Warning: Contains spoilers forAbsolute Batman #13!
WolverineandBatmanwould be a volatile combo too big to be contained in Gotham City alone, but DC comics is putting its own spin on the adamantium-laced mutant. It isn’t quite the crossover some fans might want to see, yet it’s certain to leave an impression.Catwomanis becoming Gotham’s very own Wolverine, claws and all.
Absolute Batman #13, by writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta, ushers in a totalredesign to bring Catwomaninto DC’s ever-expanding Absolute universe. Although the sleek, domed helmet and segmented tail are intriguing, Selina’s claws really draw attention. They’re not Catwoman’s standard nails; they’re far closer to X-Men material.
They unsheathe between her knuckles and appear to be wickedly sharp,giving Selina her own personal Wolverine-style weapons.She might not have the X-Gene, but she’s ready to slice and dice her way through Absolute’s Gotham like a mutant.
Catwoman’s Redesign is a Tribute to Wolverine’s Claws
Batman Isn’t the Only One Upgrading His Weapons
DC’s Absolute universe has already reinvented familiarheroes like Batman and Superman, and now Catwoman is joining the fray. This isn’t just any Selina Kyle, though. Although she’s reached for a whip, deadly sharp nails, and other weapons in the past, her new design appears to take an important cue from one of Marvel’s most deadly fighters.
Although she’s reached for a whip, deadly sharp nails, and other weapons in the past, [Catwoman’s] new design appears to take an important cue from one of Marvel’s most deadly fighters.
Batman is constantly upgrading his arsenal of weapons and inventing new ways of subduing his constantly expanding list of enemies and rogues. Now, he isn’t the only one. The real Wolverine isn’t leaving Marvel behind to join Batman, which would be a disastrous combination, but he’s definitely loaning out a signature part of his look.
Catwoman won’t make her Absolute debut until October, so the claws haven’t technically seen any action yet. Based on appearance alone, though, they’re both long and sharp enough to do some damage. It’s unlikely they have to retractinto her forearm like Wolverine’s, which gives her an additional advantage. They’re easy to maneuver, light, and fit her aesthetic perfectly.
Catwoman’s Claws Aren’t the Only Weapon in the Bat-Family Arsenal
Batman’s Allies Get Creative
Catwoman’s new claws aren’t the first weapon to be adopted by the Bat-Family. Although many people close to Batman follow along with his “no-kill” rule in DC’s primary universe, they never run short of gadgets or weaponry that could absolutely take a life if they chose to do so. The weapons are as creative as the vigilantes holding them.
Where Batman has his batarangs, grapple, and host of other weapons, the Bat-Family puts their own spin on things. Nightwing’s escrima sticks, often charged with electricity, are his spin on “non-lethal” yet simultaneously devastating weapons. Tim Drake often opts for a bo staff, while Damian Wayne has incredible skill with his katana, bow, and nearly anything else he picks up.
Both Batwoman and Red Hood know how to utilize electricity in a fight, too. Kate Kane debuted taser gloves, while Jason Todd laced his own Bat symbol with electricity to deploy on anyone too close. Red Hood takes things a step further by being the only Bat-Family member with a magical weapon, adding mystical All-Blades to his stock of firearms.
It’s only appropriate that Selina Kyle branches out as she enters a whole new universe, and the cat wouldn’t have claws if she wasn’t prepared to use them.Catwomanis bringing some seriousWolverineenergy to Gotham with her new weapon, andBatmanwill have to decide if that’s a win or a problem.
Absolute Batman #13is available on October 8th, 2025 from DC Comics.
