So Selina’s on the run from her past (again)? Can she overcome the bounty placed on her head by the “bad guys” out to get her? Eh, it's probably a matter of when, not if. Anyway, let’s get into part 3 of this story…

Part 1? So, the previous issue was an inconclusive end to a two-parter? Even though we’re still on the same plot? What are we labeling stories based on the arrival of different artists (Marianna Ignazzi takes over from Fabiana Mascolo)? 

If it feels like I’m stalling, you might be partially right. While I do have an issue with the random part re-numbering, the real problem with this comic is that the story has lost me almost completely by the third issue of this new run. Outside of Selina, every character is new (and people complain about Wonder Woman not having a supporting cast). However, they are fulfilling previously established archetypes. A generic handsome man who Selina almost considered running away with, the cartoonishly evil rich man who somehow everybody tolerates, the demure girl who may or may not betray Selina out of a perceived slight (and may or may not sacrifice herself, but that’s just speculation), and assassins with gimmicks (these two are brother and sister wow), who start off professional but will end up taking it very personal thanks to Selina doing something to them while she tries to escape.

Even the scenes with Selina are predictable and provide plenty of eye candy, not much else. She has a sexy change of clothes, she has a sexy dip in a tub, and she goes to a sexy costume party. It's all so predictable, and the whole thing feels like this issue was written so that someone could win Catwoman Bingo.

Now, I’m not the biggest Catwoman fan. My favorite run was the Ed Brubaker and Darwyn Cooke run, where she was at her most heroic. And I can see how this title might now appeal to existing fans of the character after the lunacy of the last few arcs. I mean, I liked the Justice League: Future State two-parter and the Vendetti run just because they were classic Justice League type of stories after years of Perpetua-induced madness. So, I get why some people would like this arc and see it as a return to form. I just feel the story is going a bit overboard with the tropes.

Of course, there is one new factor, and that is the art. Marianna Ignazzi picks up where Fabiana Mascolo left off and continues her work seamlessly. Also, I’m a sucker for good coloring, and Patricio Delpeche continues to make it hard to tear my eyes away from the page. The story may be covering well-trodden ground, but at least it looks great.

Recommended If

• • You are an old-school Catwoman fan.
  • You have enjoyed the new art style.
  • Meow

Overall

Catwoman #71 continues this run’s dedication to hitting every familiar beat that can be found in a Catwoman story, which hopefully appeals to Selina Kyle fans, as I’m not sure how many others would care. The art remains stellar, especially with Delpeche’s coloring, but it can only carry the plot so far.

Score: 6/10

Disclaimer: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of review.