This is a feature called "Nothing is Better." I have a feature called "Reason to Get Excited," where I spotlight aspects of current comic books that have particularly impressed me. I had started to expand it to older comics, but it just didn't feel right. I really think "Reason to Get Excited" should be reserved for current comic books. Therefore, this is the equivalent column for older comic books, "Nothing is Better," where I spotlight aspects of classic comic books that have particularly impressed me.

I continue a month of "Nothing is Better" by spotlighting Darwyn Cooke's graphic novel, Selina's Big Score, which was essentially a case of Darwyn Cooke doing a Parker novel in the DC Universe years before Cooke literally adapted Richard Stark's Parker novels into graphic novels for IDW (Stark was a pseudonym used by Donald Westlake).

Selina's Big Score took place after a four-part back-up story by Ed Brubaker and Darwyn Cooke that set up their 2002 Catwoman series, and before the actual series proper (which Cooke started on with Brubaker before giving way to Cameron Stewart after a few issues).

As we have seen with Cooke's Parker adaptations, the man was built for crime noir stories, and Selina's Big Score, which is about Selina Kyle putting together one last big score before she starts her new role as Catwoman, Robin Hood of East Gotham City.

The book opens up with a striking two page sequence...

Then, like any good caper story, it spends a LOT of time setting up the crew...

I am sure this fellow being named Stark is a total coincidence and not all a reference to the author of the Parker novels...

As you can see by this point, you can tell that Matt Hollingsworth, the colorist on the graphic novel, is doing a TREMENDOUS job. Wow, such amazing color choices.

Next, we throw the fly in the ointment into the mix - that fly's name? Slam Bradley...

When all of the plots and characters come together at the end, it's quite an enjoyable, albeit dark and stormy (and bloody) ride. Not everyone gets out alive (understatement of the day?).

Boy, Cooke was one masterful storyteller, isn't he?

Okay, folks, this is a feature that is a BIT less conducive to suggestions (as it really is about stories that spoke to me, ya know?), but hey, feel free to still send suggestions in to brianc@cbr.com! Maybe you and I have the same take on things and I'll use your idea! Also, I have to fill a month of these, so it would probably help to have some extra ideas!