Ship of The Week: Batman and Catwoman

Many superheroes have been around for decades upon decades, so it’s no surprise that some have racked up quite an impressive hook-up list. While some couples have failed to stand the test of time (or some Crisis or another), we can still root for our favorite pairings all we want. After all, it’s comics; no one stays dead forever. Which leads me to this week’s ship: B-man and Kitty Cat. Selina and Bruce. Catwoman and Batman.

The current incarnation of the duo meets up to bang on the occasional rooftop (with the costumes on;), but the Bat/Cat ship has been going strong for almost as long as the big man has worn the cowl and cape. While Bruce’s origins have stayed relatively stable throughout the years (rich, dead parents, an Alfred, etc), Selina’s past has been altered so many times that it’s no wonder she’s not running around Gotham as Pandawoman or something. However, whether former prostitute, flight attendant, or street urchin, Catwoman has always maintained everything from a purrrfectly flirtatious and antagonistic relationship with Bruce to becoming his confidant, ally, and friend. Lets not forget that Selina is often keeper of Batman’s most guarded secret: his identity. It’s love, folks.

Costumes changed, Gotham changed, but the fact remains that there will always be a third party to the Cat/Bat ship: He is the Dark Knight of Gotham, its guardian and best detective, and she is a thief and a whip-wielding rogue. Perhaps this little problem can best be seen during the Hush storyline when, just as those crazy masks seem to work their shit out, the Bruce’s distrust of Selina ultimately ends the affair.

Even when Catwoman is at her least villainous, splitting her time between stealing only the most necessary feline related artifacts and working as the vigilante of the East End, they just can’t seem to make it work. The fact is, Bruce doesn’t belong to himself so long as Batman belongs to Gotham. The tragedy of their relationship is that Selina would have to give up Catwoman to be with Bruce, but Bruce can never give up being Batman. Since she’s a sassy kitty, I’m sure Selina could handle no part of that unbalanced relationship and would bristle at the very thought.

But no worries, some of the best Bruce/Selina moments have occurred amidst all this angst and during periods of not hooking up. A personal favorite occurs in Catwoman volume 3 when Batman brings baby Helena(poor little Helena, I can never remember if you still exist at any given moment) a big stuffed teddy bear. Not only was this very sweet, but we got to see big bad Batman holding a toy bear. I died from the cuteness.

DIE FROM CUTENESS! GO ON!

The point is, no matter what the current status of their relationship is (like when Bruce occasionally impregnates the daughter of his greatest enemy), something’s going on between these two and we love to see it. Here’s to hoping Nolan’s version (and more nail-chewing worthy Hathaway’s Catwoman ) gives us a good Cat/Bat depiction that pays tribute to their long history with each other.

Finally I picked a ship that wasn’t a COMPLETE pain in the ass to find swag and other goodness. enjoy!

In fanart!

Catwoman and Batman by shoot-o

Before Dawn by remidar

The Dark Knight Rises: Batman and Catwoman by Cetosc

another bruce and selina by remidar

Selina Kyle by simon–says

Batman and Catwoman by drwaranomo

On Etsy:

Btas Neckclass can be found here for $10.00

Batman and Catwoman Cake Toppers can be found here for $65.00

Catwoman wedding garter can be found here for $15.00

Ginormous Poster Print can be found here for$ 18.45

Catwoman and Batman Tote can be found here for $30.00

In fanfiction!

Cat-Tales by Chris Dee the best catwoman fiction….yes.

The Bleak of Winter by Linkz1 “It’s only been a few months since Jason Todd’s death, and Bruce is incredibly shaken. He questions his own worth and what it means for him to be Batman”

Gucci and Versace by DC Luder (author has written LOTS of really well reviewed Cat and Bat stories!)”Bruce and Selina face each other for the first time since they went their separate ways after the events in Hush.”

Closure by Whitewolf (short and sweet and sad) “Catwoman says goodbye.”

Partners in Crime by Lydia Hunter “A romance novel from the original B:TAS. Bruce and Selina try to form a relationship without the masks”

Kaitlyn D’Agostino
Staff Writer
deadrabbit92@ihogeek.com