Che Grayson on reinventing Catwoman for the Absolute Universe

Welcome to AIPT Comics Podcast Episode 382! This week, we're joined by Absolute Catwoman writer Che Grayson to dive deep into one of DC's most exciting new series. We discuss reimagining Selina Kyle for the Absolute Universe, blending espionage and cyberpunk influences, exploring Catwoman's Afro-Cuban heritage, and what makes this version of Gotham's greatest thief unlike any that came before. Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon! NEWS Dark Horse Comics agrees to voluntarily recognize Dark Horse Workers United Oni Press unveils first look at new Archie era, announces 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' and 'Archie in Hell' DC GO! expands in 2026 with new originals, returning favorites, and the first crossover event Marvel reveals final chapters of 'Queen in Black' event as Venomworld emerges Marvel reveals post-'Avengers: Armageddon' era with mysterious 'Earth's Mightiest Survivors' teaser Marvel bri1ngs its second-ever True Believers Display Box to 'DNX' #1 Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto launch new 'Avengers' #1 this November NiFe WARS launches NFC-authenticated collectibles platform with blind bags 'TMNT' #300 tops 200,000 orders as IDW prepares biggest Turtle story in years Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Billy Bat (Naoki Urasawa, Takashi Nagasaki) Spawn #376 (Matthew Rosenberg, Stephen Segovia) Alex:​​ IM CHEATING: The End Times #7 (Benjamin Percy, Stephen King) Only The Savage Are Left #1 (Zach Kaplan, Stefano Rafaelle) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Alex: What If Uncanny X-Men (Gerry Duggan, Jan Bazaldua) Dave: Uncanny X-Men #29 (Gail Simone, Luciano Vecchio) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Alex: The Nice House by the Sea #10 (Tynion, Álvaro Martínez Bueno) Dave: Tarzan Beyond #1 (Steve Orlando, Renato Guedes) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Daredevil #3 (Alexander Lozano Cover) Alex: X-Men #31 Alex Ross Marvel Dimensions variant Interview: Che Grayson - Absolute Catwoman - Out June 10th Absolute Catwoman hits the ground running with a fast pace and a globe-trotting setup. What was your approach to making this version of Selina feel immediately distinct from page one? This Selina feels very self-made, with high-tech gear and a life she’s built outside Gotham. What interested you about exploring her at that stage in her life? The Absolute Universe already introduced Selina in Absolute Batman. How did you approach taking an established version of the character and expanding her into her own series? Speaking of collaboration, how do you and Scott split the writing duties? Are you breaking story together, or does one of you take the lead in certain areas? Bengal’s art really sells the motion and the tech, especially in action scenes. How closely are you working with him in terms of visual storytelling, and were there any sequences you were especially excited to see him bring to life? The Calicos are a really intriguing addition, with that more classic Catwoman-inspired look. What can you tease about their role in Selina’s past and how they shape who she is now? This version of Selina has some bold new elements, including her enhanced gear and abilities. Without spoiling too much, how far are you planning to push what Catw