Catwoman #85 Review

 

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.