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Batman by Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale #3
Catwoman: When in Rome
Presents the adventures of Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman, during the time of the "The Long Halloween" and "Dark Victory."
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
About the author
Jeph Loeb
1,518 books1,252 followersJoseph "Jeph" Loeb III is an Emmy and WGA nominated American film and television writer, producer and award-winning comic book writer. Loeb was a Co-Executive Producer on the NBC hit show Heroes, and formerly a producer/writer on the TV series Smallville and Lost.
A four-time Eisner Award winner and five-time Wizard Fan Awards winner (see below), Loeb's comic book career includes work on many major characters, including Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, Hulk, Captain America, Cable, Iron Man, Daredevil, Supergirl, the Avengers, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, much of which he has produced in collaboration with artist Tim Sale, who provides the comic art seen on Heroes.
A four-time Eisner Award winner and five-time Wizard Fan Awards winner (see below), Loeb's comic book career includes work on many major characters, including Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, Hulk, Captain America, Cable, Iron Man, Daredevil, Supergirl, the Avengers, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, much of which he has produced in collaboration with artist Tim Sale, who provides the comic art seen on Heroes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews
September 17, 2023
3 star plot, 5 star art
The story wasn't some over-complicated mess, the panels weren't crammed with dialogue, and the art was lovely.
However, anyone who thinks they may be offended by seeing Selina in her panties (a lot), is going to want to stay far away from this thing. Honestly, after looking at this, you'll think that her body-hugging catsuit is pretty prudish.
In other words, go into this expecting to see an abundance of ass cheeks and boobies.
...and the crowd goes wild!
The basic premise is that Selina heads to Rome to solve the who's your daddy mystery. Edward Nigma seems like a good choice to help her solve that Riddle, so she brings him along for the ride.
Unfortunately, most of the time he's more trouble than he's worth.
She (sorta?) teams up with a hit-man (<--mysterious origins), and attempts to find proof that Carmine Falcone was her father.
Now, there were a lot of WTF moments between her and this guy. You're not sure who he's working for, why he keeps coming to her rescue, or why in the hell she's dumb enough to think that he doesn't know she's Catwoman.
But whatever. Just go with it and look at the pretty pictures!
Ok, beyond the searching for clues and fighting the Italian mafia, Selina is also running into familiar faces and/or familiar weapons. Joker's toxin, Scarecrow's fear gas, and Mr. Freeze's gun are all pointed her way. Even Cheetah shows up to kick her ass!
Plus, she keeps having these very real feeling dreams about Batman and Bruce Wayne...
Except when she wakes up? Um. Yeah, not Batman.
Even though the story was pretty light, it felt like it had some gravity to it. And I'm not saying this is the best thing I've ever read, but I'd easily recommend it for Catwoman fans.
The story wasn't some over-complicated mess, the panels weren't crammed with dialogue, and the art was lovely.
However, anyone who thinks they may be offended by seeing Selina in her panties (a lot), is going to want to stay far away from this thing. Honestly, after looking at this, you'll think that her body-hugging catsuit is pretty prudish.
In other words, go into this expecting to see an abundance of ass cheeks and boobies.
...and the crowd goes wild!
The basic premise is that Selina heads to Rome to solve the who's your daddy mystery. Edward Nigma seems like a good choice to help her solve that Riddle, so she brings him along for the ride.
Unfortunately, most of the time he's more trouble than he's worth.
She (sorta?) teams up with a hit-man (<--mysterious origins), and attempts to find proof that Carmine Falcone was her father.
Now, there were a lot of WTF moments between her and this guy. You're not sure who he's working for, why he keeps coming to her rescue, or why in the hell she's dumb enough to think that he doesn't know she's Catwoman.
But whatever. Just go with it and look at the pretty pictures!
Ok, beyond the searching for clues and fighting the Italian mafia, Selina is also running into familiar faces and/or familiar weapons. Joker's toxin, Scarecrow's fear gas, and Mr. Freeze's gun are all pointed her way. Even Cheetah shows up to kick her ass!
Plus, she keeps having these very real feeling dreams about Batman and Bruce Wayne...
Except when she wakes up? Um. Yeah, not Batman.
Even though the story was pretty light, it felt like it had some gravity to it. And I'm not saying this is the best thing I've ever read, but I'd easily recommend it for Catwoman fans.
August 21, 2015
Purrr-fect reading!
This TPB edition collects #1-6 of the original miniseries. This is a side-story ocurring in the middle of the events of “Batman: The Long Halloween” and “Batman: Dark Victory” by the same creative team.
Creative Team:
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Illustrator: Tim Sale
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Lettering: Richard Starkings
RAINING CATS AND RIDDLES
You’re wasting my time. That was the first thing Batman ever said to me... ...Romantic bastard, isn’t he?
Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale made two long storyline in The Long Halloween and Dark Victory set in the early years of Batman’s career against crime. In the middle of those two storyline was mentioned that Selina Kyle (aka Catwoman, but don’t tell anyone!) did a trip over Rome, Italy. She stayed there for 6 months, but what happened there wasn’t full discussed during the storylines focused on The Batman. So, if you want to know what happened there, this is the TPB to read.
Even, if you haven’t read those Batman’s storyline and you are interested to read this TPB, you can do it, since in the same way that Selina’s adventure isn’t much commented on the other two storylines, the same happened here, where you won’t hear much about what Batman was doing meanwhile.
Selina Kyle’s past is a mystery. However, during her cat burglar night outs, she got an unexpected clue. So, she decides to travel to Rome since is there where her clue is leading her. To inforce her chances of solving the mystery of her past she takes Edward Nigma aka The Riddler with her.
Soon enough Selina will be involved in a bizarre series of events putting her right in the middle of several threats to her life involving the Italian Mafia, some Arkham’s Inmates-related items and even a villain from another hero(ine).
Knowing what’s going on and who to trust will be the name of the game...
WHEN THE CAT’S AWAY
I hope you speak English, Don Verinni. My Italian starts at “Armani”-- --and stops at “Gucci”.
This miniseries is superbly written along with striking artwork. Even while it’s the same illustrator here than in The Long Halloween and Dark Victory, I think that the artwork is even better here. Obviously quite similar, due sharing the same artist, but in some way, more elaborated in some characters and the scenarios.
In some similar way than in The Long Halloween, the mystery at hand is solved but without the full knowledge of the main character, only the readers have full access to the key scenes to know the real solution. Something that I found quite elegant and I celebrate the writer’s choice in his management of these stories.
Definitely, not matter if you want to complete your reading about the storyarcs done by Loeb & Sale and/or because you’re fan of the character of Catwoman, this a must-read stuff.
This TPB edition collects #1-6 of the original miniseries. This is a side-story ocurring in the middle of the events of “Batman: The Long Halloween” and “Batman: Dark Victory” by the same creative team.
Creative Team:
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Illustrator: Tim Sale
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Lettering: Richard Starkings
RAINING CATS AND RIDDLES
You’re wasting my time. That was the first thing Batman ever said to me... ...Romantic bastard, isn’t he?
Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale made two long storyline in The Long Halloween and Dark Victory set in the early years of Batman’s career against crime. In the middle of those two storyline was mentioned that Selina Kyle (aka Catwoman, but don’t tell anyone!) did a trip over Rome, Italy. She stayed there for 6 months, but what happened there wasn’t full discussed during the storylines focused on The Batman. So, if you want to know what happened there, this is the TPB to read.
Even, if you haven’t read those Batman’s storyline and you are interested to read this TPB, you can do it, since in the same way that Selina’s adventure isn’t much commented on the other two storylines, the same happened here, where you won’t hear much about what Batman was doing meanwhile.
Selina Kyle’s past is a mystery. However, during her cat burglar night outs, she got an unexpected clue. So, she decides to travel to Rome since is there where her clue is leading her. To inforce her chances of solving the mystery of her past she takes Edward Nigma aka The Riddler with her.
Soon enough Selina will be involved in a bizarre series of events putting her right in the middle of several threats to her life involving the Italian Mafia, some Arkham’s Inmates-related items and even a villain from another hero(ine).
Knowing what’s going on and who to trust will be the name of the game...
WHEN THE CAT’S AWAY
I hope you speak English, Don Verinni. My Italian starts at “Armani”-- --and stops at “Gucci”.
This miniseries is superbly written along with striking artwork. Even while it’s the same illustrator here than in The Long Halloween and Dark Victory, I think that the artwork is even better here. Obviously quite similar, due sharing the same artist, but in some way, more elaborated in some characters and the scenarios.
In some similar way than in The Long Halloween, the mystery at hand is solved but without the full knowledge of the main character, only the readers have full access to the key scenes to know the real solution. Something that I found quite elegant and I celebrate the writer’s choice in his management of these stories.
Definitely, not matter if you want to complete your reading about the storyarcs done by Loeb & Sale and/or because you’re fan of the character of Catwoman, this a must-read stuff.
February 3, 2023
RIP Tim Sale, I'm sad we'll never get more of these.
August 27, 2019
I am obsessed with this. I know it's absolutely ridiculous but this is probably in my top 3 favourite comics of all time. Catwoman: When In Rome has been out of print for years and here in Germany, it's pretty hard to get yourself a copy for a fair price ... luckily, I was able to snatch this book without reaching too deep into my pockets.
This is probably an unpopular opinion but I think that Loeb and Sale are the best duo when it comes to writing and drawing Batman comics. I just love everything these two came up with together. (As of right now, I only have Batman: Haunted Knight left because Sale only chose to draw four Batman comics in total ... which is such a shame! I need more of his gorgeous art!) Loeb is often criticised for not being the strongest writer and his plots can feel pretty straight-forward and following a simple formula, however, I don't mind that at all. It's a superhero comic for fuck's sake, I'm not going into it assuming I'll get out of it smarter. I want to be entertained. I want to look at pretty art. I want to have moments that I can swoon over. I want to have epic battle scenes. And these two always deliver on all of these fronts.
Catwoman is one of my favourite characters in the DC universe. I just love her so freaking much. She's a badass. She's sexy. She's sassy. She knows how to throw a good punch. I absolutely adore when she interacts with Batman (or when Selina interacts with Bruce). I know I'm out of the shipping age but seeing these two bickering on the page never gets old. In Catwoman: When In Rome, Selina/Catwoman keeps having these daydreams about Bruce/Batman that get pretty enticing and albeit they're pretty ridiculous from an objective standpoint, I loved every second of it. I'm in desperate need for more comic books in wich the Bat and the Cat are a couple. Unfortunately, I'm not interested in Tom King's new run ... because the art seems overall to be not my thing at all ... but if you have other recommendations, please hit me up!
In Catwoman: When In Rome, Catwoman takes a trip to Rome to discover the identity of her father, whom she believes to be crime lord Carmine Falcone. The story takes place in parallel to the later issues of Batman: Dark Victory. She takes the Riddler with her and basically from the moment they land, chaos ensues. Catwoman teams up with an Italian hitman (whom she calls Blondie) who decides to follow her along and protect her. I really loved their relationship as well. I loved that he was pretty taciturn but couldn't keep himself from falling for Selina. The end to their relationship was absolutely heartbreaking ().
In general, I really liked the mystery aspect of the plot of Selina uncovering the identity of her parents. The scene with her mother was so beautiful, yet chilling. On top of that, I also loved the comic relief that Nigma brought to the story and the reveal that we got regarding him towards the end ().
The main reason why I absolutely adored this comic book is Tim Sale's art. He's just a genius. Every panel is so beautiful, so well thought-through. I loved the look he created for Selina/Catwoman. The colours. The costume. Her facial expressions. Everything was perfect. I wish there were more artists like him out there drawing for DC. Most of the time, I feel like (especially the new) artists don't put as much love, thoughts and care for detail into their drawings and it's a damn shame. Catwoman: When In Rome was worth every penny I paid for it. I'll cherish it in my collection until the end of my days.
This is probably an unpopular opinion but I think that Loeb and Sale are the best duo when it comes to writing and drawing Batman comics. I just love everything these two came up with together. (As of right now, I only have Batman: Haunted Knight left because Sale only chose to draw four Batman comics in total ... which is such a shame! I need more of his gorgeous art!) Loeb is often criticised for not being the strongest writer and his plots can feel pretty straight-forward and following a simple formula, however, I don't mind that at all. It's a superhero comic for fuck's sake, I'm not going into it assuming I'll get out of it smarter. I want to be entertained. I want to look at pretty art. I want to have moments that I can swoon over. I want to have epic battle scenes. And these two always deliver on all of these fronts.
Catwoman is one of my favourite characters in the DC universe. I just love her so freaking much. She's a badass. She's sexy. She's sassy. She knows how to throw a good punch. I absolutely adore when she interacts with Batman (or when Selina interacts with Bruce). I know I'm out of the shipping age but seeing these two bickering on the page never gets old. In Catwoman: When In Rome, Selina/Catwoman keeps having these daydreams about Bruce/Batman that get pretty enticing and albeit they're pretty ridiculous from an objective standpoint, I loved every second of it. I'm in desperate need for more comic books in wich the Bat and the Cat are a couple. Unfortunately, I'm not interested in Tom King's new run ... because the art seems overall to be not my thing at all ... but if you have other recommendations, please hit me up!
In Catwoman: When In Rome, Catwoman takes a trip to Rome to discover the identity of her father, whom she believes to be crime lord Carmine Falcone. The story takes place in parallel to the later issues of Batman: Dark Victory. She takes the Riddler with her and basically from the moment they land, chaos ensues. Catwoman teams up with an Italian hitman (whom she calls Blondie) who decides to follow her along and protect her. I really loved their relationship as well. I loved that he was pretty taciturn but couldn't keep himself from falling for Selina. The end to their relationship was absolutely heartbreaking ().
In general, I really liked the mystery aspect of the plot of Selina uncovering the identity of her parents. The scene with her mother was so beautiful, yet chilling. On top of that, I also loved the comic relief that Nigma brought to the story and the reveal that we got regarding him towards the end ().
The main reason why I absolutely adored this comic book is Tim Sale's art. He's just a genius. Every panel is so beautiful, so well thought-through. I loved the look he created for Selina/Catwoman. The colours. The costume. Her facial expressions. Everything was perfect. I wish there were more artists like him out there drawing for DC. Most of the time, I feel like (especially the new) artists don't put as much love, thoughts and care for detail into their drawings and it's a damn shame. Catwoman: When In Rome was worth every penny I paid for it. I'll cherish it in my collection until the end of my days.
July 3, 2022
When in Rome is a much simpler story than The Long Hallowen and Dark Victory, but equally as good to my surprise, spin-off titles tend to be weaker than the original works, but I'm having a hard time deciding which one of these three I like better, they're all so good, with well crafted mysteries, some of the best graphic novels I've ever read, but artwise this was probably the best one of the three, simply stunning, there's not a bad panel on this book, stylish, slick and sexy, with Italy as the background which is such a nice change of scenery for a genre almost fanatically obsessed with the United States, five stars.
November 27, 2022
Visually stylish, it’s an easy to follow Catwoman adventure that oozes with flair. The art combined with the dialogue make for an enjoyable experience, even if it is rather shallow narratively. A Likeable protagonist with a diverse roster to bounce off, if you like Selina Kyle, you’ll probably like this.
June 29, 2018
"Where'd you get that tie?" -- Selina Kyle
"Why do you want to know?" -- gangster Christopher 'The Blond' Castillo
"I just want to tell my friends never to shop there . . . You got a car, Blondie? I need a bubble bath, and some pasta. Not necessarily in that order . . . " -- Selina Kyle
Meow-za, signorina! Although Catwoman: When in Rome was a style over substance book, Selina Kyle's claw-sharp dialogue and first-person narration - courtesy of Loeb - helped to move things along when the plot (Kyle, accompanied by Edward 'The Riddler' Nygma, takes a working vacation in Italy to investigate rumors of her family tree) was just so-so. There was a good mix of fierce action and humor, and Sale's unique artwork was great as usual. Loeb & Sale are an effective duo.
"Why do you want to know?" -- gangster Christopher 'The Blond' Castillo
"I just want to tell my friends never to shop there . . . You got a car, Blondie? I need a bubble bath, and some pasta. Not necessarily in that order . . . " -- Selina Kyle
Meow-za, signorina! Although Catwoman: When in Rome was a style over substance book, Selina Kyle's claw-sharp dialogue and first-person narration - courtesy of Loeb - helped to move things along when the plot (Kyle, accompanied by Edward 'The Riddler' Nygma, takes a working vacation in Italy to investigate rumors of her family tree) was just so-so. There was a good mix of fierce action and humor, and Sale's unique artwork was great as usual. Loeb & Sale are an effective duo.
May 14, 2016
I liked this. It was an interesting look at Selina Kyle outside of Gotham and in a different setting. She's in Rome trying to find out about her parentage. She teams up with a Mafia hitman and another odd partner in crime, and everytime she turns around, one of her Gotham City foes is attacking her. How is it all related?
I think some parts were a bit confusing. The reasons why she was being attacked by what appeared to be Batman was explained, and I was like, okay. I didn't like what happen to one character, so I think that's why I didn't give it four stars. The artwork was good and had sort of a 60s Italian film vibe to it, which I thought was fitting. I'm not sure how well this fits into the continuity. Perhaps it was just a one shot.
I think some parts were a bit confusing. The reasons why she was being attacked by what appeared to be Batman was explained, and I was like, okay. I didn't like what happen to one character, so I think that's why I didn't give it four stars. The artwork was good and had sort of a 60s Italian film vibe to it, which I thought was fitting. I'm not sure how well this fits into the continuity. Perhaps it was just a one shot.
June 6, 2021
This was pretty good!
We follow Selina going to Rome to find out if she is the daughter of Roman Falcone and her supposed mother Louisa, there she goes with Riddler and meets a man named Blondie and she mainly goes to meet Don Vermini but when he is murdered and all blame lies on her she has to prove herself innocent and maybe get a ring with undisputed power and face off against Cheetah and also Gotham villains tickets until she finds who it is thats organizing this and deal with hallucinations of Batman and finally discover her secret or will she?
This was a great volume and just digs deep into the character of Selina and retains the mystery aspect really well and doesn't shy away from the hard hitting questions and also the art is fantastic and the sudden mystery villains were cool and having the story in Rome was a nice change of pace and overall great read and ties into Dark Victory pretty well!
We follow Selina going to Rome to find out if she is the daughter of Roman Falcone and her supposed mother Louisa, there she goes with Riddler and meets a man named Blondie and she mainly goes to meet Don Vermini but when he is murdered and all blame lies on her she has to prove herself innocent and maybe get a ring with undisputed power and face off against Cheetah and also Gotham villains tickets until she finds who it is thats organizing this and deal with hallucinations of Batman and finally discover her secret or will she?
This was a great volume and just digs deep into the character of Selina and retains the mystery aspect really well and doesn't shy away from the hard hitting questions and also the art is fantastic and the sudden mystery villains were cool and having the story in Rome was a nice change of pace and overall great read and ties into Dark Victory pretty well!
February 3, 2019
Catwoman shows in Rome to do… something. But this is a comic so nothing needs to make sense. Right?
Anyways, so what starts off with some relatively impressive art, all of which is backdropped by the somnabulatory devolves into the comic book muck if which its been distilled. After the tepid intro, Catwoman shows up in Italy with the Riddler on tote (cuz we gotta shoe-horn as many known-knows to be ingratiating for advertising right?) While a plot is described in only the murkiestly vague terms of description, any actions actually pursuant to the plot itself Unsurprisingly, most everything that occurs in between has little to do with the plot itself and is just typical cat-thief hi-jinks peppered with repetitious dream sequences.
There’s a lot of sins here but it’s the art that will require the most penance. With a painful level of heterogeneity, what is actually quite nice (for whatever reason) gets quickly swapped out for something of an inferior quality. Trying to riff off of something European (ideally to match the tone and setting) what is ostensibly cultured is a poor mismatch for the intrinsic lowbrow nature of a comic. Much to its detriment when the art does get a chance to shine it quickly gets overshadowed by its internal muck.
With anything approaching the good steamrolled over by the bad, the result is a pancake of sorts: thin and stale. Boring, unmemorable, and ultimately shallow you’ll wonder why Catowman was ever in Rome in the first place.
Anyways, so what starts off with some relatively impressive art, all of which is backdropped by the somnabulatory devolves into the comic book muck if which its been distilled. After the tepid intro, Catwoman shows up in Italy with the Riddler on tote (cuz we gotta shoe-horn as many known-knows to be ingratiating for advertising right?) While a plot is described in only the murkiestly vague terms of description, any actions actually pursuant to the plot itself Unsurprisingly, most everything that occurs in between has little to do with the plot itself and is just typical cat-thief hi-jinks peppered with repetitious dream sequences.
There’s a lot of sins here but it’s the art that will require the most penance. With a painful level of heterogeneity, what is actually quite nice (for whatever reason) gets quickly swapped out for something of an inferior quality. Trying to riff off of something European (ideally to match the tone and setting) what is ostensibly cultured is a poor mismatch for the intrinsic lowbrow nature of a comic. Much to its detriment when the art does get a chance to shine it quickly gets overshadowed by its internal muck.
With anything approaching the good steamrolled over by the bad, the result is a pancake of sorts: thin and stale. Boring, unmemorable, and ultimately shallow you’ll wonder why Catowman was ever in Rome in the first place.
June 24, 2022
A good story set in the Long Halloween universe. This is during the Dark Victory story line. A good story and very good artwork.
Selina need a break from Gotham and most of all from the Batman. A perfect time for a trip to Rome to answer some questions. When you need answers to questions why not bring the Riddler? However Batman seem to cast a long shadow on Selina even all the way to Rome. Seline might have left Gotham but she has brought a number of Gothamites with her. Another thing that bothered me us if there was anyone who did not know Selina and Catwoman were the same person they deserved to he shot.
A good book, with great artwork, modernised and in colour, but still pays homage to yhe noir style of the Long Halloween. A couple of inconsistencies but overall good. The book finishes with a sketch book.
Selina need a break from Gotham and most of all from the Batman. A perfect time for a trip to Rome to answer some questions. When you need answers to questions why not bring the Riddler? However Batman seem to cast a long shadow on Selina even all the way to Rome. Seline might have left Gotham but she has brought a number of Gothamites with her. Another thing that bothered me us if there was anyone who did not know Selina and Catwoman were the same person they deserved to he shot.
A good book, with great artwork, modernised and in colour, but still pays homage to yhe noir style of the Long Halloween. A couple of inconsistencies but overall good. The book finishes with a sketch book.
November 2, 2021
This was enjoyable mostly for the lighter tone and Loebs first person dialogue with Selina. However, the over use of a lot of the standard troupes wore thin by the end. We get it, Cat and Woman are sexy.The basis of this story was thin to begin with and this really didn't add much other than as a fun epilogue to the Long Halloween saga.
October 8, 2022
(Zero spoiler review) 4.5/5
Sexy and sultry Selina Kyle, what more does a man need? Ok, well this man needs an interesting and engaging story to go along with the pretty pictures. After all, if all your craving is exposed flesh, there is this thing called the internet where I'm led to believe many an itch can be scratched in this regard. That said, there is something endlessly appealing about seeing such a sublime example of the female form (admittedly somewhat exaggerated) within the comics medium. I know its 2021 (for a few days anyway) and the male gaze is something the powers that be are doing their level best to downplay or outright destroy (with DC falling into line and aptly playing their part). But thankfully this little romp came out in a time when the female form was still allowed to be appreciated, even celebrated, and there is plenty to celebrate here, believe me.
I read this story in the Sale/Loeb omnibus, and despite The Long Halloween and Dark Victory being more highly regarded than this little number, I wouldn't hesitate in placing it on at least the same pedestal, if not maybe even a little higher. But like I said, I do like me some sexy Selina Kyle.
The story is competent, if perhaps not quite as compelling as the previously mentioned arcs. But it had me turning the pages, and not just to see what provocative pose or seductive stance Tim Sale would put Cat woman/Selina Kyle in next. In may have petered out, and not quite finished as strongly as it started, but sometimes a comic can be more than the sum of its parts, and I do like the parts we have on display in When in Rome. Rest in Peace, Tim. Another luminary of the industry gone far too soon. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
Sexy and sultry Selina Kyle, what more does a man need? Ok, well this man needs an interesting and engaging story to go along with the pretty pictures. After all, if all your craving is exposed flesh, there is this thing called the internet where I'm led to believe many an itch can be scratched in this regard. That said, there is something endlessly appealing about seeing such a sublime example of the female form (admittedly somewhat exaggerated) within the comics medium. I know its 2021 (for a few days anyway) and the male gaze is something the powers that be are doing their level best to downplay or outright destroy (with DC falling into line and aptly playing their part). But thankfully this little romp came out in a time when the female form was still allowed to be appreciated, even celebrated, and there is plenty to celebrate here, believe me.
I read this story in the Sale/Loeb omnibus, and despite The Long Halloween and Dark Victory being more highly regarded than this little number, I wouldn't hesitate in placing it on at least the same pedestal, if not maybe even a little higher. But like I said, I do like me some sexy Selina Kyle.
The story is competent, if perhaps not quite as compelling as the previously mentioned arcs. But it had me turning the pages, and not just to see what provocative pose or seductive stance Tim Sale would put Cat woman/Selina Kyle in next. In may have petered out, and not quite finished as strongly as it started, but sometimes a comic can be more than the sum of its parts, and I do like the parts we have on display in When in Rome. Rest in Peace, Tim. Another luminary of the industry gone far too soon. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
December 12, 2020
I had a lot of fun with this one, this spins out of Batman Dark Victory and shows where Catwoman went by the title of this I’m sure you can guess where. There’s a lot of great moments with Selina and we learn a little more about her potential parentage. Sale’s art is definitely the main attraction here, it looks so gorgeous. I like how he switched up his coloring style to a more paint look to capture the feel of the book and separate it from his other work. Overall a really solid Catwoman story, just make sure you read The Long Halloween and Dark Victory first otherwise you might be a little lost.
April 7, 2020
So after re-reading Long Halloween for the 50th time, I wanted to read some of the other books in the Loeb/Sale series and I had never read this one before. The book tells a tale during Dark Victory where Selina goes to Rome to uncover mysteries of her past only to constantly have nightmares about Batman. Tim Sale's art is as phenomenal as always as he really draws his characters in such a unique way. Otherwise, the story was okay for the most part, but nothing mind-blowing.
May 28, 2018
The coloring in this book is amazing. Using a watercolor wash on Tim Sale's artwork creates some really beautiful art. However, this is probably the weakest of the Loeb/Sale DC collaborations. In particular, I'm not a fan of Loeb's ineffective Riddler.
November 28, 2023
3.75 stars
Quick thoughts:
And with this volume I conclude Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's Batman. What a fun ride. I loved the characterization, the adventure and my god the artwork is just stunning.
This volume has some silliness to it, but personally, I enjoyed it. This Catwoman is one being haunted by Batman, he's in all her nightmares. This Catwoman is tormented by the questions of her past. This Selina is sensuous and quick-witted, sassy and a fighter, but she's also so very lonely.
I have to say, the last pages are the same ones that are at the end of Dark Victory so it was a little underwhelming. The story is also constricted by the events of DV, we know this is Selina's six month adventure in Italy, and so we know how it ends. Still, it's a fun volume with some faces I was not expecting to see in Italy.
Quick thoughts:
And with this volume I conclude Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's Batman. What a fun ride. I loved the characterization, the adventure and my god the artwork is just stunning.
This volume has some silliness to it, but personally, I enjoyed it. This Catwoman is one being haunted by Batman, he's in all her nightmares. This Catwoman is tormented by the questions of her past. This Selina is sensuous and quick-witted, sassy and a fighter, but she's also so very lonely.
I have to say, the last pages are the same ones that are at the end of Dark Victory so it was a little underwhelming. The story is also constricted by the events of DV, we know this is Selina's six month adventure in Italy, and so we know how it ends. Still, it's a fun volume with some faces I was not expecting to see in Italy.
May 5, 2016
Read this review and more on my blog.
This mini-series has made Catwoman one of my favourite, if not my favourite, DC character.
When In Rome takes Catwoman to Rome for reasons that do not become clear until the final pages.
The art style was gorgeous, at times it felt like I was seeing Roman architecture. The colours used complimented the light-heart overall tone of this storyline.
The actual story was an interesting one that kept me hooked through this 6 issue run. Just enough was told in each issue to keep you knowledgable as to what was going on, but enough was left out to make it the 'murder mystery' that it is advertised as.
This mini-series has made Catwoman one of my favourite, if not my favourite, DC character.
When In Rome takes Catwoman to Rome for reasons that do not become clear until the final pages.
The art style was gorgeous, at times it felt like I was seeing Roman architecture. The colours used complimented the light-heart overall tone of this storyline.
The actual story was an interesting one that kept me hooked through this 6 issue run. Just enough was told in each issue to keep you knowledgable as to what was going on, but enough was left out to make it the 'murder mystery' that it is advertised as.
October 26, 2019
This is my favourite Tim Sale art. I've been a fan since I read The Long Halloween, but it feels like he's come so far since then.
The story itself basically expands upon a sentence dropped in The Long Halloween, what exactly is Selina Kyle's relationship with Carmine Falcone?
I do like the characterisation of Selina, although there are some questionable scenes that revolve around her sexuality, but they were relatively minor.
I wasn't ever a big fan of Catwoman, but this book helped round out the character so she's not just a foil and sometimes lover for Batman.
The story itself basically expands upon a sentence dropped in The Long Halloween, what exactly is Selina Kyle's relationship with Carmine Falcone?
I do like the characterisation of Selina, although there are some questionable scenes that revolve around her sexuality, but they were relatively minor.
I wasn't ever a big fan of Catwoman, but this book helped round out the character so she's not just a foil and sometimes lover for Batman.
November 7, 2019
Catwoman believes that she has found her heritage, and travels to Rome (Italy) in search of proof. She brings Ed Nigma for his puzzle-solving ability, and is teamed by her Italian contacts with a local hitman, best in the country.
Story is good, if a bit convoluted, and the art makes the story smooth and believable. For a change, although Selina Kyle is still talented and voluptuous, the plot and dialog make her abilities believable and the art shows enough imperfection to make her perfect.
Story is good, if a bit convoluted, and the art makes the story smooth and believable. For a change, although Selina Kyle is still talented and voluptuous, the plot and dialog make her abilities believable and the art shows enough imperfection to make her perfect.
May 5, 2021
Dibujo: 5 estrellas.
Historia: 2,5 estrellas.
El dibujo de Tim Sale es espectacular. Sin embargo, en una historia ambientada en Roma, me hubiese gustado ver más escenas de la propia ciudad...
En cuanto a la historia, bueno, está bien. Sin más. Una lectura disfrutable.
Historia: 2,5 estrellas.
El dibujo de Tim Sale es espectacular. Sin embargo, en una historia ambientada en Roma, me hubiese gustado ver más escenas de la propia ciudad...
En cuanto a la historia, bueno, está bien. Sin más. Una lectura disfrutable.
March 27, 2014
Catwoman: When in Rome is a six issue miniseries by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, the duo behind Batman: The Long Halloween and Batman: Dark Victory. The story actually takes place at the same time as Dark Victory: as things in Gotham continue to heat up, Selina decides to get the hell out of dodge and takes a trip to Italy.
Taking Catwoman out of dark, claustrophobic Gotham and transporting her to Italy gives the story a different tone than your regular Batman fare, which I thought was refreshing. There are cameos from a few other Batman regulars – including the Riddler – but this is very much Selina Kyle’s story, as Catwoman attempts to figure out who her real parents are while unraveling a murder-mystery in the process.
Loeb & Sale are one of my favorite duos in the business, and they did not disappoint here. The story is not as epic as Long Halloween (a personal favorite) and Dark Victory, but that’s to be expected. When in Rome is a good tale in its own right that gets more and more interesting as each issue unfolds (and for the record, readers do not have to be familiar with Dark Victory to enjoy this collection). And the artwork, always a strength when Loeb & Sale get together, is very strong and a real pleasure to look at.
Overall, I thought this was a fun story with great artwork. Not as gripping as Loeb & Sale’s more famous collaborations, but entertaining nonetheless. 3.5 stars, recommended!
Taking Catwoman out of dark, claustrophobic Gotham and transporting her to Italy gives the story a different tone than your regular Batman fare, which I thought was refreshing. There are cameos from a few other Batman regulars – including the Riddler – but this is very much Selina Kyle’s story, as Catwoman attempts to figure out who her real parents are while unraveling a murder-mystery in the process.
Loeb & Sale are one of my favorite duos in the business, and they did not disappoint here. The story is not as epic as Long Halloween (a personal favorite) and Dark Victory, but that’s to be expected. When in Rome is a good tale in its own right that gets more and more interesting as each issue unfolds (and for the record, readers do not have to be familiar with Dark Victory to enjoy this collection). And the artwork, always a strength when Loeb & Sale get together, is very strong and a real pleasure to look at.
Overall, I thought this was a fun story with great artwork. Not as gripping as Loeb & Sale’s more famous collaborations, but entertaining nonetheless. 3.5 stars, recommended!
November 3, 2021
When in Rome is a six-issue miniseries published by DC Comics and was written by Jeph Loeb and penciled by Tim Sale. Catwoman: When in Rome collects all six issues of the 2004 miniseries. It accounts for the time Catwoman spent when she left Gotham City during the events of Batman: Dark Victory.
It opens with Selina Kyle and Edward Nygma traveling from Gotham City to Italy. Selina decides she needs a vacation and travels to Rome to meet up with some people she hopes will shed some light on revelations made about Carmine Falcone's past.
Jeph Loeb penned the entire miniseries. For the most part it was written rather well. Loeb introduces some interesting new characters, and they fit right into the world he carved out of Batman's past, as if they were always part of the Bat-Universe. The tone of the story is very different allowing the caper and adventure becoming more dominant with the mystery taking a back seat. There is also more humor in this series and the narrative gives a nod at events that are happening concurrently in the Batman timeline.
Tim Sale penciled the entire trade paperback. Since he was the only penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. For the most part, Sale's penciling was done wonderful well and took inspiration for his art from René Gruau, the French/Italian fashion illustrator.
All in all, Catwoman: When in Rome is a great addition to Selina Kyle's backstory and a wonderful addition to the Batman: The Long Halloween universe.
It opens with Selina Kyle and Edward Nygma traveling from Gotham City to Italy. Selina decides she needs a vacation and travels to Rome to meet up with some people she hopes will shed some light on revelations made about Carmine Falcone's past.
Jeph Loeb penned the entire miniseries. For the most part it was written rather well. Loeb introduces some interesting new characters, and they fit right into the world he carved out of Batman's past, as if they were always part of the Bat-Universe. The tone of the story is very different allowing the caper and adventure becoming more dominant with the mystery taking a back seat. There is also more humor in this series and the narrative gives a nod at events that are happening concurrently in the Batman timeline.
Tim Sale penciled the entire trade paperback. Since he was the only penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. For the most part, Sale's penciling was done wonderful well and took inspiration for his art from René Gruau, the French/Italian fashion illustrator.
All in all, Catwoman: When in Rome is a great addition to Selina Kyle's backstory and a wonderful addition to the Batman: The Long Halloween universe.
May 4, 2015
For me, this was a three-star book, with one star added just because I love the art. I've read books pencilled by Tim Sale before, and I enjoy his layouts, his action panels, and use of silhouettes, but, for me, the art in this book was a step up because of the watercolor wash and coloring of Dave Stewart. The watercolor wash preserved Sale's pencils, but brought the art to a new level with the perfect color palette selections to capture Rome at sunset and at night. (Also, maybe just because there was a lot of purple, and I really like purple?)
This is only the second Catwoman collection I've read, and I thought it was pretty good. I enjoyed Selina/Catwoman's sarcastic, sometimes cheesy internal dialog. (If you're the type of person who likes Spider-Man's bad jokes, you'll probably like Selina's, too.) The book is a fun heist book mixed up with Selina seeking information about her parentage, aided by the lightening of the story necessitated by its Rome setting. The book doesn't take itself too seriously, which is why including the following: Catwoman's new suit (necessitated by lost luggage), several dream Batman appearances, Catwoman-comic-necessary "sexy" shots, and joke generalizations about how "all women" are, didn't bring this book down.
This is only the second Catwoman collection I've read, and I thought it was pretty good. I enjoyed Selina/Catwoman's sarcastic, sometimes cheesy internal dialog. (If you're the type of person who likes Spider-Man's bad jokes, you'll probably like Selina's, too.) The book is a fun heist book mixed up with Selina seeking information about her parentage, aided by the lightening of the story necessitated by its Rome setting. The book doesn't take itself too seriously, which is why including the following: Catwoman's new suit (necessitated by lost luggage), several dream Batman appearances, Catwoman-comic-necessary "sexy" shots, and joke generalizations about how "all women" are, didn't bring this book down.
July 28, 2022
Very dope. Loeb and Sale (RIP) do what they always do and knock it out of the park. This is a fun side jaunt following one of Batman's most notorious and complex rogues.
They let Catwoman be badass, sexy, and vulnerable all at the same time. It sounds a bit cliché, but it's actually quite excellent. Some fun DC cameos round out an excellent book. It isn't a thinker, but instead goes the other way and represents comics at their most pulpy and fun.
They let Catwoman be badass, sexy, and vulnerable all at the same time. It sounds a bit cliché, but it's actually quite excellent. Some fun DC cameos round out an excellent book. It isn't a thinker, but instead goes the other way and represents comics at their most pulpy and fun.
January 3, 2023
Four stars is probably too much for this book but Tim Sale's art is so atmospheric in this one that I just couldn't help myself.
August 1, 2013
I loved Catwoman in this! I also loved the art - Catwoman in motion is fantastic. While she always seems to be fighting in various stages of undress (she sleeps naked, of course, with sheets artfully arranged, and then sometimes has to get right down to kicking ass), the illustrations of her in costume are so great that I don't mind too much.
I also liked the writers' interpretation of Selina Kyle, as I generally like people who understand that eleven pairs of shoes is about the right amount of shoes to bring to Rome. Her sass is balanced with a real vulnerability. The dream sequences that explore her relationship with Batman come to a satisfying end and give a lot of insight into her character.
The weakest part of this book is actually the plot. I did think that Selina's origin story was clever, but the overall plot arc with the "surprise" villain feels like someone came up with it in about 2.5 seconds.
Overall, this is a quick read that explains a lot of Catwoman's behavior in Batman: The Long Halloween. I hope she reappears in some fashion in Batman: Dark Victory!
I also liked the writers' interpretation of Selina Kyle, as I generally like people who understand that eleven pairs of shoes is about the right amount of shoes to bring to Rome. Her sass is balanced with a real vulnerability. The dream sequences that explore her relationship with Batman come to a satisfying end and give a lot of insight into her character.
The weakest part of this book is actually the plot. I did think that Selina's origin story was clever, but the overall plot arc with the "surprise" villain feels like someone came up with it in about 2.5 seconds.
Overall, this is a quick read that explains a lot of Catwoman's behavior in Batman: The Long Halloween. I hope she reappears in some fashion in Batman: Dark Victory!
November 15, 2009
Really distinctive, unique art--beautiful, stylized, really gets the emotions, mood, and action across. The dialog is great too: snappy and clever, but not ridiculously so, and does not adhere to the usual noir cliches. And best of all, Catwoman shines. This is a book to remind one of everything there is to love about her. Self-sufficient, canny, but with a heart that sometimes comes into play.
After being linked to a mob boss's death, Selena flees to Rome. But despite the city's reputation as a no-cape zone, she keeps running into evidence of the presence of an ever-widening circle of the Bat's enemies. Meanwhile, she's concerned with her own search for the truth about her parentage, and her troubled relationship with Batman. This is a fantastic story, full of double-crosses, narrow escapes, and murky motives. The Big Bad leaves a little to be desired, but I was so entranced by Selena that I didn't care. I'd recommend it to anyone feeling a bit jaded and tired of the usual Bat-stories.
After being linked to a mob boss's death, Selena flees to Rome. But despite the city's reputation as a no-cape zone, she keeps running into evidence of the presence of an ever-widening circle of the Bat's enemies. Meanwhile, she's concerned with her own search for the truth about her parentage, and her troubled relationship with Batman. This is a fantastic story, full of double-crosses, narrow escapes, and murky motives. The Big Bad leaves a little to be desired, but I was so entranced by Selena that I didn't care. I'd recommend it to anyone feeling a bit jaded and tired of the usual Bat-stories.
January 20, 2019
It’s a look into a Catwoman adventure in Rome as she tries to find evidence on her biological parents and tries to understand her relationship with Batman. She can never seem to escape Gotham City even when she’s in Europe. The Riddle tags along with her on the journey only to find out that he’s been playing tricks all along.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would and the art is fantastic. There’s something about a comic that’s not filled with so much text and speech bubbles that feels so refreshing. I don’t come across a lot of comics like that and I loved the simplicity of it. I also love how Catwoman looks like here.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would and the art is fantastic. There’s something about a comic that’s not filled with so much text and speech bubbles that feels so refreshing. I don’t come across a lot of comics like that and I loved the simplicity of it. I also love how Catwoman looks like here.
February 15, 2017
First Catwoman series I've read and I loved it!
This is the story of Selina Kyle looking for answers about her past. Taking place in between The Long Halloween and Dark Victory, this follows Selina on her 6-month journey to discover her parentage (and ties to the Italian mafia) while throwing some attempted murders her way.
Even with this, my girl never loses her catty attitude and fills our ears (eyes since I'm raising) with snarky remarks and ass-kicking (mainly the Riddler).
Although the ending feels a little unresolved and leaves you wanting more, I still loved it!
This is the story of Selina Kyle looking for answers about her past. Taking place in between The Long Halloween and Dark Victory, this follows Selina on her 6-month journey to discover her parentage (and ties to the Italian mafia) while throwing some attempted murders her way.
Even with this, my girl never loses her catty attitude and fills our ears (eyes since I'm raising) with snarky remarks and ass-kicking (mainly the Riddler).
Although the ending feels a little unresolved and leaves you wanting more, I still loved it!
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