Absolute Catwoman
Written by Che Grayson with Scott Snyder, Art by Bengal (DC Comics, 2026)
Synopsis
With the launch of DC’s Absolute line, Absolute Catwoman arrives as one of the universe’s most refreshing and accessible entry points. Written by Che Grayson alongside architect Scott Snyder, this debut delivers a take on Selina Kyle that’s structurally ambitious, fun, and visually kinetic. Grayson draws from their own mixed-race heritage and real-world anti-colonial resistance movements like the Black Panthers and the Algerian FLN to reframe Selina’s identity entirely. Her drive is no longer chasing a “shiny new thing” or clawing at the American Dream — she’s reimagined as an Afro-Cuban freedom fighter tackling systemic injustice and historical power imbalances.
That reframing shows up immediately in the book’s rhythm. Grayson, an NYU-trained filmmaker, brings a director’s eye to the pacing; fast-cut, cinematic, propelled by sharp, snappy dialogue steeped in high-stakes espionage. The script also pulls off a fun thematic mashup: old-school Batman grit fused with hyper-advanced tech. Selina’s rundown safehouse is gone, replaced by a state-of-the-art “Cat Cave” with an AI assistant named Jonesy; a clever update that hands her the kind of infrastructure usually reserved for Gotham’s billionaire elite. It’s a fun twist. It’s also a little on the nose given the book’s own politics — more on that below.
Notably, the book also softens its violence that has become a hallmark of the Absolute Universe. Selina favors tranquilizer darts over the lethal skewering seen in Absolute Green Arrow. It’s a curious choice coming from Grayson, whose work on Exquisite Corpses is no stranger to unflinching violence. This reads as a deliberate tonal pivot rather than a lack of range. Whether it’s in service of the character’s new politics or just a more accessible reading experience, it’s one of the more genuinely distinct choices in the issue.
On art, Bengal is an exceptional match for Grayson’s script complete with fluid linework and solid character design. The aesthetic isn’t a Nick Dragotta knock-off per se but an effective, respectful homage, carving out its own identity through dynamic manga stylistics. Readers who like the bold, expressive layouts of Absolute Batman will find plenty here.
Still, the book doesn’t fully shake off “Absolute fatigue.” For a line sold on total subversion, swapping Selina into a billionaire’s toolkit — Cat Cave, AI assistant and all — isn’t the heavy lifting the premise promises; it’s the same power fantasy in a new cat suit. The globe-trotting itself doesn’t help shake that feeling either. London penthouses and Italian villas (which happens to have a stray black panther roaming the grounds — foreshadowing, or just a wink?) still read as playgrounds of wealth and privilege, not exactly the terrain of an anti-colonial freedom fighter. We hope later chapters explore this tension more directly, so the Panthers/FLN influence feels earned rather than name-checked. That gap isn’t a dealbreaker, but it does mean this debut doesn’t yet reach the radical bar it’s own inspirations set.
Ultimately, Absolute Catwoman #1 is a strong, blockbuster introduction — trading local cat-burgling for global espionage and a deeper fight for freedom. Grayson and Bengal have set the stage for a globe-trotting chase that’s more approachable than other titles in the lineup, even if it hasn’t yet earned its politics.
Martyr Loser King
An ambitious exploration of pseudo-religiosity
Bold, meaningful reframe of Selina’s motivation and identity
Cinematic pacing and sharp dialogue throughout
Accessible entry point into the Absolute line
Bengal’s art carves out its own striking identity, distinct from Absolute Batman
Political framing (Panthers/FLN influence) feels more asserted than shown
Some lingering “Absolute fatigue” for readers deep into the line
Imani Lateef of Peep Game Comix created Black Comix Universe to celebrate and discover the work of Black comic book creators. He highlights current talent with his monthly reviews, showcase historical gems with Black Comic Keys and shares his personal collecting journey through blogs, social media, and his weekly newsletter.
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