What do you think?
Rate this book
Catwoman (2001) (Old Editions)
Catwoman, Vol. 3: Relentless
Triumph and tragedy are the name of the game in CATWOMAN RELENTLESS. The adventures of Selina Kyle, Catwoman, suddenly take a turn for the worse as she faces her most personally devastating moment and all is suddenly lost. Catwoman has crossed the Black Mask, and now he is making her pay. Selina's loved ones begin to meet terrible fates as she goes on the offensive.
Collects CATWOMAN #12-19, plus the 6-page Black Mask story from CATWOMAN Secret Files #1
Collects CATWOMAN #12-19, plus the 6-page Black Mask story from CATWOMAN Secret Files #1
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2005
2 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Ed Brubaker
1,794 books3,021 followersEd Brubaker (born November 17, 1966) is an Eisner Award-winning American cartoonist and writer. He was born at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 18, 2016
4.5
Hace poco empecé con esto de querer leer en orden cronológico, por así decirlo, los cómics de Batman; no sólo para hacerlo de una vez por todas, ya que me encanta el super héroe, sino para entender todo de una mejor manera, cosa que quizá no se refleje tanto en las películas, porque depende de la historia que elija el director y demás. Así que, encontré una página sobre Batman, donde te recomendaban una lista de cómics, ya ordenados, con un link de descarga además. Este, Sin Tregua en español, aparecía en tercer lugar de la linea temporal, después de Año Uno y El Hombre Que Cae, así que lo descargué sin fijarme mucho. Pero cuando me lo puse a leer, me di cuenta de que éste no relataba cómo se conocían o de qué forma ella se convertía en gatubela, y una vez que vi que se me habían borrado las últimas páginas, lo volví a bajar de la misma página y allí pude ver que, si bien en la línea temporal de esa página aparecía como tercera de Batman, en la de Catwoman era bastante adelantada, y por eso no daba demasiadas explicaciones de su relación con Bruce Wayne o su origen como vigilante de las calles.
Así que bueno, casi terminado el cómic me acordé de que una vez más no me fijé bien las cosas, y estoy leyendo todo desordenado. Pero ahora que ya lo sé, después de este seguiré con los primeros para leerlos bien, por lo menos los de este guionista, que me gusta mucho. Según la página, lo primero que debería leer sería Catwoman Año Uno, así que veremos. Me complico bastante, jaja.
Y en cuanto a qué me pareció, ¡me encantó! Muy bueno.
Hace poco empecé con esto de querer leer en orden cronológico, por así decirlo, los cómics de Batman; no sólo para hacerlo de una vez por todas, ya que me encanta el super héroe, sino para entender todo de una mejor manera, cosa que quizá no se refleje tanto en las películas, porque depende de la historia que elija el director y demás. Así que, encontré una página sobre Batman, donde te recomendaban una lista de cómics, ya ordenados, con un link de descarga además. Este, Sin Tregua en español, aparecía en tercer lugar de la linea temporal, después de Año Uno y El Hombre Que Cae, así que lo descargué sin fijarme mucho. Pero cuando me lo puse a leer, me di cuenta de que éste no relataba cómo se conocían o de qué forma ella se convertía en gatubela, y una vez que vi que se me habían borrado las últimas páginas, lo volví a bajar de la misma página y allí pude ver que, si bien en la línea temporal de esa página aparecía como tercera de Batman, en la de Catwoman era bastante adelantada, y por eso no daba demasiadas explicaciones de su relación con Bruce Wayne o su origen como vigilante de las calles.
Así que bueno, casi terminado el cómic me acordé de que una vez más no me fijé bien las cosas, y estoy leyendo todo desordenado. Pero ahora que ya lo sé, después de este seguiré con los primeros para leerlos bien, por lo menos los de este guionista, que me gusta mucho. Según la página, lo primero que debería leer sería Catwoman Año Uno, así que veremos. Me complico bastante, jaja.
Y en cuanto a qué me pareció, ¡me encantó! Muy bueno.
August 30, 2022
(Zero spoiler review) 3.75/5
Again, despite the up and down quality of the art, and the merry go round of artists called forth to continue aping Darwyn Cooke's imitable style (points again to Cameron Stewart when he's on the book for coming closest), this arc was something of a highlight storywise between the solid yet unspectacular material that came before, and some of the unpleasantness that's still to come. This darker arc really needed art to match, and its getting lighter, cheerier in many ways, not darker. They're not doing themselves any favours in this department, unfortunately. The Pulido art on the main story, god help me. Who on earth gave that the go ahead. It grew on me from outright disgust to near begrudging acceptance by the end, but I never want to see Selina Kyle drawn like that again.
Despite Brubaker not pulling up trees in general on this run as I would have wanted, not to mention expected, this was him returning to some solid noir storytelling after a few issues veering into less interesting territory, in my humble opinion. And whilst nearly every woman having short hair, the rather insipid lesbian relationship (which is a pale shadow compared to the the dreadfully woke, desperate state of modern DC) it still rankled me in a way I didn't expect an early 2000s comic to do.
It's good enough, but it's not quite good enough, if you get my drift. 3/5
OmniBen.
Again, despite the up and down quality of the art, and the merry go round of artists called forth to continue aping Darwyn Cooke's imitable style (points again to Cameron Stewart when he's on the book for coming closest), this arc was something of a highlight storywise between the solid yet unspectacular material that came before, and some of the unpleasantness that's still to come. This darker arc really needed art to match, and its getting lighter, cheerier in many ways, not darker. They're not doing themselves any favours in this department, unfortunately. The Pulido art on the main story, god help me. Who on earth gave that the go ahead. It grew on me from outright disgust to near begrudging acceptance by the end, but I never want to see Selina Kyle drawn like that again.
Despite Brubaker not pulling up trees in general on this run as I would have wanted, not to mention expected, this was him returning to some solid noir storytelling after a few issues veering into less interesting territory, in my humble opinion. And whilst nearly every woman having short hair, the rather insipid lesbian relationship (which is a pale shadow compared to the the dreadfully woke, desperate state of modern DC) it still rankled me in a way I didn't expect an early 2000s comic to do.
It's good enough, but it's not quite good enough, if you get my drift. 3/5
OmniBen.
August 31, 2023
Holy shit, the title fits this volume well.
This is a relentless attack on Catwoman and her people. Black Mask hates Catwoman for steeling from him so he teams up with a old childhood friend of Salina and together they take Catwoman down. But not just her, but her entire cast of characters, using them, torturing them, killing them, and leaving Salina to try and fix it all. On top of that get 3 issues after that arc with all the characters trying to pick up the pieces to their lives, and of course it isn't going well.
This is emotional, brutal, and excellent all at once. The art though in the 3 issues at the end is really jarring and way weaker than the previous issues.
Still a 4.5 out of 5, pushing it to a 5 out of 5.
This is a relentless attack on Catwoman and her people. Black Mask hates Catwoman for steeling from him so he teams up with a old childhood friend of Salina and together they take Catwoman down. But not just her, but her entire cast of characters, using them, torturing them, killing them, and leaving Salina to try and fix it all. On top of that get 3 issues after that arc with all the characters trying to pick up the pieces to their lives, and of course it isn't going well.
This is emotional, brutal, and excellent all at once. The art though in the 3 issues at the end is really jarring and way weaker than the previous issues.
Still a 4.5 out of 5, pushing it to a 5 out of 5.
January 16, 2025
a superhero comic that actually allows devastating events to have real long-term repercussions?? what alternate universe have I stumbled into?
In all seriousness, it’s that section (No Easy Way Down) that truly makes this story stand out and elevates it from good to great. The main storyline’s solid, but the aftermath rounds it out so perfectly that the volume wouldn’t be the same without it. I feel like more recent superhero comics have eschewed the concept of the Fallout™️ altogether, thus significantly cheapening the impact of any drastic narrative decisions they make. (Which in turn reduces such decisions to mere shock value.) All of which pretty much make up the crux of many of the issues in the DC comic industry today. TAKE NOTES.
(Also, while I noted in my updates that the art severely declined after the main story arc, the style grew on me and now I actually wouldn't change it. Go figure.)
In all seriousness, it’s that section (No Easy Way Down) that truly makes this story stand out and elevates it from good to great. The main storyline’s solid, but the aftermath rounds it out so perfectly that the volume wouldn’t be the same without it. I feel like more recent superhero comics have eschewed the concept of the Fallout™️ altogether, thus significantly cheapening the impact of any drastic narrative decisions they make. (Which in turn reduces such decisions to mere shock value.) All of which pretty much make up the crux of many of the issues in the DC comic industry today. TAKE NOTES.
(Also, while I noted in my updates that the art severely declined after the main story arc, the style grew on me and now I actually wouldn't change it. Go figure.)
April 25, 2019
By far one of my favourite Catwoman books to date. Both stories were shockingly deep and dramatic. Honestly, once I got started, I couldn't stop! While the first story had a lot more action and thrills, the second carried a much heavier emotional weight. They both complimented the book perfectly and I was genuinely happy about how Selina Kyle and her poor friends tugged at my heartstrings.
Honestly, I can think of no complaints about either story! While I wasn't much a fan of the art in the second half, the first half's art was stylish and exciting. This is truly a must-read for anyone who loves Catwoman and her adventures. Loved it!
Honestly, I can think of no complaints about either story! While I wasn't much a fan of the art in the second half, the first half's art was stylish and exciting. This is truly a must-read for anyone who loves Catwoman and her adventures. Loved it!
December 26, 2020
Oh, Catwoman. The titles “Relentless” and “Long Way Down” capture the arc perfectly. The universe is relentless in keeping Selina down, it’s failure after loss after failure after loss. And even after all that pain, it here is yet a long way down to fall. This volume is brutal.
The art by Cameron Stewart (“Relentless”) and Javier Pulido (“Long Way Down”) is fantastic: clean, retro, edgy, and never confusing. There’s a lot of action here, and a lot of darkness, but I always knew exactly what was going on in each panel. Some of that I’m sure is due to Hollingsworth’s brilliance as a colorist.
The truth about pain occurs to me while clinging to the hood of a speeding car. Neitzsche said whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but I don’t think he truly understood the nature of surviving pain.
Maybe he’d never screwed up his whole life and gotten people killed in the bargain. ...
Because the truth about it is, it doesn’t make you stronger.
It just makes you more and more numb.
The art by Cameron Stewart (“Relentless”) and Javier Pulido (“Long Way Down”) is fantastic: clean, retro, edgy, and never confusing. There’s a lot of action here, and a lot of darkness, but I always knew exactly what was going on in each panel. Some of that I’m sure is due to Hollingsworth’s brilliance as a colorist.
March 29, 2021
I'm kind of conflicted because the story in the first half was amazing, and the volume could have just ended there and it would've been perfect, but the second half with Slam was not it. That whole romance was just gross and felt wrong and was not necessary. The art was amazing throughout. The first story would've gotten 5 stars but the second half would've gotten a much lower rating so I decided to just give it a middle rating of 3 stars.
January 11, 2018
Un descenso a los infiernos de manual, muy bien construido. Las historias de este tomo siguen una línea mucho más definida que en el anterior.
Me ha gustado mucho pero no tanto como el anterior.
Me ha gustado mucho pero no tanto como el anterior.
August 20, 2022
this was so amazing. the second half was such a great way of depicting the consequences of the first half. and the emotions felt very real and compelling
October 21, 2024
Selina a volé des diamants pour fonder un centre social. Mais le chef de la pègre à qui elle les a subtilités ne va pas se laisser faire... et il va s'en prendre à tous ceux qu'elle aime.
Une course effrénée (pas de chapitres !), beaucoup d'émotions et un épilogue tout en tendresse douce-amère.
Une course effrénée (pas de chapitres !), beaucoup d'émotions et un épilogue tout en tendresse douce-amère.
January 9, 2016
A woman from Selina's past appears. Well, women. A former friend from the street, and Selina's sister.
The first half of the book is filled with Selina trying to do good. The second half is filled with more angst and emotional pain than can fill . . . um . . . an ice tray. Quite sappy emo pain.
The first half of the book is filled with Selina trying to do good. The second half is filled with more angst and emotional pain than can fill . . . um . . . an ice tray. Quite sappy emo pain.
September 30, 2025
4⭐️: selina at her most vulnerable. the panels where she finally goes ballistic against black mask and sylvia are everything.
i knew the romance with slam was coming, yet i was still disappointed when it happened. i’ll never leave batcat hq, but if she wants to get some action with someone else i’m okay with that, it’s only fair considering the amount of girlfriends batman has. (their ending was inevitable tho, considering their relationship only started because of selina’s guilt.)
selina and holly’s friendship is so pure, i adore them. just like i adore being able to see such a deeply wounded and flawed version of catwoman, such a delight when i stumble upon a well done characterisation for her.
the batcat moment in the museum… they will always get each other with just a few words and touches. my favourite soulmates.
my only complaint is that i really didn’t like the art in the second part of this one.
i knew the romance with slam was coming, yet i was still disappointed when it happened. i’ll never leave batcat hq, but if she wants to get some action with someone else i’m okay with that, it’s only fair considering the amount of girlfriends batman has. (their ending was inevitable tho, considering their relationship only started because of selina’s guilt.)
selina and holly’s friendship is so pure, i adore them. just like i adore being able to see such a deeply wounded and flawed version of catwoman, such a delight when i stumble upon a well done characterisation for her.
the batcat moment in the museum… they will always get each other with just a few words and touches. my favourite soulmates.
my only complaint is that i really didn’t like the art in the second part of this one.
January 14, 2021
The First Story called ”Proper Planning” was a surprisingly nice one. The story in itself wasn’t that special, but I liked the stylistic art, the atmosphere and the way everything felt sort of realistic. I mean, that there was no overly powerful superheroes or superhero gimmicks. Just Selina and her very vulnerable friends and family.
The second story called “No Easy Way Down” was just a filler full of dream sequences - I hate those. And the plot was non-existent. It was just a story about all the characters welling in self pity.
The second story called “No Easy Way Down” was just a filler full of dream sequences - I hate those. And the plot was non-existent. It was just a story about all the characters welling in self pity.
July 24, 2024
I found 3 of Brubaker's Catwoman books at the local oxfam for £3 each. This was by far the best one. It was such a good story. Very emotional, dark, and well done. I particularly liked the last issue where everyone had to deal with the consequences of the main story. I don't normally like superhero books, but this felt more like pulp crime and I enjoyed it the more for that. Very glad I picked these up.
July 22, 2019
Once again, the story feels drawn out and padded. I think it was 5 parts and probably could have been 3. It was very good at the end though.
May 8, 2023
It felt like halfway thru this collection is when Ed Brubaker fulfilled his promise. Good stuff.
September 21, 2015
Relentless and No Easy Way Down are simply the two best Catwoman stories ever told.
World: Cameron Stewart simply is perfect for this series. His style, tone, framing and character designs are simply perfect. He is awesomeness. The world building for this gritty down and dirty piece of Gotham has finally come to a head. There is little in terms of world building here as this tale is so powerful in the character side that everything gets out of it's way.
Story: Perfect, all aspects of these two tales is perfect. Relentless is like its namesake, it's breakneck, it's unending and it's brutal. All the world and story building has been going on for 12+ issues and the result is amazing. But what makes a Relentless even better is when followed by the also perfect No Easy Way Down. It is here that Brubaker goes from amazing writer to a brilliant writer. It's a perfect companion to Relentless and let's the reader and the characters dive even deeper into the story and allows the tale to fully unfold itself. Maybe I'm not being clear cause I don't want to ruin both stories for you. Simply put this arc is perfect.
Characters: Amazing in all areas. Not only do things come to a head in the story but the characters are amazing. Their arcs are fully realised. I can't really go into details but man each and every character is so strong this arc. No Easy Way Down is a tour de force in character development and a perfect display of why Brubaker is so great as a writer.
This arc is perfect. Just read the bloody book. Read this Catwoman story if you can only read one.
Onward to the next book!
World: Cameron Stewart simply is perfect for this series. His style, tone, framing and character designs are simply perfect. He is awesomeness. The world building for this gritty down and dirty piece of Gotham has finally come to a head. There is little in terms of world building here as this tale is so powerful in the character side that everything gets out of it's way.
Story: Perfect, all aspects of these two tales is perfect. Relentless is like its namesake, it's breakneck, it's unending and it's brutal. All the world and story building has been going on for 12+ issues and the result is amazing. But what makes a Relentless even better is when followed by the also perfect No Easy Way Down. It is here that Brubaker goes from amazing writer to a brilliant writer. It's a perfect companion to Relentless and let's the reader and the characters dive even deeper into the story and allows the tale to fully unfold itself. Maybe I'm not being clear cause I don't want to ruin both stories for you. Simply put this arc is perfect.
Characters: Amazing in all areas. Not only do things come to a head in the story but the characters are amazing. Their arcs are fully realised. I can't really go into details but man each and every character is so strong this arc. No Easy Way Down is a tour de force in character development and a perfect display of why Brubaker is so great as a writer.
This arc is perfect. Just read the bloody book. Read this Catwoman story if you can only read one.
Onward to the next book!
June 1, 2012
Found this and vol 4 for five bucks each at my LCS this week. I'm pretty well-versed in Brubaker's arc, but it was interesting to reread them.
This shit is dark, yo.
I suppose I'm on the fence about Brubaker's enormous contribution of solid, no-holds-barred noir to the Bat-genre -- on the one hand, he writes cleanly, economically, with a solid cast of well-rendered characters going through emotionally complex situations in pretty realistic ways. On the other hand -- I dunno; sometimes it just seems dark for darkness' sake. But maybe it's just a little too pre-Batman Begins for this post-Avengers world?
This shit is dark, yo.
I suppose I'm on the fence about Brubaker's enormous contribution of solid, no-holds-barred noir to the Bat-genre -- on the one hand, he writes cleanly, economically, with a solid cast of well-rendered characters going through emotionally complex situations in pretty realistic ways. On the other hand -- I dunno; sometimes it just seems dark for darkness' sake. But maybe it's just a little too pre-Batman Begins for this post-Avengers world?
March 1, 2017
This was a great story showcasing both Catwoman and the characters supporting her. The Black Mask makes a great appearance and exudes the same sadistic sarcasm that he had in Batman: Under the Red Hood.
No Easy Way Out was also great and dealt with the fallout from Relentless. The storyline was great, although the artwork was worse than it was in Relentless.
No Easy Way Out was also great and dealt with the fallout from Relentless. The storyline was great, although the artwork was worse than it was in Relentless.
February 25, 2013
Ed Brubaker has this unique view of Selina and her guest cast of characters. Gotham's East End takes on such a noir-ish look under Ed Brubaker and the pencils of Cameron Stewart. This story had such deep sadness in it and a reality that seems impossible when involving the likes of Black Mask. As a villain he poses a good threat to Selina and I hope to see them square off again. This series, steered by Brubaker is the defining version of Catowman to me. The only drawback in this trade, to me, is the art was a little limited in the last chapter. Overall, it was still very good.
November 12, 2010
There may be more of a review to come, but man...this was dark and intense.
I almost don't want to reflect on it.
While Brubaker continues with solid noir writing, this was...well...relentless.
Possibly the most disturbing display of violence I have ever encountered in a graphic novel.
Not a great book to read before bed on a bad day when is of course when I read it.
I almost don't want to reflect on it.
While Brubaker continues with solid noir writing, this was...well...relentless.
Possibly the most disturbing display of violence I have ever encountered in a graphic novel.
Not a great book to read before bed on a bad day when is of course when I read it.
November 11, 2013
So much fun. I really like the side characters in these books. I think that the side characters are what really make books like these. If the side characters are just disposable then the book feels flat. I love Slam and Holly. They are so much fun.
Selina is pretty awesome too. The art again is pretty fun. I will definitely check out more of this guy's work.
Selina is pretty awesome too. The art again is pretty fun. I will definitely check out more of this guy's work.
July 18, 2015
5 stars for the art work of the first story in this- (1 star for the appalling artwork of the 2nd story)
The first story is ok but un-nuanced. The only bit that I really thought was note-worthy was the frankly unpalletable torture scene which is beyond horrible (even if the worst bit is unseen.)
Good characters but under-employed.
Can't read the 2nd as the art is so egregious
The first story is ok but un-nuanced. The only bit that I really thought was note-worthy was the frankly unpalletable torture scene which is beyond horrible (even if the worst bit is unseen.)
Good characters but under-employed.
Can't read the 2nd as the art is so egregious
May 20, 2012
The black mask arc is fantastic, best catwoman story yet.
July 25, 2012
Loved it. Dark, and harsh, and real. Good book all the way through. Even enjoyed the different look of the last section.
August 3, 2016
Selina its so amazing.
November 22, 2014
The book cover is very impressive.
January 12, 2016
Difficult one to review- very good story and very good art work.
Also very uncomfortable reading though, really quite dark. Not for the squeamish.
Also very uncomfortable reading though, really quite dark. Not for the squeamish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2007
Didn't like the graphics as much as others. Good story line though
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews