Catwoman #14

This volume is Catwoman Vol. 4 #14 from DC's New 52 era, a tie-in chapter of the Batman event "Death of the Family." The story picks up where the previous issue ended: Selina Kyle and the child she is protecting are trapped in danger, covered in ash, when the Joker suddenly appears and reveals that he is the mysterious client who hired her in the previous issue to transport "goods." To get the child out, Selina has no choice but to agree to the Joker's demands and endure the torment and humiliation he inflicts; she tries to fight back but does not fully succeed. After a war of words, the Joker plays another "prank" on her. She then meets her partner Trip and receives the "client's" payment from him, and begins to recall how the whole affair unfolded, worrying about Batman's situation. But the Joker ambushes her again, attacking while extending a new "game" invitation. Selina ultimately sees through the game's true purpose and refuses to play in a rather clever way; the Joker responds with a painful memory drawn from a deceased friend of hers. The two part ways, each leaving a meaningful judgment of the other in their hearts. Written by Ann Nocenti and drawn by Rafa Sandoval, this issue focuses not on fight scenes but on a psychologically grueling contest between Selina and the Joker: she never betrays Batman, and in the struggle glimpses the hidden connection between her childhood and her life of theft.