Batman #1, spring 1940 was Selina Kyle's first appereance ever, making Catwoman 80 years in 2020. She was first just known as "The Cat", a jewel thief with the taste for pretty things. And while she's kept her thieving intact throughout the century, she has become so much more. But we'll come back to her origin story/stories in later posts!
Bob Kane, Batman #1, 1940 - Catwoman´s first appereance
Catwoman was originally created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane in 1940, bringing some sex appeal to the comic strip. She was given an amiable villain role, with a friendlier nature to make her work well as a love interest for Bruce/Batman. Kane mentioned her as a "sort of female Batman" in his autobiography, which is also why she's been able to outsmart him at several occasions. Later on she's been reimagined by plenty of artists that has given her a more solid and depthful backstory, usually imagining her as an orphaned street girl in the back alleys of Gotham.
As most creations do, Catwoman also had her muses. Namely old Hollywood stars Jean Harlow and Hedy Lamarr. It's clear to see that Selina was meant to be a classy and attractive lady, with a sharp look! A true femme fatale.
Hedy Lamarr and Jean Harlow - The first muses
An interesting note: The first Catwoman era ended at the start of World War II (and this time it wasn't the German's fault!). Her sexy, independent nature had to be toned down to fit new cultural standards. American heroes became "model citizens" with more conservative values. Hence women shouldn't be "too independent", and therefore Selina was a bit too much of an... liberated feminist? Her refusal of being a good woman put her off! From here she fell more in love with Batman, than him in her. She even retired her alter ego and started up a Pet Shop in 1950, and instead became a Cat Lady.
... luckily times changed again, and she had the purrfect comeback! Now rocking more than ever, with her famous catsuit, ears and whip, edgy pixie cut, again becoming an independent woman with the perfect mix of friendliness and rebelness.
Stay put for more! What's your favorite "Catwoman topic", stories or fun facts?
Sources:
Comic: Batman #1 (1940)
Hedy Kamarr and Jean Harlow, inspiration
