8 Greatest Catwoman Stories
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Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, made her debut in Batman #1 way back in 1940. Kyle was simply a cat burglar and thief back then. The depiction of Catwoman on the 1960s Batman series helped evolve the character into having a love/hate relationship with Batman. However, Catwoman only got her first ongoing series in 1993. So, what are the best Catwoman stories to read?
Here are eight Catwoman stories that you should check out now.
1. Catwoman: When In Rome (2004)
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This story went under the radar and is now a fan-favorite and one of the best Catwoman stories. Selina Kyle travels to Rome to investigate her true family origins. Kyle believes that her true parents might be the heads of Gotham City’s most notorious crime family. The art for this story borrows influences from 1950s Italian fashion magazines.
Get the 147-page hardcover for $103.58 at Amazon now.
2. Catwoman Vol. 1: Trail of the Catwoman (2002)
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Catwoman stories usually center around Kyle’s struggle with her base identity, a thief, and wanting to be something more. In this story, the streets of Gotham start to believe that Selina Kyle is dead. Kyle continues her criminal activities from the shadows and without judgment. She decides to put her costume back on when she learns a serial killer is loose in Gotham
Get the 331-page paperback for $22.86 at Amazon now.
3. Catwoman Vol. 1: The Game (2011)
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This series reintroduces Catwoman stories for new audiences during the New 52 relaunch of DC Comics. Kyle’s apartment suddenly blows up. She has been stealing things from the wrong people, and a very dangerous person is out to get her. Kyle is written as an adrenaline junkie in this series who doesn’t care about the consequences of her actions; Kyle only realizes how much trouble she is in when it is too late.
Buy the 138-page paperback for $17.49 now at Amazon.
4. Catwoman 1: Copycats (2019)
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Marrying Batman should have been one of the best Catwoman stories ever. Spoiler alert, it didn’t happen. Kyle left Wayne at the altar and went to another city to process the emotional trauma she put herself through. However, a Catwoman copycat is operating in this new city and putting the cops on Kyle’s trail for crimes she didn’t commit.
Buy the 160-page paperback for $10.99 at Amazon now.
5. Batman/Catwoman (2021)
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This was a 12-issue series of Catwoman stories for the mature readers label, Black Label. The series examines the romance of Batman and Catwoman from the past, when they first met, the present, where their love is under threat, and the future, where they have a daughter who becomes a superhero.
Buy the 272-page hardcover for only $18.02 at Amazon now.
6. Catwoman Vol. 5: Backward UnMasking (2002)
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During events of the Justice League comics of the era, Kyle has her mind wiped of her criminal personality by Zatanna. The idea was for Kyle to become more hero than villain. Unfortunately, Kyle begins to remember who she truly is, and her life begins to unravel. Worse, Black Mask has a beef with Kyle, and a violent confrontation becomes inevitable.
Buy the 377-page paperback for only $29.99 at Amazon now.
7. Batman/Catwoman: The Gotham War (2024)
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While this is one of the more controversial Catwoman stories, this is mostly a connection to the Gotham War in the main Batman comics. The Joker has stolen Bruce Wayne’s fortune, and when he is not penniless, he is now broke, not a billionaire. Catwoman converts most of the goons in Gotham into Robin Hood types. Meanwhile, Gotham’s most dangerous villains are after Kyle.
Buy Batman/Catwoman: The Gotham War, a 272-page hardcover, for $19.40 at Amazon now.
8. Catwoman: A Celebration of 75 Years (2014)
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This 406-page hardcover features Catwoman stories that span from 1940 to 2014. This retrospective highlights Catwoman’s beginnings and how the character evolved from the early 20th century into the 21st century. Catwoman is one of the first female comic book characters, but gets less notice than others; this collection of stories aims to show readers why Catwoman deserves more attention.
Buy it for $53.04 at Amazon now.
Best Catwoman Stories
Selina Kyle is an iconic female comic book character, but her exploits may not be for everyone. Catwoman stories are usually street-level and involve elements of crime, action, and romance. Catwoman comics are not specially made for female readers either; while Kyle is known for her dalliances with Batman, her comics are usually full of action movie moments and fight sequences. I recommend that you check out some Catwoman stories if you have any stereotypes about the characters – you might surprise yourself.
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Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing. Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including saving and investing in your own small business.
