The 10 Best Catwoman Comics So Far

The Autobiography of Bruce Wayne

The Brave and The Bold (vol. 1) #197

Written by Alan Brennert

Art by Joe Staton and George Freeman

There has never been a better time to reread this classic story from the Bronze Age. With Crisis On Infinite Earths only a few years away, this tale delved into the long-lasting (but soon to be erased) marriage between Batman and Catwoman. It centers on a single adventure involving the Scarecrow that brought the two together and helped them both overcome their fears to finally settle down. It's a portrait of nostalgia and marital bliss, the likes of which fans of these characters may never see again.

The Cat

Batman (vol. 1) #1

Written by Bill Finger

Art by Bob Kane and Sheldon Moldoff

The current Batman run has continually reminded readers of both canonical first encounters between The Cat and The Bat. The original is a classic of the Golden Age that delivered a vision of Catwoman that was complete from the very start. Everything from Selina Kyle's attitude to her modus operandi are present here, showing off just how great Bill Finger and his collaborators were while inventing the world of Batman.

Year One

Batman (vol. 1) #404-407

Written by Frank Miller

Art by David Mazzucchelli

The alternative take on this first encounter is a much more seedy affair created in the wake of Crisis On Infinite Earths by two of the best creators to ever work in comics. While the story isn't focused on Catwoman, her appearance and role in this new origin is an outstanding update on her tale. It has stuck around just as well as any other Catwoman origin and remains an important part of Batman today.

Selina's Big Score

Catwoman: Selina's Big Score

Created by Darwyn Cooke

Nobody made a heist comic quite as well as Darwyn Cooke, which made this pairing of Cooke and Catwoman a match made in heaven. It's not a superhero story and that's perfectly okay as Cooke clarified the versatility of Catwoman. This is a true classic from DC Comics and one of the great crime comics to come from the publisher, making it clear that Catwoman should never play second fiddle, even to Batman.

Anodyne

Catwoman (vol. 3) #1-4

Written by Ed Brubaker

Art by Darwyn Cooke and Michael Allred

Cooke continued to work with Catwoman alongside other great comics creators like Ed Brubaker and Michael Allred. Their first story together on a new volume of Catwoman introduces the best ongoing series to star the character so far. It blends the crime and superhero elements of the character wonderfully, grounding her in a unique vision of Gotham City somewhere below the rooftops.

Relentless

Catwoman (vol. 3) #12-16

Written by Ed Brubaker

Art by Cameron Stewart

This story is the highlight of the third volume of Catwoman. Black Mask pushes Selina Kyle to the edge in a fashion only comparable to Kingpin and Daredevil in "Born Again." The results are brutal and terrifying, but also show just how resilient and powerful Catwoman is, and why she will always be a hero when the stakes are high enough. This may be the best solo Catwoman story ever published.

When In Rome

Catwoman: When In Rome #1-6

Written by Jeph Loeb

Art by Tim Sale

The best part of The Long Halloween and Dark Victory has to be the flirtatious relationship between Catwoman and Batman. That's why Catwoman's solo spinoff from the same creative team is so captivating. Both the fashion and action are exceedingly stylish in a setting packed with great imagery. Whether or not it's in canon, this is a definitive take on The Cat.

The Catfile

Catwoman (vol. 2) #15-18

Written by Chuck Dixon

Art by Jim Balent and Bob Smith

One of Chuck Dixon's best comics, this story defines Catwoman's independent streak. Even when captured by a mysterious agency with a metaphorical gun against her head, Selina Kyle refuses to play by anyone's rules but her own. In addition to some fierce fights, this story also showcases just how cunning Catwoman can be, marking her as a peer for Batman's brains or anyone else who might want to tangle with her.

Trail of The Gun

Batman/Catwoman: Trail of the Gun #1-2

Written by Ann Nocenti

Art by Ethan Van Sciver

Ann Nocenti developed her approach to violence in superhero comics on an incredibly underrated Daredevil run, and she deploys it to great effect in this miniseries. Batman and Catwoman team up and deal with the ramifications of gun violence while struggling to prevent more mayhem and death. It is a tough read at times, but one that addresses its subject matter with appropriate gravitas.

Only Takes a Night

Catwoman (vol. 3) #32

Written by Ed Brubaker

Art by Sean Phillips and Stefano Gaudiano

For fans sore about how the wedding turned out, this romantic one-shot from the dynamite team of Brubaker and Phillips should provide some relief. It is a quiet tale that follows the many people in Selina's life while she is on a date with Bruce. The small scope is purposeful and humanizes both of this larger than life heroes. No matter what decisions they might make, it shows why they will never truly be able to quit being partners in life.