Batwoman | |
---|---|
Publication information | |
Publisher | DC Comics |
First appearance | Kathy Kane: Detective Comics #233 (1956) Kate Kane: 52 #11 (September 2006) |
In-story information | |
Alter ego | Katrina Luka Netz Katherine Rebecca Kane |
Place of origin | Gotham City |
Team affiliations | The Outsiders Justice League Queer Batman Family |
Partnerships | Batman Bette Kane Batwing Azrael |
Supporting character of | Batman |
Abilities | Both versions of Batwoman possess no metahuman powers but are skilled combatants with access to high-tech equipment. |
Altered in-story information for adaptations to other media | |
Alter ego | The CW / Arrowverse : Ryan Wilder DC Animated Universe Dr. Roxanne Ballentine Sonia Alcana Kathleen Duquesne |
Batwoman is a name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, depicted as female counterparts and allies of Batman similarly to Batgirl. The original version of the character, Kathy Kane (eventually given the birth name Katrina "Luka" Netz to differentiate the character from the newer version), was first created by writer Edmond Hamilton and artist Sheldon Moldoff under the direction of editor Jack Schiff as a love interest in an attempt to combat allegations of Batman's homosexuality arising from the controversial book, Seduction of the Innocent. [1]
Eventually, the character would be replaced in 2006 by Kate Kane , the most iconic version of the character. This version of the character is depicted as a lesbian, of Jewish descent, possessing a military background, and is wealthy heiress who becomes inspired towards vigilantism by Batman, later revealed to be her maternal cousin (Kathy being the niece of Martha Wayne). Since the character's re-introduction in 2006, the character is notably DC Comics' most highly profiled gay superhero whose sexual orientation has been subjected to attention from the general public, both positive and negative. The character's chief love interests include Maggie Sawyer and Renee Montoya. The character has also been featured in several solo ongoing series, Detective Comics, andThe Outsiders (2023).
Within media, the Batwoman character has been adapted several times with some being original incarnations, such as Ryan Wilder from the The CW Batwoman television series, portrayed by Javicia Leslie. This version is the daughter of Jada Jet (based on Jezebel Jet). In the DC Animated Universe, Batwoman is depicted as three different characters sharing the codename: GCPD detective Sonia Alcana (voiced by Elisa Gabrielli), Wayne Tech employee Dr. Roxanne "Rocky" Ballantine (voiced by Kelly Ripa), and socialite Kathleen "Kathy" Duquesne (voiced by Kimberly Brooks).
The original Batwoman character, Kathy Kane, was created in 1956 during the Silver Age of Comics. After the comic book industry was attacked in the early 1950s following the publication and controversy originating from Fredric Wertham's Seduction of the Innocent in which accused the Batman and Robin characters to be homosexual, the character was created to help offset the accusations and would first appear in Detective Comics #233 (July 1956). Characterized as a female rival to Batman who instead used gadgets often disguised as stereotypical feminine accoutrements and is assisted by her sidekick, Bat-Girl, [1] she made regular appearances in Detective Comics and Batman . [2]
While a popular character in her own right with readers, editor Julius Schwartz considered the Batwoman character inappropriate for his new direction for the fictional Batman universe and following the revamp to Detective Comics in 1964, Batwoman was removed from the series and three years later, was replaced by the Barbara Gordon version of Batgirl, whose approach and being a more direct female counterpart to Batman (using gadgets similar to Batman, being a highly skilled martial artist, and having a doctorate in her civilian identity) made her a more popular character. [3] Although the character was several times requested by fans to revive the Batwoman character, DC's editorial of the time rejected the notion, believing the character only existed as Batman's love interest and her role was fulfilled with the Barbara Gordon character. [2] The character eventually made several guest appearance starting in 1977 [4] [2] but was killed off in Detective Comics #485 (August–September 1979). [2] Editor Dennis O'Neil later stated in an interview, "we already had Batgirl, we didn't need Batwoman." [2] While the issue marked the final appearance of Earth-1 Kathy Kane, an Earth-2 version appeared The Brave and The Bold #182 (January 1982) although it would be the final appearance of the Kathy Kane character for decades. [5]
A new version of the character was eventually revealed in the spring of 2006. Sometime prior, DC editors called for a redesign of Batwoman, with comic book artist Alex Ross drawing inspiration from the modified Batgirl costume he designed for Barbara Gordon, seven years before Kate Kane's planned debut in the limited comic book series 52. While Ross and comic book author Paul Dini initially planned to revive the former Batgirl Barbara Gordon using an updated version of the character's original costume, the decision was rebuffed due to Gordon serving as one of a very small number of disabled superheroes of DC Comics as Oracle. [6] This version differed from the Silver Age version of the character, being depicted as lesbian [7] and was announced in the same time she was revealed. [8]
Stories appeared on television news outlets such as CNN, [9] general news magazines such as USA Today , and gay culture magazines such as Out regarding the new version of the character. [8] In her debut issue, Kane is revealed to have been romantically involved with Renee Montoya, a former Gotham City Police detective (who would later be slated as the second incarnation of the superhero, the Question). [10] When Wizard Entertainment inquired about editorial's decision to making Batwoman a gay character in an interview, DC Comics Senior Vice President and Executive Editor Dan DiDio responded "It was from conversations we’ve had for expanding the DC Universe, for looking at levels of diversity. We wanted to have a cast that is much more reflective of today's society and even today's fanbase. One of the reasons we made her gay is that, again when you have the Batman Family—a series of characters that aren't super-powered and inhabit the same circle and the same city—you really want to have a point of difference. It was really important to me to make sure every character felt unique." [11] Batwoman's sexual orientation initially gathered mixed reviews, ranging from praise to outrage. [12] A reviewer at Out asserts "Batwoman will be the highest profile gay superhero to ever grace the pages of DC Comics." [8] Although several LGBT organizations such as GLAAD have praised DC Comics for attempting to diversify their characters, some have observed that Batwoman is not the first gay or lesbian character to appear in comic books, nor is she the only lesbian to be associated with the Batman series. [13]
In 2008 during New York Comic Con, it was announced that Batwoman would be among the characters appearing in a new Justice League comic book written by James Robinson. That same year, Batwoman briefly took over as the lead character in Detective Comics , starting with #854. [14] with DC saying at the 2009 New York Comic Con that she would be DC Comics' highest-profile gay superhero. [15] Two years later, DC announced the character would star in a ongoing solo series art by J. H. Williams III, who would also co-write the series with writer W. Haden Blackman. Artist Amy Reeder Hadley would also contribute art, alternating story arcs with Williams. [16] [17] The series' introductory "zero issue" was released on November 24, 2010. The launch of Batwoman #1 was originally scheduled for February 2011, then delayed until spring; in early March it was announced that Batwoman #1 would be released sometime in Fall 2011, as part of the New 52 rebooted DC Universe. [18] [19] That same year, Grant Morrison would also restore the original Kathy Kane into modern continuity in flashbacks, most prominently in Batman Incorporated #4 (August 2011).
A later issue in 2013 issue reveals the origin of the original Batwoman in current DC Universe continuity, depicting her as Bruce's aunt by marriage who is widowed and later becomes both a crime fighter and lover alongside Bruce for a time until she was seemingly killed. The issue also revealed her being a spy sent to deduce Batman's secret identity and true parentage to Nazi scientist and spymaster, Otto Netz (also known as Agent Zero). [20] That same year, co-authors J.H. Williams and W. Haden Blackman announced that they would leave Batwoman after the December issue because of conflicts with DC over creative differences, remarking that they were not allowed to expand Killer Croc's back story, keep their original ending to their current story arc, or depict Kate and Maggie getting married. [21] [22] [23] This announcement followed a February 2013 announcement that Batwoman #17 would feature the proposal between Kate and Maggie. [24] DC Comics responded that Batwoman could not get married because "heroes shouldn't have happy personal lives". [25]
The Kathy Kane character would make some appearances throughout the Grayson series (2014 - 2016) as an antagonist, revealing a new birthname of Katrina Luka Netz and being with both the codename "Agent Zero" and acting as the secret head of the espionage organization, Spyral. In the same year the series began, it was announced that the Batwoman series would be canceled in March 2015 at issue forty, along with twelve other New 52 series. [26] The Kate Kane version would later appear as a leading character in the DC Comics Rebirth revamp of Detective Comics, which returned to its original numbering with issue #934. [27]
In July 2023, DC announced that Batwoman, along with Batwing, would lead a new Outsiders series after the conclusion of the "Gotham War" crossover event. [28]
The first incarnation of Batwoman has been presented with several different origins over the course of her publication history; Her earliest known origin depicts her as Katherine "Kathy" Kane, a circus stuntwoman who received a large inheritance upon her father's death and become a socialite in Gotham City. Frequently associated with Bruce Wayne, she would often team up with his alter-ego, Batman, and was a prominent ally and was assisted by her sidekick, Bat-Girl (aka Bette Kane, her niece). As Batwoman, she used her wealth and resources to fight crime much like Batman. [29]
Her origin would later be revised by Grant Morrison, instead casting birth name as Katherine Webb, aspiring independent film director and later wife of Nathan Kane (the brother of Matha Kane) and thus, Batman's aunt via affinity. Tying to her old origins, Nathan would purchase a circus for her as a gift but after his untimely death, she was recruited by a young man known as Agent 33 (the future El Gaucho of the Batmen of All Nations) into the organization, Spyral, and trained as a spy. She was given the assignment of learning of Batman's identity and donned the Batwoman codename and costume to get closer to him. Falling in love with him, the pair became lovers despite her of being legally his aunt. As such, she refused to disclose his identity. Spyral's leader and Nazi villain, Doctor Dedalus (known as Otto Netz) revealed himself as her biological father and threatened to expose her to Batman unless she continued her mission. She would subsequentially break off her relationship with Bruce in order to save him from Dedalus' plan. [30]
In the 2014 Grayson series, her origin is once more revised by Tim Seeley and Tom King. Although most elements of her previous origin from Morrison remained the same, her birthname is instead Katrina "Luka" Netz, with the latter two names as aliases. Unlike her last portrayal, she is raised by Otto Netz as a potential successor but has an antagonistic relationship with her sister, Elisabeth Netz (Frau Netz), throughout their childhood, a machinations fostered by Otto's abuse of the children. As adults, the pair compete for control of Spyral and Leviathan, organizations created by Otto Netz as opposing forces. While Elisabeth adopted Otto's incredible intelligence, Kathy instead adopted her father's spymaster prowess. [31]
Although each origin of the character differs in reasoning and approach, all versions of the character became Batwoman and were once involved with Batman romantically at some point and later seemingly killed by Bronze Tiger. [32] Bronze Tiger's connection to her death was revealed to be false and later attributed to villainess Scorpiana by El Gaucho, previous Agent 33 whom recruited her during his time as a agent of Spyral. [30] Ultimately, it was revealed to be a ruse by Kathy, who later kills Talia al Ghul and revealed as the Headmistress of St. Hadrian, an all-girls boarding school that is a training ground for future female spies for Spyral and served as a high-ranking member. [20] She later adopts the codename "Agent Zero" and acts as the secret leader of Spyral behind even the associated directors. [31]
Katherine Rebecca Kane is depicted as a Jewish military brat, one of the twin daughters of Jacob Kane (brother of Martha Kane) who grew up with a close relationship with her parents and twin, Beth. She is also the maternal cousin of Batman. On their twelfth birthday, the twins alongside their mother were abducted and although her father assembled a team to rescue them, Kate's mother and seemingly Beth was killed. Now raised by Jacob, a single father, he inspired her to join the United States Army but was later kicked out of the United States Military Academy despite exceeding standards as a cadet due to her being gay. The experienced caused her to spiral into depression and began excessively partying and frequently having one-night stands. [33] [34] She would also become briefly romantically involved with the young traffic cop, Renee Montoya, but later break up after Kate denounces her for being closeted. [34] When later she tries reconciling with Renee, she is nearly mugged and saved by Batman. Kate then becomes inspired to become a vigilante and would later be extensively trained by her father, eventually becoming Batwoman. [33]
An original incarnation of Batwoman appears in Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman , voiced by Kyra Sedgwick. [39] This version is an identity used by three people: GCPD Detective Sonia Alcana (voiced by Elisa Gabrielli), Wayne Tech employee Dr. Roxanne "Rocky" Ballantine (voiced by Kelly Ripa), and Kathleen "Kathy" Duquesne (voiced by Kimberly Brooks), who all hold grudges against the Penguin and Rupert Thorne as well as Carlton Duquesne, a gangster in the crime bosses' employ and Kathy's father. Alcana, Ballantine, and Kathy pooled their resources and skills together to seek revenge while taking turns operating as Batwoman to draw suspicion away from each other, with all three using lethal force to achieve their goals. In the DVD and Blu-ray special features, the producers explained that DC did not want the filmmakers to use Kate Kane in a family-friendly film due to the violence associated with her character.
Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman is a 2003 American animated superhero film based on The New Batman Adventures (1997–1999). Released in the U.S. in October 2003, the film was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and is the fourth film in the DC Animated Universe.
Batgirl is the name of several fictional superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, depicted as female counterparts and allies to the superhero Batman. The character Betty Kane was introduced into publication in 1961 by Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff as Bat-Girl, and was replaced in 1967 by Barbara Gordon, who became the most iconic Batgirl. The character debuted in Detective Comics #359 by writer Gardner Fox and artist Carmine Infantino, introduced as the niece/adoptive daughter of police commissioner James Gordon.
Barbara Gordon is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. The character was created by television producer William Dozier, editor Julius Schwartz, writer Gardner Fox, and artist Carmine Infantino. Dozier, the producer of the 1960s Batman television series, requested Schwartz to call for a new female counterpart to the superhero Batman that could be introduced into publication and the third season of the show simultaneously. The character subsequently made her first comic-book appearance as Batgirl in Detective Comics #359, titled "The Million Dollar Debut of Batgirl!" in January 1967, by Fox and Infantino, allowing her to be introduced into the television series, portrayed by actress Yvonne Craig, in the season 3 premiere "Enter Batgirl, Exit Penguin", in September that same year.
Margaret Ellen Sawyer is a fictional character appearing in media published by DC Comics, primarily in association with Superman. She is a member of the Metropolis police and handles crimes when Superman is unavailable.
Batman Family is an American comic book anthology series published by DC Comics which ran from 1975 to 1978, primarily featuring stories starring supporting characters to the superhero Batman. An eight-issue miniseries called Batman: Family was published from December 2002 to February 2003.
Mary Elizabeth Kane, better known as Bette Kane, is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in the 1960s as "Betty Kane", the Bat-Girl. Her name was later modified to "Bette Kane", and she assumed the role of Flamebird.
The Huntress is an antiheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She is the third DC character to bear the name Huntress. Originally introduced as a new interpretation of Helena Wayne, no longer depicted as the future daughter of Batman and Catwoman as part of DC's post-Crisis on Infinite Earths relaunch, she was later established to be the modern-day equivalent, namesake, and predecessor of Helena Wayne.
"Enter Batgirl, Exit Penguin" is the first episode of Season 3 of the Batman television series, first aired on ABC September 14, 1967 as its ninety-fifth episode. It guest starred Burgess Meredith as The Penguin, and also was the first appearance of Yvonne Craig as Police Commissioner Gordon's daughter, Barbara Gordon, a.k.a. Batgirl.
Gay interpretations have been part of the academic study of the Batman franchise at least since psychiatrist Fredric Wertham asserted in his 1954 book Seduction of the Innocent that "Batman stories are psychologically homosexual". Wertham, as well as parodies, fans, and other independent parties, have described Batman and his sidekick Robin as homosexual, possibly in a relationship with each other. Several characters in the Modern Age Batman comic books are expressly gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
Batwoman is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writers Greg Rucka, Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Mark Waid, and artist Alex Ross, Kane is a wealthy heiress who becomes inspired by the superhero Batman and chooses, like him, to put her wealth and resources toward a campaign to fight crime as a masked vigilante in her home of Gotham City as Batwoman.
Batman Incorporated is an ongoing American comic book series published by DC Comics, featuring the superhero Batman. Written by Grant Morrison, the series debuted following the events of Batman R.I.P, Final Crisis, Batman and Robin, and The Return of Bruce Wayne where, after being stranded in the distant past and believed dead, Bruce Wayne has returned to the present day DC Universe. Now, he is prepared to take his war on crime to the next level by essentially "franchising" it and drafting, training and commanding a global team of heroes who will answer to Batman himself, known as Batman Incorporated.
Batwoman is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She is the first DC character to bear the name "Batwoman". She was created by writer Edmond Hamilton and artist Sheldon Moldoff under the direction of editor Jack Schiff, as part of an ongoing effort to expand Batman's cast of supporting characters. Batwoman began appearing in DC Comics stories beginning with Detective Comics #233 (1956), in which she was introduced as a love interest for Batman in order to combat the allegations of Batman's homosexuality arising from the controversial book Seduction of the Innocent (1954). When Julius Schwartz became editor of the Batman-related comic in 1964, he removed non-essential characters including Kathy Kane, Bat-Girl, Bat-Mite, and Ace the Bat-Hound. Later, the 1985 limited series Crisis on Infinite Earths retroactively established that Batwoman's existence was on an Earth separate from DC's main continuity.
Leviathan is a fictional criminal organization in DC Comics, later revealed to be a schism of the League of Assassins under the leadership of Talia al Ghul, the daughter of Ra's al Ghul.
Bluebird is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, primarily in association with Batman. Harper Row was created by writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo, first appearing in Batman #7, before debuting as Bluebird in Batman #28. Harper Row's Bluebird identity was designed by artist Dustin Nguyen. Within the fictional DC Universe, Harper Row officially joins Batman's group of allies during the events of Batman Eternal, a year-long weekly maxiseries.
DC Comics Bombshells refers to a line of figurines released by DC Collectibles depicting DC Comics superheroines in a retro 1940s look based on designs by Ant Lucia. The line has further expanded to encompass variant covers of DC Comics and licensed memorabilia such as art prints, T-shirts, mugs and their own ongoing comic book.
Elizabeth Kane, also known as Alice and Red Alice, is a fictional character created by Greg Rucka and J. H. Williams III. Beginning as a supervillain, she first appeared in August 2009 in the comic book Detective Comics, published by DC Comics. Her relationship with her twin sister Kate Kane defines much of Batwoman's emotional life. During The New 52, it is established that Kate and Beth are cousins of Bruce Wayne, the alter-ego of the superhero Batman, through his mother Martha Wayne.
Batwoman is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics.
{{cite book}}
: |last3=
has generic name (help)