Catwoman volume 1

So, lots to talk about here. Let's start with the cover and move on from there.

I didn't actually hate the cover as much as I thought I would. Unlike a lot of the rest of the sexuality in this volume, Catwoman is actually actively involved. I still think it's a bit overly aggressive on DC's part. Using sex to court shallow controversy and ultimately sell comics. Predictable yes, but not something that strikes me as particularly mature.

But in comparison to Batgirl, the artwork used for the covers in this volume are actually kind of a relief. While as a none artist I can't speak to their 100% anatomical accurecy, Guillem March certainly spends a lot less time contorting Catwoman into crazy poses to show us her crotch. And (for better or worse) after that first cover, Cat woman's sexuality gets dialed way back - on the covers at least.

And then you actually open the comic and are greeted by Catwoman's bra covered breasts - front and center! And while there isn't that much more showing then we saw on the cover, the two could not be more different.

In the first, Catwoman is actually looking at the viewer. She is an active sexual woman. She is trying to look sexy. This is an appropriate time, place and way for an artist to draw attention to a female character's sexuality. And this does happen several times throughout the book and that's great.

But 35+ other times in the book, through this stupidly shiny/glowy art style (that is common to new 52) as well as framing and general placement of objects, the reader is given "sneak peaks". That is, the artist, editor, reader all get to share in Catwoman's sexiness without her consent as it were.

Perhaps you think I am over thinking things, but I do choose to find this more then a little bit disturbing. Catwoman being a fictional character who as far as I can tell is generally one of the more sexual female characters, she isn't resisting the male gaze all that much. In her day-to-day life she's not hard on the eyes and she doesn't bat an eyelash about being mostly naked in a room full of people.

All that and the powers that were at the time (and in many places continue to be) still felt the need to turn Catwoman into an object. Either to satisfy something in themselves or in their hypothetical reader.

And it isn't as if Catwoman's sexuality is without problem either. While I can appreciate a woman who is not afraid of her sexuality and sex, this volume takes things to the opposite extreme. Catwoman is so sexually aggressive she forcibly kisses Bruce Wain during an attack and has sex with batman as "he protests. Then... gives in."

WTF DC, can you not portray people with healthy sexuality! Must it always be guy forcing girl or now girl forcing guy? But I guess overwrought drama sells comic books?

I would also like to take this moment to point out the lack of male sexuality int this comic. As I have mentioned before, equality of sexualization goes a long way with me. And that is another point in which this comic looses major points with me.

Not only do we only ever have to frames of Batman's chest (he's never fully undressed), but there is nothing particularly sexy about them either. His skin is gray and his muscles look more like tumors! It's almost as if the artist can't actually draw a man naked! Because comics don't need that sort of thing.

As far as the overall appropriateness of the sex scene. I'm not quite sure what all the kerfuffle is really about. She has about the same amount of clothes on as any other time, but as you know SEX IS EVIL so we should never ever ever show it ever! Plus, despite the fact that I could not find a rating anywhere, according to DC this comic is rated for older teens. Not that I think that scene necessarily warranted it, but there was A LOT of very bloody violence.

To conclude, I guess I should talk a bit about the plot and writing and stuff.

Overall I thought that the story and writing were a pretty mixed bag really. Catwoman is a bit naive and confused then I would really like, but she gets quite a few opportunities to show her toughness. Batman is annoying at best - Bab's comment about being tired of being surrounded by "well meaning men" definitely came to mind.

But then we get to the end and Catwoman is ultimately saved by a guy. I still think the series has a bit of potential, but it's holding on by a few threads for me. I'm definitely more interested in Catwoman now then when I started, and I certainly learned a lot about my opinions while reading it. I'll definitely let you know my developing thoughts as soon as I pick up the next volume.