Catwoman – Wildcat #1–4: A High-Stakes Clash in Sin City
đ️ Genre
Superhero, Crime Thriller, Action, Neo-Noir
đ Main Characters
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Catwoman (Selina Kyle) – Gotham’s iconic cat burglar with a sharp mind and feline agility.
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Wildcat (Ted Grant) – A veteran boxer and crimefighter, often serving as a mentor to younger heroes.
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Clawhammer – A brutal and ambitious up-and-coming supervillain entering the underground fight circuit.
✍️ Writer
Beau Smith
đš Artist
Sergio Cariello
đ️ Editor Details
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Editor: Joey Cavalieri
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Assistant Editor: Frank Berrios
đą Publisher and Brand
DC Comics
Published under DC’s standard line (not an imprint like Vertigo or Black Label).
đ Release Year
2004
đ Brief Plot Summary
Set against the dazzling backdrop of Las Vegas, this 4-issue miniseries picks up after Batman/Wildcat (1997). Catwoman heads west with a seemingly simple job: test the security system of the high-profile Klondike Casino. But beneath the casino lights lies a darker gamble—its owners have a secret proposition that could cost more than money.
Meanwhile, Wildcat, the grizzled former heavyweight champ, arrives in Vegas to scout a rising star in the fight scene. When their paths cross, misunderstandings and fists fly—pitting cat against claw in a literal and metaphorical ring. Adding to the chaos is Clawhammer, a dangerous new villain trying to make a name by taking out legends like Wildcat—and possibly Catwoman herself.
đ Notable Arcs or Storylines
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"Sin City Smackdown": The central arc in which Wildcat and Catwoman face off amid casino corruption and criminal conspiracies.
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Clawhammer's Rise: A subplot focusing on the supervillain’s brutal ascent in the underground circuit and how he becomes a threat to both protagonists.
đ Fan Theories or Interpretations
Some fans interpret the Catwoman-Wildcat dynamic as symbolic of old-school grit (Wildcat) clashing with modern cunning (Catwoman). Others view Clawhammer as a critique of sensationalism in villainy—a new generation of criminals obsessed with spectacle over strategy.
There’s also a popular fan theory that Selina intentionally pushed Wildcat’s buttons to test his reflexes and assess if he still "had it"—a subtle nod to her soft respect for Gotham’s old guard.
đ Review Summary
Art: Sergio Cariello delivers gritty, expressive panels full of kinetic energy. His fluid action sequences and noir-inspired shading give the comic a sharp, mature edge.
Story: Beau Smith blends classic pugilism with heist-thriller beats. The pacing is brisk, dialogue snappy, and the tone leans hard into 90s-style comic bravado with a touch of modern flair.
Character Depth: Selina is portrayed as cunning and charismatic, while Ted Grant’s aging-warrior persona adds gravitas. Clawhammer serves as a decent foil, though not deeply developed.
Verdict: A fun, punchy crossover that combines two underrated DC icons in a stylish desert showdown. Fans of street-level heroes and casino noir will find this a satisfying short run. đ„đ°đ±
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