Batwoman

BatwomanFlamebird

Batwoman is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Edmond Hamilton and artist Sheldon Moldoff, and first appeared in Detective Comics #233 in 1956. Batwoman was introduced as a love interest for Batman, but the character was later reimagined and reintroduced in 2006 as Kate Kane, a wealthy heiress who becomes a crime-fighter in Gotham City.

Publication History[edit | edit source]

The original Batwoman, Kathy Kane, was introduced during the Silver Age of Comic Books as a female counterpart to Batman. She was created to dispel allegations of homosexuality between Batman and Robin. However, the character was removed from the comics in 1964 by editor Julius Schwartz.

In 2006, Batwoman was reintroduced as Kate Kane in 52 #7. This new version of Batwoman is of Jewish descent and is one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ characters in DC Comics.

Fictional Character Biography[edit | edit source]

Kathy Kane[edit | edit source]

Kathy Kane was a former circus performer and wealthy heiress who decided to fight crime after being inspired by Batman. She used her acrobatic skills and a variety of gadgets to combat criminals in Gotham City. Kathy Kane's Batwoman was eventually written out of the series.

Kate Kane[edit | edit source]

Kate Kane is the modern incarnation of Batwoman. She is a former West Point cadet who was expelled under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. After a chance encounter with Batman, she decides to take up the mantle of Batwoman. Kate Kane operates independently of Batman and has her own set of allies and enemies.

Powers and Abilities[edit | edit source]

Batwoman does not possess any superhuman abilities. She relies on her extensive training in hand-to-hand combat, acrobatics, and detective skills. She also uses a variety of high-tech gadgets and weaponry, including a utility belt similar to Batman's.

Supporting Characters[edit | edit source]

Jacob Kane - Kate's father and a former military colonel who supports her crime-fighting efforts.
Renee Montoya - A former Gotham City Police Department detective and Kate's love interest.
Maggie Sawyer - A GCPD captain and another of Kate's romantic interests.

Enemies[edit | edit source]

Alice - A major antagonist who is revealed to be Kate's twin sister, Beth Kane.
Black Mask - A crime lord in Gotham City.
The Religion of Crime - A cult that Batwoman frequently battles.

In Other Media[edit | edit source]

Batwoman has appeared in various DC Animated Universe series and films. The character was also portrayed by Ruby Rose and later Javicia Leslie in the live-action Batwoman television series, which is part of the Arrowverse.