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rnbhargava's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is an excellent, fairly character based take on Gotham City post-Batman starring older versions of several notable DC characters, obviously leaning toward the Batman corner of the universe but with a few interesting additions as well. It’s quite funny at points but also emotional, as I found myself getting quickly attached to these older aged versions of characters while they pull off “one last heist” basically. It’s an alternate Gotham that feels similar yet different in certain ways compared to the work in the “Batman: White Knight” which some might compare this too. Both Chiang’s work here in “Catwoman: Lonely City” and Sean Murphy’s “Batman: White Knight” series of books are worth reading for the excellent writing and art respectively. Don’t feel like you have to choose.
I really like the older aged twists on Poison Ivy, Killer Croc and Riddler. The older Two-Face isn’t that different. Barbara Gordon older aged is kind of similar to other older aged depictions of the character.
I really like the older aged twists on Poison Ivy, Killer Croc and Riddler. The older Two-Face isn’t that different. Barbara Gordon older aged is kind of similar to other older aged depictions of the character.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Grief, Alcohol, Misogyny, Police brutality, Self harm, Classism, Gaslighting, Murder, Blood, Confinement, Gore, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
How some people might think of some of the deaths and how they happen could be controversial. Please note potential for suicide vs mercy killing murder discussion.livlamentloathe's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I only knew about this book because I got it for a library patron via ILL. But after looking it over, I put it on hold for myself. I really enjoyed this idea of an older, more bleak and tired Selina returning to an entirely different Gotham. I liked the idea of Harvey “recovering” from his past. The idea of Barbara running against him; not supporting Selina’s ideas but helping as needed. Killer Croc was excellent! I enjoyed watching Selina and Croc train together. And even Selina mentoring Edie.
But I have more questions than I think were answered! The ending and the details were what lost me.
Unanswered or just confusing questions I was left with: HOW did Dick die??? Gordon and Bruce were obvious, and Alfred was even explained, but Dick was on crowd control too. What got him? And what of Tim?? Did he just go back to family and not care how things turned out otherwise?? That seems unlikely considering his origins. Who was Barbara’s partner/wife? Was it the campaign manager? It seemed that way but she was introduced as just the manager at one point so I wasn’t sure! It was pretty foggy about the details that were necessary to wrap up prior to the events of the book.
Did Harley die or just leave? Why is Ivy suddenly a springy, excitable lady?? I think some of the characters weren’t considered properly in the story building—she was entirely OOC. I can’t see a world, still so corrupt, where Ivy becomes as giggly as she was in this book. Also what about the other supers?? Gotham is one city. How did the entire country seemingly turn on all of them based on one city. Especially when the supers/vigilantes didn’t cause Fool’s Night. The Joker and the cops did! And beyond that, the Batfamily are vigilantes. But most of the JLA members of superheroes or aliens or magic-users. Why were those with powers judged based on the actions of those without??
I liked the idea of the story, and the build-up. But the ending felt a bit flat. There was so much build-up only for the end result to be a let-down. I also wish there’d been acknowledgment of Dick’s death beyond a shot at the gravestone. I love Cliff Chiang’s art and coloring. The book itself was gorgeous. And the idea of it was very crafty. But I didn’t like the details.
Also!! Not super into Selina/Eddie! I don’t think it was necessary to include a love interest for her. She’s strong enough on her own. And it added nothing. She had bonds with all the gang without needing the extra weight of a relationship.
But I have more questions than I think were answered! The ending and the details were what lost me.
Did Harley die or just leave? Why is Ivy suddenly a springy, excitable lady?? I think some of the characters weren’t considered properly in the story building—she was entirely OOC. I can’t see a world, still so corrupt, where Ivy becomes as giggly as she was in this book. Also what about the other supers?? Gotham is one city. How did the entire country seemingly turn on all of them based on one city. Especially when the supers/vigilantes didn’t cause Fool’s Night. The Joker and the cops did! And beyond that, the Batfamily are vigilantes. But most of the JLA members of superheroes or aliens or magic-users. Why were those with powers judged based on the actions of those without??
I liked the idea of the story, and the build-up. But the ending felt a bit flat. There was so much build-up only for the end result to be a let-down. I also wish there’d been acknowledgment of Dick’s death beyond a shot at the gravestone. I love Cliff Chiang’s art and coloring. The book itself was gorgeous. And the idea of it was very crafty. But I didn’t like the details.
Also!! Not super into Selina/Eddie! I don’t think it was necessary to include a love interest for her. She’s strong enough on her own. And it added nothing. She had bonds with all the gang without needing the extra weight of a relationship.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Death, Violence, Police brutality, and Murder
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