As more ofCatwoman’s brand-new costume is unveiled in DC Comics, covers for future issues illustrate just how similar it is to Halle Berry’s look in the disastrous, yet iconic, 2004 movie. The attempted solo movieCatwomandisregarded the character’s comic origins and identity, and the film’s lore was largely ignored by comics in return. However, fresh costume developments show that DC hasn’t completely forgotten Berry’s version of the anti-hero.
Seba Fiumara’s gorgeous cover forCatwoman#71 – written by Torunn Grønbekk with art by Marianna Ignazzi – gives thelatest look at Catwoman’s sleek new costume. Scratched up and sitting in a bathtub of ice,Selina Kyle’s new look bears a striking resemblance to the costume worn by Halle Berry’s Catwoman.
CATWOMAN #71 (2024)
Variant Covers:
Lee Bermejo, Frank Cho, Davis Nakayama, Noobovich
What’s one Catwoman between good friends? Selina’s international hunt brings her to Stockholm in search of an old acquaintance who has become a crime lord there…Of course, she’s pretty sure he might be the one who’s put a price on her head, so she’s going to need to sneak in if she wants to get answers. Luckily for this cat, there’s a fancy-dress party that’s the perfect opportunity to slink in unnoticed.
With an all-new creative team debuting this updated costume, DC references their greatest cinematic flop after it’s gained some more cultural appreciation over the years. ThoughCatwomanwas a critical and financial failure, it’s become a campy cult classic, with some ideas that could be resurrected.
Selina Kyle’s New Design Is A Callback To The Infamous Halle Berry Version Of Catwoman
Catwoman#71 – Written By Torunn Grønbekk; Art By Marianna Ignazzi; Cover By Seba Fiumara
The new Catwoman costumepulls from the 2004 film’sunique version of the characterwith aspects of the design that still remember Selina Kyle’s long and storied run in DC Comics. Thecharacter’s costume history spans over eight decades, with various legendary looks that could contend for her most classic or most memorable design. From wearing a literal cat head to her famous purple, gray, and all-black suits, Catwoman’s sense of style has always been a pivotal piece of her character’s story in DC Comics, as she has transitioned from villain to anti-hero to full-blown hero over the years.
On Seba Fiumara’s cover forCatwoman#71, the battle-worn iteration of the character is highly reminiscent of the Patience Phillips iteration of the fierce feline thief.
Selina Kyle’s fashions extend beyond the world of comics to film, television, video games, and even more. Throughout the character’scostumed live-action appearances in movies and TV, Michelle Pfeiffer’s version from Tim Burton’sBatman Returns (1992)may be the most recognizable. However, Selina Kyle isn’t the only Catwoman to have appeared in a movie, with 2004’s Catwomanjoining the fray in a costume that has become iconic in its own right. On Seba Fiumara’s cover forCatwoman#71, the battle-worn iteration of the character is highly reminiscent of the Patience Phillips iteration of the fierce feline thief.
Who is Patience Phillips? DC’s Other Catwoman, Explained
The Much-Maligned Cinematic Catwoman
Halle Berry’s Patience Phillips was an original creation forCatwoman (2004), making her first and last appearance in the film. Patience was a nerdy, meek, and shy woman working for a cosmetic company, but transformed into a bold and confident anti-hero after a near-death experience and a mystical awakening with a bunch of street cats.Her story issimilar to the twisted origin of Michelle Pfeiffer’s Selina Kyle, as both were given catlike powers when almost killed by their employers. After her superhero origin, Patience sought guidance from a woman named Ophelia Powers, who fittingly helped her feel her powers.
10 Most Powerful Variants Of Catwoman, According To DC Comics
Some of the most powerful variants of Catwoman in DC Comics include versions that became Batman and others that had the powers of a werewolf.
Ophelia Powers taught Patience about an aspect of lore the movie invented which has been ignored by DC Comics, claiming that there have been various Catwoman throughout history dating back to the goddess Bast. The spiritual element to this version of the character helps her stand apart, along with Halle Berry’s fun and campy performance in the film for which sheearned the Worst Actress Razzie Award.Berry has embraced the movie and beautifully owned her place as Patience in one of DC’s biggest cinematic flops, and helps the character become an admittedly infamous yet legendary piece of Catwoman’s history.
The New Catwoman Look Proves Halle Berry’s Version Deserves A Comic Follow-Up
A Reappraisal Two Decades Later
With fans and Halle Berry herself giving a loving reappraisal to the much-maligned movie, it’s clear that some sort of follow-up would certainly be enticing for the film’s fanbase and harshest critics alike.Batman ‘89continues Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman storyin the comic book format, andaCatwoman ‘04series would be a fascinating way to develop the story of Patience Phillips and build out the world of the cult classic. As Catwoman’s new look draws parallels to the film’s version of the costume, DC is seemingly aware of the movie’s comeback to the cultural landscape with a fresh perspective.
Catwoman doesappear to be taking fashion tips from Berry’s character with her bold new costume.
Despite all the costume comparisons, Grønbekk and Ignazzi’s latest arc probably won’t be taking any other cues from Halle Berry’s version of the anti-hero.Catwoman #71will see Selina Kyle continue taking on crime lords and sneaking into fancy parties rather than rubbing catnip on her face, doing extraordinary basketball tricks, and battling Sharon Stone over evil skin cream like Patience Phillips. Though fans don’t need to worry about Selina’s personality changing or her stealing Patience’s thunder in the DC Universe,Catwomandoesappear to be taking fashion tips from Berry’s character with her bold new costume.
Catwoman
Cast
A cosmetics industry employee is murdered after discovering a dangerous secret about an anti-ageing product. However, an Egyptian cat saves her, giving her the power of speed and the senses of an agile feline.
