***Contains Spoilers***
Trial of Catwoman is a story that fills in some key moments in Selina Kyle’s timeline but ultimately falls short of being a standout read. The story starts in Catwoman: Selina’s Big Score with Selina Kyle as she deals with the fallout from a major heist. It’s a mix of courtroom drama, personal stakes, and Gotham’s trademark noir atmosphere. Alongside this, the Detective Comics #759-762 backups offer smaller stories that delve into Selina’s character and her connections with the Bat-family, particularly Bruce Wayne. While the story fills an important gap for fans, it never quite rises above being a transitional tale.
What I enjoyed about Trial of Catwoman was Ed Brubaker’s touch. Brubaker is one of my favorite writers, and even when the story isn’t groundbreaking, he has a way of making characters feel alive and authentic.
Selina’s voice throughout the story was spot-on, and the inclusion of her “big score” brought some fun, high-stakes energy to the narrative. Additionally, the backups in Detective Comics offered a chance to explore Selina’s past and motives in more detail, which I appreciated as a fan of character-driven storytelling. It’s clear that this arc was crafted with care to set the stage for Selina’s next steps as a solo character.
However, the story didn’t leave a lasting impression. While the courtroom drama had potential, it felt underdeveloped and lacking in tension. Instead of gripping twists or memorable confrontations, the trial came across as a functional device to move the plot forward rather than a story in its own right. The pacing also felt uneven, with certain sections dragging and others rushing through key moments. And while Brubaker’s writing is solid, the stakes in this story never felt high enough to make it truly compelling. It read more like a setup for better things to come than a must-read tale on its own.
In conclusion, I’d rate Trial of Catwoman arc 2 stars. It was a fun read with some strong writing from Cooke and Brubaker and a few nice character moments, but it ultimately feels like a story you only need to read if you’re a die-hard Catwoman fan or are preparing for her solo series relaunch. I liked it, but I won’t be revisiting it.
Feature Image Catwoman: Selina’s Big Score cover art by Darwyn Cooke