I’ve already given love to one of my favorite Marvel ladies in this series. I thought it was time I gave a DC lady her due. I can honestly say I have loved this character since I was a kid. I even dressed up like her for Halloween — the Michelle Pfeiffer version. I’ve followed her character and its various incarnations since then. I love characters who can straddle the fence between good and evil while looking good doing it.
Stats:
Full Name: Selina Kyle (I love the original)
Age: She’s been in the comics 74 years! She mentioned being 23 in one comic.
Occupation: Burglar, villainess, anti-heroine, mom
Who is She?
The character of Catwoman was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger in 1940. She first appeared in Batman #1. Her story may have changed a dozen times but Selina Kyle was a kickass, whip-wielding burglar. Her on-again-and-off-again relationship with Batman served as a interesting plot diversion from time to time. Selina has been portrayed by many actresses through the years, from Julie Newmar to Anne Hathaway.
Fun Facts:
- Catwoman was halfway modeled after actress Jean Harlow.
- Catwoman has a daughter with Batman named Helena.
- Catwoman is preferably thought of as an anti-heroine instead of a villainess.
- Catwoman’s various origins have had her be a dominatrix and an amnesiac flight attendant.
- One of Catwoman’s nicknames is the Plundering Kitten.
Why So Crushworthy?
My first exposure to Catwoman was Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman Returns. As a kid, I was romanticizing thieves on the big and small screen. Carmen Sandiego, anyone? I thought Catwoman was an amazing and mysterious character. She also loved cats and that was a big plus for my little girl heart. Then I rummaged my father’s comic books and learned more about her. She just grew more awesome in my eyes. Catwoman just has a lot of appeal.
It may sound a bit odd but I love her ambiguity. Characters who tread the line between good and evil are immensely interesting. You never know what Catwoman will do next. She may rob you one minute and help you take down a bad guy the next. Catwoman is always full of surprises. She doesn’t need superpowers or weird plants to take you down. She uses her brains and cunning to take down her enemies and take the prize. She definitely makes Batman’s life more exciting.
Hey, let’s face it. Catwoman is hot.
