Batwoman

Last updated
Batwoman
Publication information
Publisher DC Comics
In-story information
Alter egoKatrina Luka Netz
Katherine Rebecca Kane
Place of origin Gotham City
Team affiliations Batman Family
Partnerships Batman
Bette Kane
AbilitiesBoth 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]

Contents

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 interest is Renee Montoya, a GCPD Major Crimes Unit detective and frequent ally of Batman who also becomes the second incarnation of the Question. 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).

Publication history

The original Batwoman

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, [2] she made regular appearances in Detective Comics and Batman . [3]

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. [4] 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. [5] [6] The character eventually made several guest appearance starting in 1977 [7] [8] but was killed off in Detective Comics #485 (August–September 1979). [8] Editor Dennis O'Neil later stated in an interview, "we already had Batgirl, we didn't need Batwoman." [8] 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. [9]

The return of Batwoman

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 s one of a very small number of disabled superheroes of DC Comics as Oracle. [10] This version differed from the Silver Age version of the character, being depicted as lesbian [11] and was announced in the same time she was revealed. [12]

Stories appeared on television news outlets such as CNN, [13] general news magazines such as USA Today , and gay culture magazines such as Out regarding the new version of the character. [14] 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). [15] 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." [16] Batwoman's sexual orientation initially gathered mixed reviews, ranging from praise to outrage. [17] A reviewer at Out asserts "Batwoman will be the highest profile gay superhero to ever grace the pages of DC Comics." [18] 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. [19]

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. [20] with DC saying at the 2009 New York Comic Con that she would be DC Comics' highest-profile gay superhero. [21] 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. [22] [23] 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. [24] [25] 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). [26] 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. [27] [28] [29] This announcement followed a February 2013 announcement that Batwoman #17 would feature the proposal between Kate and Maggie. [30] DC Comics responded that Batwoman could not get married because "heroes shouldn't have happy personal lives". [31]

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 of 2015 at issue forty, along with twelve other New 52 series. [32] 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. [33]

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. [34]

History

In other media

Television

Film

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.

See also

Related Research Articles

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References

  1. ↑ Daniels, Les (2004). Batman: The Complete History. Chronicle Books. ISBN   0-8118-4232-0.
  2. ↑ Daniels, Les (2004). Batman: The Complete History. Chronicle Books. ISBN   0-8118-4232-0.
  3. ↑ Grandinetti, Fred. "Remembering Kathy Kane: The First Batwoman". Newsarama . Archived from the original on 2007-07-10. Retrieved 2007-09-19.
  4. ↑ Arant, Wendi; Benefiel, Candace (2002). The Image and Role of the Librarian. Haworth Press. pp. 77–78. ISBN   0-7890-2099-8.
  5. ↑ Grandinetti, Fred. "Remembering Kathy Kane: The First Batwoman". Newsarama . Archived from the original on 2007-07-10. Retrieved 2007-09-19.
  6. ↑ Grandinetti, Fred. "Remembering Kathy Kane: The First Batwoman". Newsarama . Archived from the original on 2007-07-10. Retrieved 2007-09-19.
  7. ↑ "The Batman Family (1975) #10 – Comic Book DB". Comicbookdb.com. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  8. 1 2 3 Grandinetti, Fred. "Remembering Kathy Kane: The First Batwoman". Newsarama . Archived from the original on 2007-07-10. Retrieved 2007-09-19.
  9. ↑ The Brave and the Bold #182 (January 1982)
  10. ↑ Johnson, Dave (June 1, 2006). "Alex Ross: Giving Batwoman Her Look". Newsarama . Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-12.
  11. ↑ Robinson, Bryan (1 June 2006). "Holy Lipstick Lesbian! Meet the New Batwoman". ABC News . Archived from the original on 2008-10-10. Retrieved 10 January 2008.
  12. ↑ Sherrin, Michael (2006). "Batwoman Comes Out!". Out . Archived from the original on 2012-02-17. Retrieved 2007-09-12.
  13. ↑ Moos, Jeanne (May 31, 2006). "Batwoman comes out of the cave". CNN. Archived from the original on September 11, 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-12.
  14. ↑ Sherrin, Michael (2006). "Batwoman Comes Out!". Out . Archived from the original on 2012-02-17. Retrieved 2007-09-12.
  15. ↑ Johns, Geoff , Grant Morrison , Greg Rucka , et al. ( w ). 52,no. 7(2006).DC Comics.
  16. ↑ Morse, Ben (May 31, 2006). "Dan DiDio Talks Batwoman". Wizard Universe. Archived from the original on 2008-01-21. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
  17. ↑ "Batwoman Comes Out as a Lesbian". Access Hollywood . May 31, 2006. Archived from the original on 2006-06-15. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
  18. ↑ Sherrin, Michael (2006). "Batwoman Comes Out!". Out . Archived from the original on 2012-02-17. Retrieved 2007-09-12.
  19. ↑ Helberg, Michele (July 24, 2006). "Batwoman's Lesbian Identity is No Secret to Comic Book Fans". AfterEllen . Archived from the original on 2015-09-17. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  20. ↑ "Batwoman takes over 'Detective'". ICv2. September 27, 2012.
  21. ↑ Flood, Alison (11 February 2009). "DC readies lesbian Batwoman for take-off". The Guardian . London. Archived from the original on 2013-09-30. Retrieved 11 February 2009.
  22. ↑ Batwoman Ongoing by J. H. Williams III Announced Archived 2010-04-17 at the Wayback Machine , Newsarama , 14 April 2010.
  23. ↑ Fan-Fave Artist Williams III On Taking Batwoman's Cowl Archived 2010-04-17 at the Wayback Machine , Newsarama, 14 April 2010.
  24. ↑ Where In The World Is Batwoman? Archived 2011-04-13 at the Wayback Machine , Bleeding Cool , March 10, 2011
  25. ↑ Batman Relaunch: New #1s for "Batgirl", "Batman", "Detective", "Catwoman", "Birds of Prey" (Updated) Archived 2012-05-17 at the Wayback Machine , Comics Alliance, June 6, 2011
  26. ↑ Batman Incorporated vol. 2 #13 (September 2013)
  27. ↑ Sieczkowski, Cavan (2013-09-05). "Authors Quit, Claim DC Comics Won't Allow Batwoman's Lesbian Wedding". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on 2013-11-09. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  28. ↑ Rob Bricken (5 September 2013). "DC forbids Batwoman's gay marriage, creative team leaves [Updated!]". io9. Archived from the original on 2015-02-15. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  29. ↑ Give Batwoman the Chance to Be Miserable in a Same-Sex Marriage Archived November 13, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  30. ↑ Sieczkowski, Cavan (2013-02-20). "LOOK: Batwoman Makes Comic Book History". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on 2013-10-23. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  31. ↑ Battersby, Matilda (2013-09-09). "Batwoman can't have lesbian wedding because heroes in the Batman family "shouldn't have happy personal lives'". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 2017-08-10. Retrieved 2017-08-24.
  32. ↑ "DC Cancels 13 Ongoing Monthlies, Ends 3 Weeklies". Newsarama. Archived from the original on 2018-12-15. Retrieved 11 December 2018.
  33. ↑ "DC's New Batman Family - Meet the Main Players of "Detective Comics"". CBR. 9 June 2016. Archived from the original on 2018-12-15. Retrieved 11 December 2018.
  34. ↑ "Batwoman & Batwing Lead a New Planetary-Style Outsiders Comic From DC". Bleeding Cool. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  35. ↑ DC Comics Bombshells #20
  36. 1 2 DC Comics Bombshells #8
  37. ↑ DC Comics Bombshells #19
  38. ↑ DC Comics Bombshells #21
  39. ↑ Burnett, Alan (2003). "Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman". Warner Bros. Archived from the original on 18 January 2008. Retrieved 2008-01-09.
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