90 CATWOMAN
intention was to devise a villainess with great sex appeal who could be a romantic
interest for Batman. Originally a jewel thief who wore various disguises rather than
a costume, Catwoman was immediately attracted to the Caped Crusader and con-
ducted a friendly rivalry with the hero, who continued in his attempts to reform her.
Bob Kane commented that the villainess was designed to intrigue both boys and girls.
He stated, “We felt that she would appeal to the female readers and they would relate
to her as much as Batman. We also thought that the male readers would appreci-
ate a sensual woman to look at. So, she was put into the strip for both the boys and
the girls, as a female counterpart to Batman” (107–8).
It took several issues for Catwoman’s character to be fully formed. In her fi rst
confrontation with Batman and Robin she was a cat burglar known as “the Cat” and
was plotting to steal a priceless emerald necklace from a wealthy cruise ship passenger.
Modeled after Hollywood actress Hedy Lamarr, she frequently employed aliases and
disguises to aid in her crimes. Several of her appearances during the 1940s depicted
her as wearing a cat’s-head mask that covered her entire head. By 1946, Catwoman
began wearing a cat-eared cowl, purple dress, and green cape. Her wardrobe has often
been altered and updated over the decades. Th e mid-1940s also saw stories increas-
ingly revolving around the villainess’s preoccupation with feline-themed crimes and
accessories. She drove a customized “kitty car,” “catplane,” and “catboat.” Her secret lair,
known as the “cat-acombes” was home to numerous pet cats. Catwoman’s signature
weapon was her “cat-o’-nine-tails” whip. In more recent years she has been portrayed
Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman, and Michael Keaton as Batman, in the 1992 film Batman
Returns, directed by Tim Burton. Warner Brothers/Photofest
