Catwoman #88 Debuts June 17: Selina Kyle Faces Black Masks New Threat
Catwoman #88 will hit comic‑book stores on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, according to DC Comics’ release schedule. The issue continues the long‑running Catwoman series, which has followed Selina Kyle’s evolution from a street‑wise thief to a complex anti‑heroine.
The preview pages for #88 reveal a plot in which Black Mask, the notorious Gotham crime lord, intensifies his campaign against Selina. The villain is shown to have acquired a new, unnamed benefactor who is helping him target Catwoman. The cover art, available in three different styles—Frank Cho, Michael Walsh, and W. Scott Forbes—depicts Selina in a dynamic pose amid explosive action, suggesting a confrontation with Black Mask’s forces.
In addition to the main storyline, the preview includes a series of therapy‑session panels that explore Selina’s psychological state. The sessions discuss trauma response and coping mechanisms, offering a more introspective look at the character’s motivations. This psychological depth contrasts with the high‑energy action shown on the cover.
Slam Bradley, a private detective who has appeared in DC’s Golden‑Age titles and has recently been revived in modern stories, is also featured in the issue. The preview hints at a “hairy” complication for the detective, though the specifics are left to the reader’s imagination.
Catwoman’s series has a long history of exploring the character’s ties to Gotham’s underworld. The current volume, which began in 2018, follows Selina after her failed wedding with Batman and her continued involvement with the city’s criminal elements. Black Mask, whose real name is Roman Sionis, has been a recurring antagonist in the Batman mythos and has recently returned to prominence in DC’s ongoing storylines.
The issue is priced at $3.99 and will be available in both print and digital formats. DC Comics has released three cover variants to give collectors options: a Frank Cho version, a Michael Walsh version, and a W. Scott Forbes version. All covers feature Selina Kyle in her signature black costume, poised for confrontation.
Catwoman #88 is part of DC’s broader strategy to refresh its core titles. The publisher has been releasing new issues of its flagship series on a regular schedule, and this issue continues that pattern. The inclusion of therapy panels reflects a trend in contemporary comics toward exploring character psychology in addition to action.
The preview pages also emphasize the tension between Selina’s personal struggles and the external threats posed by Black Mask. The narrative suggests that Selina’s return to Gotham will be fraught with danger, as Black Mask’s new benefactor provides him with resources that could make the villain’s plans more lethal.
Collectors and readers can expect the issue to be available in comic shops nationwide on the scheduled release date. DC has also made the digital version available through its official distribution channels.
In summary, Catwoman #88 offers a blend of action, psychological insight, and new villain dynamics. The issue’s release on June 17, 2026, adds another chapter to Selina Kyle’s long‑running saga and continues DC Comics’ commitment to delivering fresh content for its core titles.
