Absolute Catwoman #1 Review – Just When She’s Out, They Pull Her Back In

Absolute Catwoman #1 (DC Comics, 6/10/26): Writers Scott Snyder and Che Grayson, with artist Bengal, unveil the history of Selina Kyle on the eve of her retirement, but Fate has other plans. Curious readers will feel satisfied with the character development, if you can get past the uneven pacing. Verdict: Absolute Catwoman #1 is good but not great.

• Writer: Scott Snyder, Che Grayson
• Artist: Bengal
• Colorist: Giovanna Niro
• Letterer: Lucas Gattoni
• Cover Artist: Bengal (cover A)
• Publisher: DC Comics
• Release Date: June 10, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 34
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of Absolute Catwoman #1:

First Impressions:

Absolute Catwoman #1 marks the first foray of the Absolute universe into spinoff titles since the original six launched over two years ago, and to be blunt, I had no idea what to expect from a character who only popped up in a few pages in Absolute Batman. On the whole, this issue is a solid start to develop the character, but the sheer volume of flashbacks and globe-hopping filler drags significantly. The ending (especially the last page twist reveal) has its intriguing moments, but a first issue shouldn’t ask the reader for this much patience.

Recap:

The Absolute Universe was formed when Darkseid killed all his alternate selves throughout the universe, consolidating their collective dark power into one being. Then, he attacked the Justice League, intentionally hoping to be destroyed. Why? So that the release of energy would create an entire universe composed of Darkseid energy. Thus, the Absolute universe was born. This is one of their stories.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

The issue begins in the present, before flashing back to a few days ago, before flashing back to the past, and then back again. Selina Kyle/Absolute Catwoman is attacked in her apartment by a group of women dressed as the mainline universe’s Catwoman. We learn that in the Absolute universe, the gang resembles a theft crew Selina used to run with in her younger years known as the Calicos. The attack ends with Selina leaping out of her window as a bomb explodes.

The issue flashes back to days earlier where we learn Selina is on the verge of her 25th birthday and retirement from a lucrative life of thievery. She intends to sell all her London-based goods, close up shop, and live out a quiet life in a villa in Sicily. The issue flips back and forth between the far past and now, where we see how Selina immigrated to America from Cuba as a child, but she lost connection with her family and has since bounced between foster homes. In her youth, she crossed paths with a fellow delinquent named Holly.

Now, but before the home invasion, Holly breaks into Selina’s apartment after several years of no contact and attempts to pass off a metallic sphere. After an exchange of harsh words, Holly leaves. Soon, the Calicos invade, and Selina realizes Holly was secretly asking for help. What follows is an impressive road chase, martial arts galore, and a surprise unmasking you won’t see coming.

How is the story in Absolute Catwoman #1?

Scott Snyder and Che Grayson give the readers oodles of backstory. You get a relatively thorough picture of Selina’s history, motivations, and goals for the future. Everything is explained, so fans wanting to know more will get what they want.

That said, the issue suffers on two fronts. First, the frequent flip-flopping between the past and present, both in the near past and far past, hurts the pacing. It would make a difference if every flashback was tied to and significant for the present conflict with Calicos, but they’re not. Much of it is texture and world-building that acts as filler. For example, the entire sequence of events where Selina inspects her retirement villa could have been summarized in a panel or two.

Second, the stakes are not engaging. By the end of the issue, Selina gets the sphere back, but Holly is still captured by the Calicos. Why should the reader care? The script makes it clear that Holly and Selina had a falling out years ago, so there’s no urgent emotional connection between the two. Sure, saving Holly is a passable motivation, but Selina didn’t feel strongly enough about Holly’s well-being in the last several years, so there’s no clear reason for her to start now.

How is the art in Absolute Catwoman #1?

Bengal gives it his all in this issue. The action sequences (one in the beginning and one in the end) capture the spirit of feline grace and power that should make Catwoman so formidable. Selina’s civilian moments are handled with cinematic framing that keeps the static scenes visually engaging.

Plus, Giovanna Niro’s coloring work is perfectly executed. You could quibble over Niro’s color palette choices in that the issue lacks pop, but it’s a minor quibble.

Characters

Selina Kyle is the star of the show, and Snyder and Grayson don’t let you forget it. She inhabits every panel with personality and complex emotions, partly hope for a quiet future and regret for a troubled past. It remains to be seen how (or if) Selina grows and progresses from this series, but the character foundation is ripe with potential. That said, it is odd that there’s no mention or obvious connection to either Absolute Batman or Gotham City to inform Selina’s choices.

Originality & Concept Execution

The concept, as noted in the plot description, is sound. An old acquaintance shows up with a mysterious object, looking for help, when the visit is interrupted by a gang of criminals. To a degree, Absolute Catwoman #1 feels like the start of a detective noir story, which is unexpected.

As for originality, beyond the tweaks to Selina’s origin, there’s not much in this issue that’s shockingly different from the Catwoman you already know. That may change in future issues, but so far, the originality is marginal.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

• A thorough introduction to Absolute Selina Kyle
• Excellent action art
• An intriguing last-page reveal (no spoilers)

Room for Improvement

• The multitude of flashbacks kills the pacing.
• Holly is established too late to fuel Selina’s motivation
• Absolute Catwoman isn’t much different from Regular Catwoman

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1/2

Final Thoughts:

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Absolute Catwoman #1 introduces readers to the history of Absolute Selina Kyle when an old acquaintance arrives, bringing trouble with her. The character and world-building are exceptionally thorough, and the art is darn good, but the uneven pacing kills momentum in the middle and the inciting incident begins much too late to hook you.

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