Advance Review: ‘Cat Fight’ #1 Will Steal Your Heart (And Maybe Your Wallet)

Welcome to the table,

The romanticized cat burglar is a hallmark of all manner of media, from comics and cartoons to novels and role-playing games. As a fan of this flavor of fantasy, I’ve always been drawn to stories of cunning thieves, brilliantly crafted objects, and death-defying heists.

In fact, one of my first AD&D* characters was an art thief inspired by a mix of Bob Ross and Carmen Sandiego, complete with a stylish afro, kind demeanor, and a love for the emeralds that shared the color pallet of the trees of the forests he spent his youth in. A happy time he would never shut up about.

I vividly remember spending hours with my fellow players plotting out the perfect heist, complete with contingency plans and trips to various stores in town to pick up the right tools, all in pursuit of an elusive emerald heart that was rumored to be kept in the tallest tower in a castle only accessible by traversing a haunting mist that drifted across battlefields collecting corpses for some unknown and likely horrific reason.

While my pen-and-paper adventures as a master thief all those years ago may not have been successful (Mr. Zarovich did not care for us in his castle), I’ve recently come across a comic about cat burglary that gets everything right.

IDW‘s Cat Fight, written by Eisner Award winner Andrew Wheeler with art by Ilias Kyriazis, inks by Auguste, colors by Dennis Yatras, and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, is a true gem that sparkles with the talent of a well-honed creative team.

The story starts with a heist already in progress. Our protagonist, Felix Lamarr, a charming career criminal, evades local law enforcement with skill, wit, and improvisation that is brilliantly illustrated through some of the slickest panel layouts I have ever set my eyes on.

The way the page layouts blend sound effects, dialog, and illustration together to guide the reader’s eye, all the while maintaining the pacing and structure of conversations between the characters, is nothing short of masterful. I can say with confidence that Cat Fight is a prime example of why comic books can still be considered an art form in their own right and some stories when told in this medium, are nothing short of magical.

However, it’s not just the visual feast that makes Cat Fight stand out. The character development in this story is rich and compelling, with a depth that goes beyond the typical introduction expectations found in a lot of first issues.

Even the flashbacks to catch readers up on the history of key characters are executed with artful precision, seamlessly weaving into the narrative without missing a beat. It’s a testament to the skill of the creative team that the story flows so smoothly, leaving readers eager for more.

This first issue ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers on the edge of their seats and breathlessly waiting for the next installment.

As someone who has always been drawn to stories of thieves and heists, I can confidently say that Cat Fight is a masterclass in storytelling. With its charming dialog, dazzling illustrations, and clever characters, this comic will steal your heart and leave you craving more. Don’t miss out on this gem of a comic book that brings the romanticized cat burglar trope to life in a way that is sure to be unforgettable.

Cat Fight #1 will be available for purchase on May 31, 2023. Check with your local comics shop for availability.

Until next time, always check for traps.

AD&D – Advanced Dungeons and Dragons.