I’m always a huge fan of graphic novel adaptations, and I am so glad to see that Catwoman: Soul Stealer would be getting that treatment. It was great seeing my favourite villainesses brought to life, and of course we can’t forget the enigmatic Batwing either. If you’re wanting a fast read, then this is a great choice!
It’s been two years since Selina Kyle has been in Gotham, and now that Batman’s gone, she’s ready to play. Well, Holly Vanderhees is ready to play. Masquerading as a high profile socialite, she’ll use her skills as a thief to stir some trouble. Unfortunately, her past is quickly catching up with her. On the flipside, Luke Fox is ready to show Batman he can protect Gotham on his own as Batwing. With the rash of thefts at fundraisers, his secret life is clashing with the high profile he keeps up with his family. He’s going to do his best to stop the new villains determined to ruin what his mother has been planning, but he seems to be one step behind. Will Selina be able to keep outmanoeuvring Batwing? Or will she become a victim in her own heist?
One of the hardest things for me when reviewing graphic novels is what to talk about first. I’m in love with the artwork, the story, and just the way the art brings the original story to life. Although it’s condensed a bit, I still love Selina Kyle, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn so much. While you don’t get as much backstory as you did in the book, there’s enough to make you sympathise with each of them. Selina’s story is probably the most difficult to see brought to life because of her adorable little sister, and the circumstances for their separation, but it’s so amazing to see her transformation into Catwoman.
My favourite bits of the graphic novel are where Luke and ‘Holly’ meet and it was one of my favourite scenes in the book as well. The way they judge each other by appearances, and then slowly get to know each other. I feel like the graphic novel is able to develop their relationship a little differently than in the book because you can actually see their body language and thoughts better. The colour changes to indicate perspective changes were actually quite helpful, because I found myself wondering how that would be tackled at the beginning.
Like the book, the graphic novel also explores some of the darker reasons that Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn become villains. I was honestly pleased with the way they tackled Harley, especially because she’s dealing with not just childhood trauma, but also trauma from her relationship with the Joker. I loved seeing it handled on the page, and how supportive Poison Ivy was in regard to her trauma.
Of course, the romance in this graphic novel is slow to start, but does start blazing bright toward the end. I can’t talk about it too much without spoiling it, but I think readers will love it.
Since this is a graphic novel, it’s difficult not to continue comparing it to the source material. However, looking at them separately, the graphic novel develops at a faster pace than the book, but does a great job making the story cohesive and pretty close to the book’s plotlines. For me, it might have been awesome to have the story spread out over a couple of volumes, but having everything wrapped up in one volume is better for reading and finishing a story in one sitting.
If you’re a lover of graphic novels, especially ones about DC’s villainesses, then you should absolutely add this to your list for a fast paced and exciting read. While the original book made me a fan of Catwoman, this graphic novel brings it to life in a way that helps satisfy your curiosity if you have trouble picturing characters or scenes in books.
Catwoman: Soul Stealer (The Graphic Novel) is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
Will you be picking up Catwoman: Soul Stealer (The Graphic Novel)? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
It’s been two years since Selina Kyle last set eyes on Gotham City…and now that Batman is gone…Selina is back! Or at least, Holly Vanderhees is. As Gotham’s newest socialite, she’ll put her old talent for picking pockets to new use while rubbing shoulders with the city’s finest citizens. But her past is catching up to her, and she is running out of time…
Luke Fox has been looking for just the right opportunity to show Batman he can protect the city from Gotham’s worst as Batwing. When several high-profile fundraisers are disturbed, Luke’s clandestine activities clash with his parents’ expectations. As a scion of one of Gotham’s finest families, he’s expected to attend these events with pride. As Batwing, he’s trying to stop a new team of villains from ruining his mother’s plans. Now he feels permanently one step behind…
Will Selina have what it takes to outsmart Batwing before it’s too late? Or will she be the final victim of her greatest heist yet?
I hated this for the sole fact that catwoman is paired with luke? what the hell?