docks with Vandal
Savage's domain. As a woman in a black dress unclips a red rope from a brass
stanchion, shadows turn black clothing purple, while the woman covers her head
with a pink scarf. Pink reverberates through Selina Kyle's return to Gotham as
she reconnects with down-on-their-luck friends. Yet a classic red Corvette
warns of danger in Catwoman #85.
Steve Wands locates readers in time and space with white
lowercase letters. Black lowercase letters fill yellow boxes as the narrator
sets the scene, while Selena's thoughts inhabit lavender boxes. Black letters
in white and colored dialogue balloons grow bold with intonation, enlarge for
increased volume, and turn gray for lowered voices. Sound effects accompany a
rough homecoming, an unexpected visitor, a cry for help, and a desperate
struggle for survival. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.
Final Thoughts
After her parents’ death, Selina Kyle looked out for the others
whom Gotham preferred to forget. For someone who lives her life by stealing
from others, it’s a luxury Selina cannot afford. Yet as she returns to Gotham,
Selina’s concern for those in need endangers her, and them, in Catwoman #85.
Rating 9.6/10
To look inside see my preview of Catwoman #85.
For what happened last time, see my preview of Catwoman #84.
