From couple and spouses of sorts to cousins at times, the different variations of the relationship between Batwoman and Batman have had equally different dynamics. When looking at the relationship between Batman and Batwoman, it is important to look at the different contextual differences surrounding them and their identities.
The original Batwoman, Kathy Kane, served as a love interest for Bruce Wayne, whereas the more modern version, Kate Kane, is directly related to Bruce. The one thing that they have in common is the Kane name and she occasionally fights alongside Batman and other members of the Bat-Family, but the specifics of their relationship differ greatly.
10 Not Related To Each Other Pre-Crisis
Kathy Kane was not directly related to Bruce Wayne as her more modern counterpart is. This is in regards to her pre-Crisis continuity when she was first introduced into the comics.
Not only was she very different pre-Crisis, but that version of the character was also erased from continuity in the Crisis on Infinite Earths‘ comic event. Many aspects of Batman’s past and story were retconned in the post-Crisis continuity, Kathy was not. Like Supergirl and to some extent The Flash, the version of her character no longer existed and the version that followed was vastly different.
9 Original Batwoman Was Murdered
Prior to being completely ousted from continuity, the original Batwoman met her untimely demise. This occurred after she returned to the circus where she got on the bad side of the League of Assassins and Ra’s Al Ghul himself.
In a sense, she was very much written off at this point and despite how important she was as a character, her death did not get the proper time nor attention it deserved. One would expect that it would have a much bigger impact on Batman and really drive him to change his ways just as other major, more modern character deaths have.
8 she was introduced to show Batman was straight
While her pre-Crisis death did not get much attention, her original introduction was much more impactful. It is also somewhat controversial in hindsight as she was introduced to show Batman was straight. This followed Dr. Fredric Wertham’s 1954 book, Seduction of the Innocent, which accused comic books of making children gay. This book drew widespread attention and Wertham highlighted Batman in particular due to his relationship with Robin.
This is especially interesting to keep in mind when thinking of just how influential Kate Kane, the modern-day incarnation, is to the LGBTQ+ community. She identifies as queer and her sexuality serves as a key part of who she is.
7 The reality of their marriage to one another was very frequently filled with Batman mistreating Batwoman
Prior to her murder and being erased from continuity in a sense, a marriage between Kathy Kane and Bruce Wayne was explored. It seems as though she wanted this for a while as she constantly tried to win his affection and prove herself as a hero in her own right.
The reality of their marriage to one another, as we are shown it, was very frequently filled with Batman mistreating Batwoman. One especially vivid example shows Batman telling her, “One crime-fighter in the family is enough! A wife’s place is in the home.” While they were actually a couple for a time, it is also revealed that this episode is simply a dream of Robin’s showing his views on gender, which does not excuse the wording.
6 The Modern Version Is Directly Related To Bruce Wayne
While Kathy Kane was a love interest of Bruce Wayne, Kate Kane — the modern version of Batwoman — is directly related to Bruce. They are actually first cousins as Bruce’s mother was Martha Kane prior to marrying Thomas Wayne. Martha’s brother, Jacob Kane, had twin daughters, Katherine and Elizabeth Kane. She then went on to directly model her alter-ego after that of her cousins.
As they come from similar family backgrounds, Kate Kane’s family was also well off, though not quite as rich as the Wayne family. It is this upbringing that allowed her to show more compassion for and empathy towards those suffering and in need.
5 Batwoman is Unlike Other Members Of The Bat-Family
While she was in many ways a member of the Bat-Family, the nature of her involvement, as well as her own story, really sets her apart from others. For starters, she was not trained by Batman like Nightwing, Jason Todd, and many others. She was actually a West Point cadet and received the best military training in the United States. After being kicked out due to her sexuality, she trained with the special forces and became something of a living weapon.
Additionally, her intellect is not to be questioned as she was in the top 95th and 99th percentile while at West Point. She is also one of the best investigators out there and even deduces Batman’s identity from a mere handful of clues.
4 As a Lead Of Detective Comics Post-Crisis, Batwoman showcased her prominence as a hero in Gotham & how deserving she is of the role
One thing both Batman and Batwoman share is that they have both led the Detective Comics at one point or another, with Batman of course headlining the majority of the series. After the events of Final Crisis and Battle for the Cowl, Dick Grayson became Batman as Bruce was assumed dead.
With this, the modern Batwoman, Kate Kane, took over for the Detective Comics during issues 854-863. Her time headlining these comics really showcased her prominence as a hero in Gotham and how deserving she is of the role. She even discovers a thirteenth coven of the crime syndicate, where Batman only knew of twelve.
3 Kate Kane Sometimes Worked With her Father
Despite her unique background, Kate Kane and Bruce Wayne often find themselves at odds with one another. One such point they disagree on is Kate’s involvement with her father, Jacob Kane, who also happens to be an architect of rogue military outfit, The Colony.
Although he oftentimes is behind a number of criminal actions and shady activity, Kate’s involvement with her father is more innocent initially. Following Kate being saved and inspired by Batman, she steals various equipment from her father’s military base to become Batwoman. Jacob Kane supports her in her efforts, sending her to train for a few years before she returns with a new Bat-suit, courtesy of her father.
2 Co-Leads Her Own Team During Rebirth
Despite the tension between Batman and Batwoman, she even co-leads a team of her own during DC Rebirth. She is approached at the time by Batman who asks her to co-lead said team of heroes including Tim Drake, Clayface, Orphan, Azrael and Spoiler.
It is actually Tim Drake’s new system that led to the team’s creation. Batwoman takes the lead in training them in order to prepare them for what is to come. One such threat is the Victim Syndicate, monster men of Hugo Strange’s, who put up quite the fight against them.
1 Batwoman’s Inclination To Kill
A huge philosophical difference between Batman and Batwoman that often puts them at odds is her willingness to kill. She views her work as a mission and is even comfortable using lethal force, at times giving her an advantage over her cousin. As fans of the Caped Crusader know, killing is a line he won’t cross even when some argue that he should with villains such as The Joker.
One such example was when the Victim Syndicate manipulated Clayface into going out of control and Batwoman shot him with a special bullet that seemed to effectively kill him. The team and the Bat-Family as a whole were split over this decision. Unsurprisingly, Batman disapproved of the measure despite the fact that Clayface could have killed many many more had he not been stopped.
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