Nightcat Review

I like picking up weird and random comics. During a recent trip to my childhood comic shop, I definitely found something that fits that description. 

Released in 1991, Nightcat was a Marvel superhero persona created for musician and actress Jacqueline Tavares. A full album was released in conjunction with the issue. If you want to check that out I'll post a YouTube link at the end of the post. Stan Lee, who makes a quick cameo in the comic, is given credit for scripting the story, though according to those that worked on the project, his input was minimal at best.

The story introduces us to Jackie Tavares, a young women in Queens who lost her mother due to alcoholism and music. Because of this her father forbids her from pursuing music too, fearing it will consume her life. Eventually Jackie decided to pursue music anyway and creates an alter-ego, Nightcat to do so. She finds fame and fortune but her life changes when she discovers a case of drugs. 

This is where the story of Nightcat is oddly becomes similar to 2004's Catwoman starring Halle Barry. She is kidnapped by men working for a pharmaceutical CEO working on experimental cosmetics. She is given a mixture of chemicals and cat's blood which make her cat-like powers. She is saved by her father, investigating undercover. Her father is killed and she swears revenge. She gets it and vows to hunt the "human jackals that prey on helpless, innocent victims."

The cover claims this is Nightcat's premier issue, but spoiler, it's also her only issue, though she would be mentioned in one or two random comics after this. There was a a planned crossover with Spidey, but because of terrible sales it was axed. I've seen articles saying this is one of the worst Marvel comics of all time. As someone that has read NFL SuperPro and U.S. 1 I can definitely say that's not the case. Then again, I like those titles so take my opinion worth a grain of salt. I love the Joe Jusko cover and the interior artwork from Denys Cowan are good. Fun fact, though his art doesn't appear in the issue Nightcat was designed by Jim Lee. The story is simple and nothing to write home about, but its fine. I'm not telling you to run out and pick this one up, but if you see it in a dollar box, go for it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Nightcat In Your Game

Nightcat: Init +3; Atk +2 claws (1d4) or +2 telescopic staff (1d6); Crit II/1d10; AC 13 (dex); HD 4d6; HP 14; Mov. 30'; Act 1d20; SP thief skills; SV Ref +4; Fort +1, Will +1; AL L

Thief skills: Backstab +3, Sneak silently +6, Hide in Shadows +8, Pick pocket +6, Climb sheer surfaces +8, Pick lock +6, Find trap +5, Disable trap +8, Forge document +3, Disguise self +4, Read languages +1, Cast from spell d10