Although firmly rooted in the later years of the golden age of comic books, specifically Detective Comics #233 (published in 1956), the modern version of Batwoman first appeared at the early part of this century.
Kate Kane, the woman behind the now-iconic crimson bat logo and outrageously coloured cape, first appeared in the seventh issue of the DC Comics universe-shifting, weekly 52 series, twenty years ago, in 2006. Her Batwoman alto-ego appeared a month later in the eleventh issue.
As a relatively new hero, embedded within the larger Batman-family stable of characters, it’s a testament to her flawed but wholly modern sensibilities, relatability and firm sense of heroism, that has established Kane/Batwoman as a beloved character to fans across the globe. Beyond comic books, she’s also regularly found in both television and film.
No small feat for what began as storyline subplots featuring an obscure lesbian character who was somewhat stuffed into the very broad circle of an ensemble cast of Batman acquaintances.
And that rise in popularity has much to do with Kane’s co-creator, award-winning writer Greg Rucka, who returns with the publication of today’s new Batwoman monthly series.
Batwoman #1
Written by: Greg Rucka
Illustrated by: DaNi
Published by: DC Comics
After the 52 series, Batwoman would go on to star in her own successful title, courting controversy between the creatives behind the series and DC Comics as its publisher. Writers J.H. Williams III and Hayden Blackman wanted to marry Kate Kane to her love interest, Gotham PD Detective, Maggie Sawyer, but DC wouldn’t allow it, famously stating that “heroes shouldn’t have happy personal lives.” The creatives left the series over that decision – but that’s a tale for another time.
The greatest success of that Batwoman series, beyond the enthralling stories and vividly beautiful art deco-inspired artwork, might have been that Kate Kane arguably became the most popular and iconic gay icon in all of comicdom.
Now, with Rucka returning to the series alongside fan-favourite artist DaNi, Batwoman is sure to lean heavily into her unique stature in comic book publishing along with her short but deep history, and, notably, her flaws.
And Kate Kane is (lovingly) flawed.
As an ex-US soldier, sister to a maniacal villain, recovering alcoholic, cousin to millionaire playboy Bruce Wayne and an unwilling protagonist with the supervillain group known as the Religion of Crime, the new Batwoman series will redefine Kate Kane and her mission in life for a new generation of readers. It’s a monthly tale, under the prodigious and creative hands of Rucka and DaNi, that will surely raise the lofty stature of Batwoman to even greater heights.
Steeped in mystery, politics and important personal and cultural touchstones, we should all be present to read and experience Kate Kane’s crusade each and every month.
That is especially true now, at the advent of the characters twentieth anniversary.
Make the run to your local comic book shop today and pick up the first issue of the new, heroic, Batwoman series.
