Catwoman | Clothing, Accessories & Figures

Catwoman, whose real name is Selina Kyle, is one of the most iconic, complex, and morally ambiguous figures in the DC Universe, often serving as an anti-heroine and adversary, but also as a love interest for Batman. Selina's origin is often harsh and troubled, having grown up in the gritty and impoverished alleys of Gotham City. She has been depicted as an orphan forced to fend for herself, learning to steal and swindle to survive. Her love for cats and her acrobatic agility led her to adopt the identity of Catwoman, a master thief specializing in stealing jewels and valuable artifacts. Although her actions are illegal, Selina often operates with her own moral code, protecting the vulnerable and animals, and showing a compassionate side that distinguishes her from pure villains.

Catwoman possesses no superpowers, but her abilities and equipment make her an incredibly agile and dangerous adversary. She is a master acrobat, capable of stunning feats of flexibility, balance, and agility, allowing her to move silently and navigate difficult obstacles. She is also a skilled combatant, particularly in hand-to-hand combat, using her speed and dexterity to overcome her opponents. Her signature equipment includes a retractable whip, which she wields with unparalleled mastery to swing, disarm, and attack. The claws on her suit, often made of metal, serve as weapons for climbing and attacking, while her lock-picking technique and her ability to disable security systems are unmatched. Furthermore, her seductive charm and her ability to manipulate people are equally potent tools in her arsenal.

Catwoman occupies a unique and fluid position in Gotham City's criminal underworld, often moving on the fringes between crime and occasional heroic acts. Unlike most villains, her goals are not dominance or chaos, but primarily personal gain and the enjoyment of the thrill. While she occasionally partners with other criminals, such as The Penguin or The Riddler, her alliances are always temporary and based on self-interest or shared objectives. Selina holds a particular disdain for The Joker due to his chaotic nature and lack of "honor." Her relationship with Batman is her most complex and defining aspect, as it is a continuous choreography of attraction, repulsion, and mutual respect. She can be his fiercest opponent one moment and an unlikely ally the next, making her an unpredictable but always fascinating player in Gotham's criminal landscape.

The relationship between Catwoman and Batman (Selina Kyle and Bruce Wayne) is one of the most iconic, complex, and enduring romantic rivalries in all of comics. It is a relationship characterized by mutual attraction, respect, and also constant conflict due to their differing moral codes and methods. Batman often tries to reform Selina, believing in the good within her, while Catwoman frequently teases the limits of the Dark Knight, challenging him to question his own rules. Despite times when they are on opposite sides of the law, there is an undeniable chemistry and deep understanding between them. They have teamed up against common threats, have shared personal moments, and have even come close to marriage in some incarnations of their story, proving that their bond transcends their masks and alter egos. It is a relationship that lives in the grey area, adding depth and humanity to Batman's world.

Catwoman has starred in many memorable stories that have highlighted her complex nature and her central position in the DC Universe. Her first appearance was in Batman #1 (1940), immediately establishing her dynamic with the Dark Knight. In "Batman: Year One" (1987), Selina Kyle is introduced as a mysterious professional thief at the beginning of Batman's career, showcasing her initial dynamic as an adversary and love interest. Darwyn Cooke's "Catwoman" series (2002) revitalized the character, giving her a more heroic, though still ambiguous, role as a protector of Gotham's East End. During "Hush" (2002-2003), her relationship with Batman becomes more intense and personal, as they reveal their identities to each other. More recently, Batman's marriage proposal to Selina and the subsequent developments in Tom King's "Batman" series (2016-2019) were pivotal moments, exploring the depths of their relationship and the challenges they face as a superhero couple.

Catwoman has been portrayed in many notable adaptations outside of comics, each offering a different perspective on her multifaceted character. Her most iconic first live-action appearance was by Julie Newmar in the classic 1960s "Batman" television series, which imbued the character with charm and a playful nature. Michelle Pfeiffer delivered a dark, eccentric, and haunting performance in the 1992 film "Batman Returns," highlighting Selina's wounded psyche. Halle Berry starred in the 2004 "Catwoman" film, which significantly deviated from the traditional source material. In the 2012 film "The Dark Knight Rises,"Anne Hathaway portrayed a realistic, cunning, and morally complex Selina Kyle, who eventually teams up with Batman. The "Gotham" (2014-2019) television series featured Camren Bicondova as a young, street-smart, and survivor Selina, showing her evolution toward Catwoman. Most recently, Zoë Kravitz embodied a calm, gritty, and realistic Catwoman in the 2022 film "The Batman," focusing on her origin story and her connection to Gotham's underworld, as well as her intense chemistry with Batman.

The future for Catwoman in the DC Universe is full of dynamism and continuous exploration of her complex nature. In comics, Selina continues to star in her own series, exploring further developments in her relationship with Batman, her role as a protector of the East End, and her ongoing battles with the criminal underworld, often with new and exciting directions that highlight her moral ambiguity. In the broader DC Films/DCU landscape under the guidance of James Gunn and Peter Safran, while no specific plans for Catwoman have been announced in the main DCU, the success of Zoë Kravitz's portrayal in "The Batman" film suggests the character will remain pivotal within that specific cinematic universe. This indicates a continued emphasis on realistic, darker portrayals of the character, exploring her psychological complexities and her unique position as a criminal with a heart. Catwoman will remain an ever-present symbol of independence, allure, and the eternal attraction between light and shadow in Batman's world.