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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Catwoman

Catwoman is a DC Comics character whose alter ego is Selina Kyle, a cat burglar from Gotham City.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Catwoman is a DC Comics character whose alter ego is Selina Kyle, a cat burglar from Gotham City. Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, she first appeared as "the Cat" in *Batman* #1 in 1940 and has often been portrayed as both an adversary and an occasional ally of Batman.

Publication history

Catwoman first appeared in *Batman* #1 in 1940 under the name "the Cat." Over time, the character developed from a jewel thief and Batman adversary into a more complex antihero with her own ongoing series.

Characterization

Selina Kyle is typically depicted as a skilled burglar operating in Gotham City. Her portrayals often emphasize independence, moral ambiguity, and a complicated relationship with Batman.

Powers and abilities

Catwoman is usually portrayed as a highly trained human rather than a superpowered character. Sources describe her as an exceptional martial artist, gymnast, and master thief who uses customized weapons.

Relationship to Batman

Catwoman is closely associated with Batman as both an enemy and a love interest. Many stories focus on their long-running love–hate dynamic and shifting alliance.

Key facts

  • Catwoman debuted as "the Cat" in *Batman* #1 in 1940.
  • She is the alter ego of Selina Kyle, a Gotham City burglar.
  • The character was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane.
  • She is one of Batman’s best-known enemies and also one of his most enduring love interests.
  • Later stories, including her solo series since 1993, have often framed her as an antiheroine rather than a straight villain.
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Canadian context

Catwoman is widely known in Canada through DC Comics publications, Batman media, and film and television adaptations distributed in the Canadian market.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Catwoman?
Catwoman is the DC Comics character Selina Kyle, a Gotham City cat burglar who is often portrayed as an antiheroine.
Who created Catwoman?
Catwoman was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane.
When did Catwoman first appear?
She first appeared as "the Cat" in *Batman* #1 in 1940.
Is Catwoman a villain or a hero?
She has been portrayed both as a supervillain and as an antiheroine, depending on the era and story.
Does Catwoman have superpowers?
The available sources describe her as highly skilled in martial arts, gymnastics, and theft rather than as a superpowered character.
What is Catwoman’s relationship with Batman?
She is one of Batman’s most prominent enemies and also one of his best-known romantic interests.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catwoman
    Supports: Creation, first appearance, identity as Selina Kyle, role as Batman adversary and love interest, solo series since 1993.
  2. DC — https://www.dc.com/characters/catwoman
    Supports: Official character identity, occupation, base of operations, first appearance, and abilities.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Catwoman
    Supports: Character description, debut, creators, and villain-to-antihero characterization.