10 Comics You Need to Read If You Love Batman and Catwoman’s Relationship

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Batman and Catwoman are one of the best couples in comic books, but they began their journeys as adversaries. Catwoman was originally a criminal and Batman was, well, Batman. As the characters entered the Silver and Bronze Ages, their personalities and goals deepened along with their chemistry.

In modern DC comics, Batman and Catwoman frequently navigate a will-they-won’t-they romance, and Selina Kyle has proven herself to be one of the most loyal, powerful members of the Bat-Family. Readers looking for the best comics showcasing the Bat and the Cat’s relationship will find it in classics like The Long Halloween and sagas like Tom King’s Batman run, which heavily emphasized Bruce and Selina’s complicated romance.

10

Mystery, Thrills & Catwoman’s New Origins

Batman: The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale & Gregory Wright

The Long Halloween is packed with content. There’s truly something in this legendary book for every Batman fan, including a dark, flirtatious relationship between Batman and Catwoman––on top of the gallery of rogues and murder mysteries.

Catwoman goes through a well-crafted character arc with Gotham’s mob families in The Long Halloween. Fans can read her full journey in the Dark Victory sequel and Catwoman: When in Rome spin-off book. Batman: The Long Halloween exists in a perfect bubble, taking inspiration from Batman and Catwoman’s dynamic in the main DC Universe while grounding it in reality, adding a pinch of noir narrative.

9

The Catwoman Of The Golden Age

Batman #15 by Jack Schiff, Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson & George Roussos

Most of Batman’s Golden Age comics are wacky and goofy by today’s standards. Comics were made firmly for children, and the stories were not that complex. However, Catwoman’s Golden Age appearances laid the foundation for decades of growing chemistry with the Dark Knight.

Batman #15 is a perfect example of what Batman and Catwoman’s relationship was for years in DC publications; Batman and Catwoman walked the fine line between enemies and lovers, as DC teased a possible relationship, then brought Catwoman back to the side of villainy.

8

Batman & Catwoman Of The Silver Age

The Brave and the Bold #197 “The Autobiography of Bruce Wayne!” by Alan Brennert, Joe Staton, George Freeman & Adrienne Roy

Once DC Comics moved into the Silver Age, their comic stories grew a little more complex, and the relationships between characters deepened. Catwoman grew beyond the simple femme fatale villainess and slowly allied herself with the Dark Knight. Bruce, in turn, developed a true affection for the former cat burglar.

The following years culminated in the two professing their love for each other and even getting married on Earth-Two. Bruce and Selina had a daughter named Helena Wayne in this alternate universe. The Brave and the Bold #197 is one of the best Silver Age comics starring the couple and highlights how far both characters have come since their meeting in Batman #1 in 1940.

7

Catwoman’s Complex Alliance With Batman’s Insurgency

Injustice: Gods Among Us by Tom Taylor, Brian Buccellato, Jheremy Raapack, Mike S. Miller, Bruno Redondo, Tom Derenick & more

During the Injustice: Gods Among Us comic series, Superman became a tyrant, forcing many heroes and villains to “choose a side,” much like Marvel’s Civil War epic. Catwoman originally joined Batman’s Insurgency, battling the Man of Steel’s Regime. However, she would naturally switch sides, though she justified her actions by wanting to save Bruce from Superman.

Despite her brief alliance change, Catwoman was one of Batman’s greatest allies in the entire Injustice saga, from year one to year five and beyond. She was Batman’s closest partner and stood by him for years––something that even Damian, Batman’s son, was incapable of committing to.

6

Batman Teams Up With Catwoman To Defeat Hush

“Hush” by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Scott Williams & Alex Sinclair

“Hush” is one of the most epic Batman comics ever. There’s something in “Hush” for every type of Batman fan, from his team-ups with Nightwing to his showdowns with Joker and Superman. Scenes with Batman and Catwoman are some of the best in the entire story arc.

Batman and Catwoman’s relationship is on full display in “Hush.” The couple have a memorable meeting, which has been recreated on many covers since Selina and Bruce shared a theater date, and the two even work together to stop Poison Ivy and save Superman in the process, proving Catwoman to be one of Batman’s best allies.

5

Catwoman & Batman’s Steamy Relationship In The New 52

Catwoman (Vol. 4) “The Game” by Judd Winick, Guillem March & Tomeu Morey

Some fans weren’t particularly happy with Catwoman’s narrative direction in the New 52. The New 52 cut many storylines short, including fan-favorite Gotham City Sirens, highlighting Selina’s partnerships with Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy. However, parts of her relationship with Batman in this new universe were not completely out of character.

Batman and Catwoman thrive off tension, and the New 52 Catwoman series had plenty of it. Catwoman and Batman have been driven by passion in their will-they/won’t-they relationship for much of their careers as heroes, villains, and vigilantes. Like the Rebirth Batman series, the New 52 highlighted their passion more than their deep love or connection.

4

Catwoman Has Batman’s Back Against Bane

“City of Bane” by Tom King, Tony S. Daniel, Sandu Florea, Norm Rapmund, Tomeu Morey & more

Catwoman was officially the second main character of Tom King’s Batman run following the DC Rebirth relaunch event. King focused heavily on their relationship, with some ups and downs. As with anything in comics, King’s run was a little decisive, but fans should probably check out his entire run for the full context of how he developed Bruce and Selina’s relationship.

In Batman (2016), the Bat and the Cat were true partners. The story arcs starring Bane showcased how they work together, even when Catwoman seemingly betrayed Batman. With nuanced motivations and goals layered in mystery and love, “City of Bane” was a notable entry in the series.

3

A Night Off With Superman & Lois Lane

“Double Date” by Tom King, Clay Mann, Seth Mann & Jordie Bellaire

“Double Date” was an incredible small story arc in the middle of Tom King’s run. He not only demonstrated skills in writing Batman and Catwoman’s relationship but now Superman and Lois Lane’s as well––merging the two on a literal double date where everyone swapped costumes for a fair.

Batman and Superman speak to their respective partners, opening up about how they feel about the other hero. While this shows Batman’s friendship and concern for Superman, it proves he’s willing to open up to Selina about anything, even the most powerful member of the Justice League.

“The Wedding” by Tom King, Mikel Janín, José Luis García-López, Becky Cloonan, Jason Fabok, Tim Sale, Mitch Gerads, Clay Mann, Joëlle Jones, David Finch, Jim Lee, Greg Capullo & more

Batman #50 was the milestone wedding issue, though things weren’t all sunshine and roses. Batman’s latest comic series had been building towards this event for years. The Joker had attempted to crash Batman’s big day, and even Booster Gold appeared with a “gift” for the groom and bride-to-be.

Catwoman ultimately left Bruce Wayne at the altar, but it wasn’t malicious. Catwoman was ultimately trying to spare Batman heartache and ensure that the Dark Knight himself would not become compromised in their marriage. She sacrificed a happy marriage with the love of her life to save Gotham; Bruce might find that admirable.

1

Batman & Catwoman’s Legacy

Batman/Catwoman by Tom King, Clay Mann & Tomeu Morey

Batman and Catwoman shared the titular roles in the Batman/Catwoman miniseries, written by Tom King, who had just concluded his epic Batman run and illustrated by Clay Mann, one of the best artists in the business. If the book title didn’t give it away, Batman/Catwoman is an incredible story about Bruce and Selina’s relationship and life, though told unconventionally.

Batman/Catwoman jumps around timelines quite a bit, showing readers present-day Batman and Catwoman and a future where Bruce has died. Selina raises their daughter, Helena, to become Batwoman. This is a great book for fans of Bruce and Selina, presenting a fascinating possible future that would never come to pass in DC’s sliding timescale.

“}]] Batman and Catwoman have had a unique on-again, off-again romance built on the chase and the game they played for years in these memorable comics.  Read More