Jim Balent began his comic book career with the 1993 Catwoman series, in which he was the primary artist. He created the look of the modern age Catwoman with the purple skin tight costume, long wavy hair and curvaceous body. This new look was widely praised by fans and the series had a successful run until 2001.

In 1999, Balent left DC Comics to form his own independent company, Broadsword Comics and created Tarot: Witch of The Black Rose, in which he is the writer and artist. His wife, Holly Gollightly, is the colorist of Tarot.