A semi-wild ride...

Catwoman's Wild Ride TPB goes back to the Sharonville branch today, so feel free to grab it, though I'd recommend picking up the first three volumes in the series first: Relentless, Dark End of the Street, and Crooked Little Town. There are things that have passed before this volume that aren't entirely explained, so it's not one to start reading Catwoman with.

But, it is one worth picking up when you get a little background. The basic story is that Selina has taken on a sidekick who's had some rough times before this story begins. The two take a road trip to get some training and to get their heads clear before starting the rest of the story. Along the way, Selina continues her drift toward being a hero with a shady history instead of a criminal with a streak of goodness.

The artwork from the team of Brubaker and Stewart continues to set this title apart from anything else out there with a very blocky, art noir style that suits the storyline perfectly. It's far from the Alex Ross-style realism that was so popular of late, but it's excellent nonetheless.

The story is interesting and allows the main characters to show a good deal of characterization, deepening the family of Catwoman and her friends around the East End of Gotham, where Catwoman has announced herself as protector.

Overall, an excellent if not ground-breaking TPB. Four stars of five.