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Well well well - a Cat Tales one shot. And a very enjoyable one it was too!

I think I've mentioned this before in a prior review, but one of the things I love about this series is the food. Many's the time I've been desperately tempted to fire off some paper copies of the story and cram them unceremoniously into my mouth in the vague hope that it will be as delicious as the words themselves.

Another thing I love - the details. One such example, which probably won't mean anything to anyone other than me is as follows:

"..:: Hey, ::.. came the (typically) informal greeting."

The aside (in this case bracketed) is a deft touch, one that to my mind is the mark of good writing. It's the type of writing that won't hit you with a sledgehammer to make its point, writing that I strongly suggest is read slowly and carefully to get the most from it.

Another example of details - the angry sex. Refined (and ultimately prudish) Englishman that I am, I wasn't quite sure how to react when I read about the heat that's generated during Spandex on Spandex action, or for that matter the roughness of Bruce's conquest. However, Catwoman's aside that she quite enjoys it occasionally reminded me that the writer is one who I can trust with my sensibilities - as usual, the Selina depiction seems to be spot on, the enjoyment of the somewhat violent act indicative of the depth of character she has. It would have been very easy to make a crass Feminist criticism in that passage, or perhaps even have a passive Selina blindly enjoying being dominated by the superior alpha male. But no. This is writing for grown-ups, and in that brief insight into Selina's mind the writer rises spectacularly above all such pedantery.

Goodness me - a Veritable Parliament of Fowls present in this story! We had Penguins, Doves, Ravens, Cuckoos (and their nests). I don't know if this is intentional or not, but its very interesting that the supporting characters should be given Bird associations when the Protagonist is a Cat... Perhaps this says a lot about their relationships! (Look at me going all Dr. Bart...)

And on the subject of Leland - don't give that man sympathy, give him a medal. Filling the hapless long suffering shoes left by Harvey Dent's recent apparent descent into happiness (I don't think it will last), the Doc is an excellent addition to the cast (in the sense of his being fleshed out more). As is Raven, a character I'm really beginning to like. I hope it works out for them - as with Sly, I really root for the 'Normals' and hope things go well for them.

There was also a strong compliment of funny moments too. "Cobble-kwak-pot!" - That's a cheeky play on words, isn't it? I also love the idea of the RatRace-esque escape sweepstake, as I enjoy Jack's scientific reappraisal of the Chicken and the Road joke. Let's hope he doesn't apply such forethought to the Octopus Joke...

All in all, I enjoyed this story a lot. The characterisation was very strong, and the nuance of the writing set it apart from much of the Batman-tripe you see on the internet - or in the Newstands for that matter. Good stuff.