The stories we read in comic books encompass more than super heroes fighting crime, solving mysteries and flying through outer space in action filled panels. While all of these things contribute to the excitement, there is one element in comics that some people might have some difficulty in admitting that they enjoy -- the romance.

Many readers may not confess to enjoying the romantic aspect of comics even though sometimes the romance is what drives the story and makes it interesting. I don't mind raising my hand and being the first to admit that it's the romance that has piqued my interest sometimes, and I'm not alone either. In an interview about her recent books, X-23 writer and romance novelist Marjorie Liu delved into the importance of romance to a story.

."..As a writer, I'm not afraid of playing with intimacy. There are many different ways to express intimacy -- a look, a touch -- and I think it enriches the characters and stories when you create those moments, and then build on them.

She's right. So often the romance between characters plays out in unsuspecting ways and makes the reader feel more invested in the story. Romance can often become the driving force behind the stories and the characters, giving the characters a purpose for their actions. So now that I've just spent way too much time trying to defend the fact that I like mushy/kissy stuff in comics, I should probably go into why I decided to write about mushy/kissy stuff in the first place.

Early Monday DC revealed all of the upcoming covers and solicitations to the second issues of their Batman books, which if you haven't already seen you can check out here. What I noticed was that some of these stories contradict one another. Namely the solicits for Tony Daniel's Batman Detective #2 and Judd Winick's Catwoman #2.

In the upcoming revamped Batman: Detective Comics series Bruce is set to explore a "budding relationship with television reporter Charlotte Rivers who is in Gotham City" investigating the Gotham Ripper murders. Meanwhile, in Catwoman, "[Batman and Catwoman] ...should keep each other at arm's length, but...they just can't seem to help themselves!" Okay, Bruce, which one is it going to be? The wannabe Vicki Vale (I know, I shouldn't judge her until I read it) or master cat burglar Selina Kyle? I guess since he's Batman he can have his cake and eat it too, right?

The possibility of introducing a new romantic love interest for Bruce makes sense. Bruce Wayne is supposed to be a playboy, he's supposed to attract the ladies by day and crime fight by night (even if these romantic rendesvous tend not to leave a lasting impression). However, if there's anything that tops my list of things I hope to see carry over into this new DC Universe come September it has to be that spark between Batman and Catwoman. What makes their involvement so interesting is that it's so fleeting. It's spontaneous, dangerous and exciting -- because that's what both of these characters are. Not only is the dynamic of their relationship interesting but Batman and Catwoman also have a very long history together, so to throw that out the window would be a damn shame.

Catwoman first appeared in Batman #1 in July of 1940 and she has ever since been a staple in the Batman universe. After first seeing Batman injured, Selina decided that if Batman can put on a costume and fight crime, then she can don on a costume and become a criminal. Thus, Catwoman was born and she has ever since posed a challenge to Bruce Wayne. Catwoman's history since her inception has evolved and varied over the years. At one point Selina even married Bruce Wayne -- but that version of herself (Golden Age Selina) was eventually moved to DC's Earth Two and a new version was set in place. She's been an orphan, a flight attendant, a prostitute and the daughter of the infamous Falcone crime family (or at least that's been implied). However, if there is one thing that has remained constant is that she has been in love with Batman, and he's sort of had a thing for her too.

In the recent Heart of Hush story arc Batman confessed that he did indeed love Selina, and while I am glad that we got to see that before September's big DC revamp, I still hold hope that these two characters will continue to entertain their affections for one another. What do you think? Do you want to see the Batman and Catwoman relationship continue? Is there something you want to see carry over into the new DC Universe from our current continuity?

  Guess we'll have to wait and see what happens to their romance after the reboot, huh?

Great article!!!

Oh, yes, Batman and Catwoman should continue their relationship. Like you wrote Babs, "It's spontaneous, dangerous and exciting" and that's why I love this couple. Their relationship improved a lot in the Hush storyline when Bruce revealed his identity to her.
And I also agree on the fact that Bruce does need play the playboy role more often and date other people. However, out of all the people Bruce have dated or fell in love with, I think he truly belongs with Selina.

Bruce and Selina is one of comic's iconic couples in my opinion and one of the best.

The Batman/Catwoman relationship is one of my favourite things about Batman. I just found Jeph Loeb's stories (From The Long Halloween to Hush) and Heart of Hush to be very romantic. And, more importantly, compelling. I mean, it's not just some tacked-on, one-dimensional portrayal of romance. There's real depth to it.

I could have sworn when catwoman#1 was released they said that she won't have any romance with batman. And you considered this a positive because so many times when there is a romance the women become terrible backgrounds characters to the male (like harley in gotham city sirens) Change of heart, then? Or is catwoman and batman an exception to the rule?

Talia Al Ghul, I mean he already knocked her up, and they both had a little adorable bebe whose name has some devilish qualities!  What a happy and hor*y nuclear family!

I don't know, I like Catwoman, but she never convinces me as The One.
 
I think Bruce is a much more interesting character when he is with larger personalities like Talia Al Ghul or Wonder Woman.

I guess, at the end of the day, out of all the women that Bruce has been involved with, which one will stick with him through thick and thin, till the day he dies or the day that he simply can't be Batman anymore. Selina seems like the closest choice for me, but then I think about what would happen if 'the thrill' that came from being a costumed hero or villain just ended. Would she still have an interest in Bruce?

 
 
 
 
every woman that bruce dated can't even compare to selina.........he even admitted to that......i honestly find selina the most interesting female in the DC universe.....i really hope that they continue.... 
 
great article by the way :)

Catwoman and Batman have always been THE couple for me. I've enjoyed their flirtations with others and I do like other potential pairings and relationships... but, in the end, it's Batman & Catwoman that have the connection and relationship I gravitate towards.

I just want Bruce and Talia to have hot, hanging from the roof fixture rough sex (on panel, of course) - is that too much to ask?

if there's anything that tops my list of things I hope to see carry over into this new DC Universe come September it has to be that spark between Batman and Catwoman. What makes their involvement so interesting is that it's so fleeting. It's spontaneous, dangerous and exciting -- because that's what both of these characters are. Not only is the dynamic of their relationship interesting but Batman and Catwoman also have a very long history together, so to throw that out the window would be a damn shame.

Absolutely I hope this relationship is built upon in September. After all these years, there is no woman I'd rather see with Batman than Catwoman. I just hope if DC makes this happen that they do not make Selina too tame, she has to remain a bad girl.

I also, hope DC finds a way to bring Scandal Savage and Knockout together to stay... even if it isn't with the Six. Breaking up and/or tragically tearing the gay couples apart, gets old for me.

if there's anything that tops my list of things I hope to see carry over into this new DC Universe come September it has to be that spark between Batman and Catwoman. What makes their involvement so interesting is that it's so fleeting. It's spontaneous, dangerous and exciting -- because that's what both of these characters are. Not only is the dynamic of their relationship interesting but Batman and Catwoman also have a very long history together, so to throw that out the window would be a damn shame.

Absolutely I hope this relationship is built upon in September. After all these years, there is no woman I'd rather see with Batman than Catwoman. I just hope if DC makes this happen that they do not make Selina too tame, she has to remain a bad girl.

This might sound like philosophical one-liners, but IMO:
 
If anyone's ever loved and lost, the ever elusive romance might be easier to relate to. It takes heart not to let anything stand in your way, even if it leads to disappointment. (HA! cheeseball marathon, coming u..p...) 
 
I believe a true hero / villain are at their most powerful when they show affection, and a human-like quality even if their motives aren't always on track. People might hate what a villian does, but can sometimes completely understand once they understand why they react the way they do. 
 
 Fighting for something seemingly unattainable happens in many facets other than a love interest, (money, and fame which are also not foreign to comics) 
 
Would I like to see what would happen if Catwoman and Batman gave it a good honest go? Of course. Based on what I know, I can't say I could see it working, but then again their history would lend itself well to a story maybe driven by the loss of one another. The yin to the yang shall we say.
 
.....You might call me soft, and for that I don't blame you.. just understand that once Batman decides to hang up his boots, he may be inadvertently hanging up Catwomans also....and who wants a one dimensional dynamic? Mr. and Mrs.Smith made it work! haha.. now they have kids from 405930 countries.

Batman is a tragic character, him being in love is the best thing to happen to him. He's always dark and grimy and sad, but whenever he has someone in his life, the world seems like a better place for him and the Batfamily. Him falling in love is what can take Bruce away from his life as Batman, and it has. In a tragic, sad, dark world for Batman, love makes him human and show human emotions. Batman may be able to beat up the Joker, but when it come to love, he's as confused as anyone else

Out of every pairing in comic-hood in its entirety do I believe that Batman and Catwoman are the best match for each other. lol

I really like their relationship.

I don't think the relationship is changing...
 
CATWOMAN #2
Written by JUDD WINICK
Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH
On sale OCTOBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
She’s a thief who lives to steal just for the thrill of breaking the law. He’s The Dark Knight, obsessively driven to battle evil with every ounce of his strength. They should keep each other at arm’s length, but...they just can’t seem to help themselves! Don’t miss this issue – things are gonna get messy!

Bruce and Selina is my favorite paring, ever. And after Heart of Hush, I don't think there's going back. At least not for me as a reader.

Without love relationship Batman is just a obsesive maniac crime fighter

The Bat has always been destined to be with the Cat. Nuff said.

i really hate catwoman that stupid whore

In fiction like comics, the writers have to establish sexual attraction between two characters but they also can never allow them to actually be together. This keeps up the sexual tension between the two and keeps people buying more books about them
 
Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger created a "friendly foe who committed crimes but was also a romantic interest in Batman's rather sterile life." She was meant to be a love interest and to engage Batman in a chess game with him trying to reform her. At the same time, this character was meant to be different from other Batman villains like the Joker in that she was never a killer or evil."

I really dislike the Batman/Catwoman pairing.

I think that Batman like Punisher, Daredevil, Hellboy, Ghost Rider or Wolverine. Is a character that is destined to be alone. I think that it is important to the characters mission that he stay invested in his cause without distraction. As many flirts and flings Bruce has had over the years he has always ended up alone and it has made his character stronger for it. (but I suppose he can't stay a bachelor forever)

 I'd like the relationship to be one of equals.

I'm definitely a fan of character interaction, relationship, and exploration of intimacy over fisticuffs. However, when it comes to Batman I couldn't care a less about romance. Bruce's only love is the cape and cowl, his only mistress is Gotham. Bruce's girlfriend matters about as much as Frank Castle's to me. 

batman works best alone. just like wolverine  & blade they are on a mission.  

Batman and Catwoman are like Superman and Lois Lane. There is no other lover. I mean Batman more than Superman has had dozens of love interests, but it should always come back to Catwoman. I think its perfectly acceptable/reasonable that BRUCE WAYNE may be dating this woman. But BATMAN is not. 
 
Bat/Cat 

Batman works best when Catwoman doesn't know his identity. If Batman isn't keeping love at arms length in some way, it doesn't feel true to his character. Bruce learned at a young age that everyone he loves will get killed and he won't be able to save them. It plays out with Bruce Wayne casually dating trust fund floozies and models, and Batman loving women and ruining things when they find out his identity.
 
I think any guy who says he doesn't like a good bit of romance in a comic is lying or hasn't finished puberty. The only time i don't like it is (like everything else i don't like in comics) when it is poorly written or out of character (Deadpool and Siryn?! Deadpool and Outlaw?! Deadpool and Black Widow?!)

This might sound like philosophical one-liners, but IMO:  If anyone's ever loved and lost, the ever elusive romance might be easier to relate to. It takes heart not to let anything stand in your way, even if it leads to disappointment. (HA! cheeseball marathon, coming u..p...)   I believe a true hero / villain are at their most powerful when they show affection, and a human-like quality even if their motives aren't always on track. People might hate what a villian does, but can sometimes completely understand once they understand why they react the way they do.    Fighting for something seemingly unattainable happens in many facets other than a love interest, (money, and fame which are also not foreign to comics)   Would I like to see what would happen if Catwoman and Batman gave it a good honest go? Of course. Based on what I know, I can't say I could see it working, but then again their history would lend itself well to a story maybe driven by the loss of one another. The yin to the yang shall we say.  .....You might call me soft, and for that I don't blame you.. just understand that once Batman decides to hang up his boots, he may be inadvertently hanging up Catwomans also....and who wants a one dimensional dynamic? Mr. and Mrs.Smith made it work! haha.. now they have kids from 405930 countries.

I would love to see Batman and Catwoman's relationship continue.  I've always loved reading about their escapades, but I've never read a story in which I was fully satisfied with how the relationship was portrayed.

I'd like to see DC go all the way with Bruce and Selina. I think it would be interesting storytelling if the two got hitched!
 
That being said, I always liked his dynamic with Zatanna best. 8 )

Honestly, I believe Batman is, ultimately, destined to be alone. He may entertain the occasional dalliance, from time to time, but there's no place for a lasting romantic relationship in his obsessive war on crime. Batman has sacrificed his life, to prevent the suffering of innocents at the hands of criminals. He doesn't really have anything to give to a woman. He can profess love. He can even feel that he has given his heart to someone, like Silver St. Cloud or Vicki Vale. At the end of the day, though, he belongs to the citizens of Gotham City, & he's always going to be there, first, for them. Any potential love interest that thinks otherwise is holding onto an illusion.

" Many readers may not confess to enjoying the romantic aspect of comics even though sometimes the romance is what drives the story and makes it interesting. "

It's a mystery to me, in my way of seeing the romance is used to connect each other for what they  stand in the past when they were enemies,  it seemed like their fights were more like dates. They began to team up which represented that they were going out 
, they even know each other outside the costume

This is one of the things which turned me off the Cat Woman comic was the article saying there would be no Batman. I love the character but the playful nature of their relationship is what makes it truly fun. Without it, I'm just not sure I'm interested in reading the comic. 
 
I like Talia, I hate Damon. Sorry.

I wanna see the romance spill over into the revamp myself...but if what Judd Winick is telling us is true, he's trying real hard to make sure that it WON'T happen so...yikes on that score! Oh well at least I can always read Heart of Hush...

I totally agree. Romance is an important part in story telling. 
 
Good article.