View source for Batwoman

{{Distinguish|text= [[Batgirl]], another DC Comics superhero with a similar name}}
{{Other uses|Batwoman (disambiguation)}}{{Infobox comics character|character_name=Batwoman|publisher=[[DC Comics]]|alter ego=Katrina Luka Netz<br>Katherine Rebecca Kane|homeworld=[[Gotham City]]|partners=[[Batman]]<br>[[Bette Kane]]<br>[[Batwing (DC Comics)|Batwing]]<br>[[Azrael]]|supports=[[Batman]]|alliances=[[Outsiders (comics)|The Outsiders]]<br>[[Justice League Queer]]<br>[[Batman Family]]|powers=Both versions of Batwoman possess no metahuman powers but are skilled combatants with access to high-tech equipment.|IOM_alter_ego='''[[The CW]]''' / '''[[Arrowverse]]''':<br>Ryan Wilder<br>'''[[DC Animated Universe]]'''<br>Dr. Roxanne Ballentine<br>Sonia Alcana<br> Kathleen Duquesne|image=File:Batwoman_01.jpg|caption=An image of the [[Kate Kane]] incarnation of Batwoman from ''Gotham City Monsters'' #3. Art by Philip Tan and Jay David Ramos.|debut='''Kathy Kane:'''<br> ''Detective Comics'' #233 (1956)<br>'''Kate Kane:'''<br>''52'' #11 (September 2006)}}
'''Batwoman''' is a name of several [[Superhero|superheroes]] appearing in [[American comic book|American comic books]] published by [[DC Comics]], depicted as female counterparts and allies of Batman similarly to [[Batgirl]]. The original version of the character, '''[[Batwoman (Kathy Kane)|Kathy Kane]]''' (eventually given the birth name '''Katrina''' "'''Luka'''" '''Netz''' to differentiate the character from the newer version), was first created by writer [[Edmond Hamilton]] and artist [[Sheldon Moldoff]] under the direction of editor Jack Schiff as a love interest in an attempt to combat allegations of Batman's [[homosexuality]] arising from the controversial book, ''[[Seduction of the Innocent]].<ref name="Batman: The Complete History">{{cite book |last=Daniels |first=Les |author-link=Les Daniels |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=73wknu2cVIkC |title=Batman: The Complete History |publisher=[[Chronicle Books]] |year=2004 |isbn=0-8118-4232-0}}</ref>'' 

Eventually, the character would be replaced in 2006 by '''[[Kate Kane]]''', the most iconic version of the character. This version of the character is depicted as a [[lesbian]], of [[Jews|Jewish]] descent, possessing a military background, and is wealthy heiress who becomes inspired towards vigilantism by [[Batman]], later revealed to be her maternal cousin (Kathy being the niece of Martha Wayne). Since the character's re-introduction in 2006, the character is notably DC Comics' most highly profiled gay superhero whose sexual orientation has been subjected to attention from the general public, both positive and negative. The character's chief love interests include [[Maggie Sawyer]] and [[Renee Montoya]]. The character has also been featured in [[Batwoman (comic book)|several solo ongoing series]], ''[[Detective Comics]],'' and[[Outsiders (comics)|''The Outsiders'']] (2023).

Within media, the Batwoman character has been adapted several times with some being original incarnations, such as '''[[Ryan Wilder]]''' from the [[The CW]] ''[[Batwoman (TV series)|Batwoman]]'' television series, portrayed by [[Javicia Leslie]]. This version is the daughter of Jada Jet (based on [[Jezebel Jet]]). In the [[DC Animated Universe]], Batwoman is depicted as three different characters sharing the codename: [[Gotham City Police Department|GCPD]] detective '''{{vanchor|Sonia Alcana}}''' (voiced by [[Elisa Gabrielli]]), Wayne Tech employee '''Dr. Roxanne''' "'''Rocky'''" '''Ballantine''' (voiced by [[Kelly Ripa]]), and socialite '''Kathleen''' "'''Kathy'''" '''Duquesne''' (voiced by [[Kimberly Brooks]]).

== Publication history ==

=== The original Batwoman ===
The original Batwoman character, Kathy Kane, was created in 1956 during the [[Silver Age of Comic Books|Silver Age of Comics]]. After the comic book industry was attacked in the early 1950s following the publication and controversy originating from [[Fredric Wertham]]'s ''[[Seduction of the Innocent]]'' in which accused the Batman and Robin characters to be homosexual, the character was created to help offset the accusations and would first appear in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #233 (July 1956). Characterized as a female rival to Batman who instead used gadgets often disguised as stereotypical feminine accoutrements and is assisted by her sidekick, [[Bette Kane|Bat-Girl]],<ref name="Batman: The Complete History" /> she made regular appearances in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' and ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]''.<ref name="Remembering Kathy Kane: The First Batwoman">{{cite news |last=Grandinetti |first=Fred |title=Remembering Kathy Kane: The First Batwoman |url=http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/Batwoman/BatwomanHistory.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070710222202/http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/Batwoman/BatwomanHistory.htm |archive-date=2007-07-10 |access-date=2007-09-19 |work=[[Newsarama]]}}</ref>

While a popular character in her own right with readers, editor Julius Schwartz considered the Batwoman character inappropriate for his new direction for the fictional Batman universe and following the revamp to ''Detective Comics'' in 1964, Batwoman was removed from the series and three years later, was replaced by the [[Barbara Gordon]] version of [[Batgirl]], whose approach and being a more direct female counterpart to Batman (using gadgets similar to Batman, being a highly skilled martial artist, and having a doctorate in her civilian identity) made her a more popular character.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Arant |first1=Wendi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RXsa43PYarQC |title=The Image and Role of the Librarian |last2=Benefiel |first2=Candace |publisher=[[Haworth Press]] |year=2002 |isbn=0-7890-2099-8 |pages=77–78}}</ref> Although the character was several times requested by fans to revive the Batwoman character, DC's editorial of the time rejected the notion, believing the character only existed as Batman's love interest and her role was fulfilled with the Barbara Gordon character.<ref name="Remembering Kathy Kane: The First Batwoman" /> The character eventually made several guest appearance starting in 1977 <ref name="Batman Family #10">{{cite web |title=The Batman Family (1975) #10 – Comic Book DB |url=http://comicbookdb.com/issue.php?ID=45539 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229002157/http://comicbookdb.com/issue.php?ID=45539 |archive-date=29 December 2014 |access-date=28 December 2014 |publisher=Comicbookdb.com}}</ref><ref name="Remembering Kathy Kane: The First Batwoman" /> but was killed off in ''Detective Comics'' #485 (August–September 1979).<ref name="Remembering Kathy Kane: The First Batwoman" /> Editor [[Dennis O'Neil]] later stated in an interview, "we already had Batgirl, we didn't need Batwoman."<ref name="Remembering Kathy Kane: The First Batwoman" /> While the issue marked the final appearance of Earth-1 Kathy Kane, an Earth-2 version appeared ''[[The Brave and The Bold]]'' #182 (January 1982) although it would be the final appearance of the Kathy Kane character for decades.<ref name="The Brave and the Bold #182">''The Brave and the Bold'' #182 (January 1982)</ref>

=== The return of Batwoman ===
A new version of the character was eventually revealed in the spring of 2006. Sometime prior, DC editors called for a redesign of Batwoman, with comic book artist [[Alex Ross]] drawing inspiration from the modified [[Batgirl]] costume he designed for [[Barbara Gordon]], seven years before Kate Kane's planned debut in the limited comic book series ''52''. While Ross and comic book author [[Paul Dini]] initially planned to revive the former Batgirl Barbara Gordon using an updated version of the character's original costume, the decision was rebuffed due to Gordon serving as one of a very small number of disabled superheroes of DC Comics as Oracle.<ref name="Newsarama ross">{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Dave |date=June 1, 2006 |title=Alex Ross: Giving Batwoman Her Look |url=http://classic.newsarama.com/dcnew/52/Batwoman/BatwomanRoss.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011204921/http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/52/Batwoman/BatwomanRoss.html |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=2007-09-12 |work=[[Newsarama]]}}</ref> This version differed from the Silver Age version of the character, being depicted as [[lesbian]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Robinson |first=Bryan |date=1 June 2006 |title=Holy Lipstick Lesbian! Meet the New Batwoman |url=https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=2028464&page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010022256/https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=2028464&page=1 |archive-date=2008-10-10 |access-date=10 January 2008 |work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}</ref> and was announced in the same time she was revealed.<ref name="out">{{cite magazine |last=Sherrin |first=Michael |year=2006 |title=Batwoman Comes Out! |url=http://www.out.com/entertainment/2006/05/30/batwoman-comes-out |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217105301/http://www.out.com/entertainment/2006/05/30/batwoman-comes-out |archive-date=2012-02-17 |access-date=2007-09-12 |magazine=[[Out (magazine)|Out]]}}</ref> 

Stories appeared on television news outlets such as [[CNN]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Moos |first=Jeanne |author-link=Jeanne Moos |date=May 31, 2006 |title=Batwoman comes out of the cave |url=http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/moos/2006/06/01/moos.gay.batwoman.affl |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911183519/http://www.cnn.com/video/ |archive-date=September 11, 2007 |access-date=2007-09-12 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> general news magazines such as ''[[USA Today]]'', and gay culture magazines such as ''Out'' regarding the new version of the character.<ref name="out" /> In her debut issue, Kane is revealed to have been romantically involved with [[Renee Montoya]], a former Gotham City Police detective (who would later be slated as the second incarnation of the superhero, the Question).<ref name="52 #7">{{cite comic |date=2006 |title=52 |issue=7 |publisher=DC Comics |writer=[[Geoff Johns|Johns, Geoff]] |cowriters=[[Grant Morrison]], [[Greg Rucka]], ''et al.''}}</ref> When ''[[Wizard Entertainment]]'' inquired about editorial's decision to making Batwoman a gay character in an interview, DC Comics Senior Vice President and Executive Editor [[Dan DiDio]] responded "It was from conversations we’ve had for expanding the DC Universe, for looking at levels of diversity. We wanted to have a cast that is much more reflective of today's society and even today's fanbase. One of the reasons we made her gay is that, again when you have the Batman Family—a series of characters that aren't super-powered and inhabit the same circle and the same city—you really want to have a point of difference. It was really important to me to make sure every character felt unique."<ref>{{cite web |last=Morse |first=Ben |date=May 31, 2006 |title=Dan DiDio Talks Batwoman |url=http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/wizard/000326617.cfm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121160605/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/wizard/000326617.cfm |archive-date=2008-01-21 |access-date=2007-10-18 |publisher=[[Wizard Universe]]}}</ref> Batwoman's sexual orientation initially gathered mixed reviews, ranging from praise to outrage.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 31, 2006 |title=Batwoman Comes Out as a Lesbian |url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah462.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615184223/http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah462.shtml |archive-date=2006-06-15 |access-date=2007-10-18 |work=[[Access Hollywood]]}}</ref> A reviewer at ''Out'' asserts "Batwoman will be the highest profile gay superhero to ever grace the pages of DC Comics."<ref name="out" /> Although several LGBT organizations such as [[GLAAD]] have praised DC Comics for attempting to diversify their characters, some have observed that Batwoman is not the first gay or lesbian character to appear in comic books, nor is she the only lesbian to be associated with the Batman series.<ref>{{cite news |last=Helberg |first=Michele |date=July 24, 2006 |title=Batwoman's Lesbian Identity is No Secret to Comic Book Fans |url=http://www.afterellen.com/more/21869-batwomans-lesbian-identity-is-no-secret-to-comic-book-fans |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917060843/http://www.afterellen.com/more/21869-batwomans-lesbian-identity-is-no-secret-to-comic-book-fans |archive-date=2015-09-17 |access-date=2008-01-12 |newspaper=[[AfterEllen]]}}</ref>

In 2008 during [[New York Comic Con]], it was announced that Batwoman would be among the characters appearing in a new [[Justice League]] comic book written by [[James Robinson (comics)|James Robinson]]. That same year, Batwoman briefly took over as the lead character in ''[[Detective Comics]]'', starting with #854.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 27, 2012 |title=Batwoman takes over 'Detective' |url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/14269.html |website=ICv2}}</ref> with DC saying at the 2009 New York Comic Con that she would be DC Comics' highest-profile gay superhero.<ref>{{cite news |last=Flood |first=Alison |date=11 February 2009 |title=DC readies lesbian Batwoman for take-off |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2009/feb/11/lesbian-batwoman-dc-comics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930184703/http://www.theguardian.com/books |archive-date=2013-09-30 |access-date=11 February 2009 |work=[[The Guardian]] |location=London}}</ref> Two years later, DC announced the character would star in a ongoing solo series art by [[J. H. Williams III]], who would also co-write the series with writer [[W. Haden Blackman]]. Artist [[Amy Reeder Hadley]] would also contribute art, alternating story arcs with Williams.<ref>[http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Williams-Batwoman-Ongoing-100414.html Batwoman Ongoing by J. H. Williams III Announced] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417094139/http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Williams-Batwoman-Ongoing-100414.html|date=2010-04-17}}, ''[[Newsarama]]'', 14 April 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Batwoman-Williams-Interview-100414.html Fan-Fave Artist Williams III On Taking Batwoman's Cowl] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417103456/http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Batwoman-Williams-Interview-100414.html|date=2010-04-17}}, ''Newsarama'', 14 April 2010.</ref> The series' introductory "zero issue" was released on November 24, 2010. The launch of ''Batwoman'' #1 was originally scheduled for February 2011, then delayed until spring; in early March it was announced that ''Batwoman'' #1 would be released sometime in Fall 2011, as part of the ''[[New 52]]'' rebooted DC Universe.<ref>[http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/03/10/where-in-the-world-is-batwoman Where In The World Is Batwoman?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413011703/http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/03/10/where-in-the-world-is-batwoman|date=2011-04-13}}, ''[[Bleeding Cool]]'', March 10, 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/06/06/new-dcu-batman-detective-batgirl Batman Relaunch: New #1s for "Batgirl", "Batman", "Detective", "Catwoman", "Birds of Prey" (Updated)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517130014/http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/06/06/new-dcu-batman-detective-batgirl/|date=2012-05-17}}, ''Comics Alliance'', June 6, 2011</ref> That same year, Grant Morrison would also restore the original Kathy Kane into modern continuity in flashbacks, most prominently in ''[[Batman Incorporated]]'' #4 (August 2011). 

A later issue in 2013 issue reveals the origin of the original Batwoman in current [[DC Universe]] continuity, depicting her as Bruce's aunt by marriage who is widowed and later becomes both a crime fighter and lover alongside Bruce for a time until she was seemingly killed. The issue also revealed her being a spy sent to deduce Batman's secret identity and true parentage to Nazi scientist and spymaster, Otto Netz (also known as Agent Zero).<ref name=":0">''Batman Incorporated'' vol. 2 #13 (September 2013)</ref> That same year, co-authors J.H. Williams and W. Haden Blackman announced that they would leave ''Batwoman'' after the December issue because of conflicts with DC over creative differences, remarking that they were not allowed to expand Killer Croc's back story, keep their original ending to their current story arc, or depict Kate and Maggie getting married.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sieczkowski |first=Cavan |date=2013-09-05 |title=Authors Quit, Claim DC Comics Won't Allow Batwoman's Lesbian Wedding |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/05/batwoman-dc-comics-gay-marriage_n_3873508.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109121537/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/05/batwoman-dc-comics-gay-marriage_n_3873508.html |archive-date=2013-11-09 |access-date=2013-11-13 |work=Huffington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Rob Bricken |date=5 September 2013 |title=DC forbids Batwoman's gay marriage, creative team leaves [Updated!] |url=http://io9.com/dc-wont-allow-batwomans-gay-marriage-to-be-depicted-1257106266 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215081724/http://io9.com/dc-wont-allow-batwomans-gay-marriage-to-be-depicted-1257106266 |archive-date=2015-02-15 |access-date=28 December 2014 |work=io9}}</ref><ref>[http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2013/09/why-couldnt-batwoman-be-married-and-miserable/69200/ Give Batwoman the Chance to Be Miserable in a Same-Sex Marriage] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113223016/http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2013/09/why-couldnt-batwoman-be-married-and-miserable/69200/|date=November 13, 2013}}</ref> This announcement followed a February 2013 announcement that ''Batwoman'' #17 would feature the proposal between Kate and Maggie.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sieczkowski |first=Cavan |date=2013-02-20 |title=LOOK: Batwoman Makes Comic Book History |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/20/batwoman-gay-marriage-proposal-girlfriend-photo_n_2724732.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023233815/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/20/batwoman-gay-marriage-proposal-girlfriend-photo_n_2724732.html |archive-date=2013-10-23 |access-date=2013-11-13 |work=Huffington Post}}</ref> [[DC Comics]] responded that Batwoman could not get married because "heroes shouldn't have happy personal lives".<ref>{{cite news |last=Battersby |first=Matilda |date=2013-09-09 |title=Batwoman can't have lesbian wedding because heroes in the Batman family "shouldn't have happy personal lives' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/batwoman-cant-have-lesbian-wedding-because-heroes-shouldnt-have-happy-personal-lives-8805441.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810124850/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/batwoman-cant-have-lesbian-wedding-because-heroes-shouldnt-have-happy-personal-lives-8805441.html |archive-date=2017-08-10 |access-date=2017-08-24 |work=The Independent |location=London}}</ref>

The Kathy Kane character would make some appearances throughout the ''Grayson'' series (2014 - 2016) as an antagonist, revealing a new birthname of Katrina Luka Netz and being with both the codename "Agent Zero" and acting as the secret head of the espionage organization, Spyral. In the same year the series began, it was announced that the Batwoman series would be canceled in March 2015 at issue forty, along with twelve other New 52 series.<ref>{{cite web |title=DC Cancels 13 Ongoing Monthlies, Ends 3 Weeklies |url=https://www.newsarama.com/23009-dc-cancels-13-ongoing-monthlies-ends-3-weeklies.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215172825/https://www.newsarama.com/23009-dc-cancels-13-ongoing-monthlies-ends-3-weeklies.html |archive-date=2018-12-15 |access-date=11 December 2018 |website=Newsarama}}</ref> The Kate Kane version would later appear as a leading character in the ''[[DC Comics Rebirth]]'' revamp of ''Detective Comics'', which returned to its original numbering with issue #934.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 June 2016 |title=DC's New Batman Family - Meet the Main Players of "Detective Comics" |url=https://www.cbr.com/dcs-new-batman-family-meet-the-main-players-of-detective-comics/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215171720/https://www.cbr.com/dcs-new-batman-family-meet-the-main-players-of-detective-comics/ |archive-date=2018-12-15 |access-date=11 December 2018 |website=CBR}}</ref> 

In July 2023, DC announced that Batwoman, along with Batwing, would lead a new ''Outsiders'' series after the conclusion of the "Gotham War" crossover event.<ref>{{cite web |date=20 July 2023 |title=Batwoman & Batwing Lead a New Planetary-Style Outsiders Comic From DC |url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/batwoman-batwing-lead-a-new-planetary-style-outsiders-comic-from-dc/ |access-date=26 July 2023 |website=Bleeding Cool}}</ref>

==Fictional character biographies==

=== Kathy Kane ===
{{Main|Batwoman (Kathy Kane)}}
The first incarnation of Batwoman has been presented with several different origins over the course of her publication history; Her earliest known origin depicts her as '''Katherine "Kathy" Kane''', a circus stuntwoman who received a large inheritance upon her father's death and become a socialite in Gotham City. Frequently associated with Bruce Wayne, she would often team up with his alter-ego, Batman, and was a prominent ally and was assisted by her sidekick, Bat-Girl (aka Bette Kane, her niece). As Batwoman, she used her wealth and resources to fight crime much like Batman.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Beatty |first=Scott |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_DC_Comics_Encyclopedia/QxWlLgAACAAJ?hl=en |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |last2=Wallace |first2=Daniel |last3=Inc |first3=DC Comics |date=2008 |publisher=Dorling Kindersley |isbn=978-1-4053-2891-3 |language=en}}</ref> 

Her origin would later be revised by Grant Morrison, instead casting birth name as '''Katherine Webb''', aspiring independent film director and later wife of Nathan Kane (the brother of Matha Kane) and thus, Batman's aunt via affinity. Tying to her old origins, Nathan would purchase a circus for her as a gift but after his untimely death, she was recruited by a young man known as Agent 33 (the future El Gaucho of the [[Batmen of All Nations]]) into the organization, Spyral, and trained as a spy. She was given the assignment of learning of Batman's identity and donned the Batwoman codename and costume to get closer to him. Falling in love with him, the pair became lovers despite her of being legally his aunt. As such, she refused to disclose his identity. Spyral's leader and Nazi villain, Doctor Dedalus (known as Otto Netz) revealed himself as her biological father and threatened to expose her to Batman unless she continued her mission. She would subsequentially break off her relationship with Bruce in order to save him from Dedalus' plan.<ref name="Batman Inc. #4 March 2011">''Batman Inc.'' #4 (March 2011)</ref> 

In the 2014 ''Grayson'' series, her origin is once more revised by Tim Seeley and Tom King. Although most elements of her previous origin from Morrison remained the same, her birthname is instead '''Katrina''' "'''Luka'''" '''Netz''', with the latter two names as aliases. Unlike her last portrayal, she is raised by Otto Netz as a potential successor but has an antagonistic relationship with her sister, Elisabeth Netz (Frau Netz), throughout their childhood, a machinations fostered by Otto's abuse of the children. As adults, the pair compete for control of Spyral and Leviathan, organizations created by Otto Netz as opposing forces. While Elisabeth adopted Otto's incredible intelligence, Kathy instead adopted her father's spymaster prowess.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Seeley |first=Tim |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Grayson/dF31vQAACAAJ?hl=en |title=Grayson: Spiral's end |last2=King |first2=Tom |date=2017 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-4012-6825-1 |language=en}}</ref> 

Although each origin of the character differs in reasoning and approach, all versions of the character became Batwoman and were once involved with Batman romantically at some point and later seemingly killed by Bronze Tiger.<ref>{{Cite book |last=O'Neil |first=Dennis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h8vVDwAAQBAJ |title=Batman: Tales of the Demon |date=2020-03-17 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-4012-9944-6 |language=en}}</ref> Bronze Tiger's connection to her death was revealed to be false and later attributed to villainess Scorpiana by El Gaucho, previous Agent 33 whom recruited her during his time as a agent of Spyral.<ref name="Batman Inc. #4 March 2011" /> Ultimately, it was revealed to be a ruse by Kathy, who later kills [[Talia al Ghul]] and revealed as the '''Headmistress''' of St. Hadrian, an all-girls boarding school that is a training ground for future female spies for Spyral and served as a high-ranking member.<ref name=":0" /> She later adopts the codename "'''Agent Zero"''' and acts as the secret leader of Spyral behind even the associated directors.<ref name=":1" />

=== Kate Kane ===
{{Main|Kate Kane}}
'''Katherine Rebecca Kane''' is depicted as a Jewish [[Military brat (U.S. subculture)|military brat]], one of the twin daughters of Jacob Kane (brother of Martha Kane) who grew up with a close relationship with her parents and twin, Beth. She is also the maternal cousin of [[Batman]]. On their twelfth birthday, the twins alongside their mother were abducted and although her father assembled a team to rescue them, Kate's mother and seemingly Beth was killed. Now raised by Jacob, a single father, he inspired her to join the United States Army but was later kicked out of the [[United States Military Academy]] despite exceeding standards as a cadet due to her being gay. The experienced caused her to spiral into depression and began excessively partying and frequently having [[One-night stand|one-night stands]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Manning |first=Matthew K. |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_DC_Comics_Encyclopedia_New_Edition/UIW_zQEACAAJ?hl=en |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia New Edition |last2=Wiacek |first2=Stephen |last3=Scott |first3=Melanie |last4=Jones |first4=Nick |last5=Walker |first5=Landry Q. |date=2021-07-20 |publisher=National Geographic Books |isbn=978-0-7440-2056-4 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="DC859">{{citation |last=Rucka |first=Greg |title=Go 2 |date=January 2010 |work=Detective Comics #859 |url=http://comicbookdb.com/issue.php?ID=186445 |access-date=2019-08-25 |publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> She would also become briefly romantically involved with the young traffic cop, [[Renee Montoya]], but later break up after Kate denounces her for being [[closeted]].<ref name="DC859" /> When later she tries reconciling with Renee, she is nearly mugged and saved by Batman. Kate then becomes inspired to become a vigilante and would later be extensively trained by her father, eventually becoming Batwoman.<ref name=":2" />

== Other versions ==

=== Alternate universes ===
* The 1996 limited series ''[[Kingdom Come (comics)|Kingdom Come]]'' by [[Mark Waid]] and [[Alex Ross]] presents a Batwoman portrayed as a Batman admirer from [[Jack Kirby]]'s Fourth World. Her costume mixed Kirby-esque elements with those of the original costume. The character rode a giant bat-winged dog named Ace.
* ''[[Batman: Dark Knight Dynasty]]'' (1997) features Vice-president '''{{vanchor|Brenna Wayne}}''' who becomes Batwoman to stop [[Vandal Savage]]. Wayne discovers a conspiracy against her family after investigating the last thirteen generations of the Wayne family.
* ''[[JLA: The Nail]]'' (1998) by [[Alan Davis]] features '''[[Selina Kyle]]''' abandoning her previous identity as Catwoman to assist Batman after the deaths of Robin and Batgirl, using a new costume modeled on Kathy Kane's original. The 2004 sequel, ''[[JLA: Another Nail]]'', shows her fashioning her new persona as Batwoman.
* ''[[Superman/Batman]]'' #24 (November 2005) presents a world where the genders of the characters are reversed with '''Helena Wayne''' as Batwoman. DC later placed this alternate reality as "Earth 11" in the post-''Infinite Crisis'' multiverse.
* In ''[[DC Comics Bombshells]]'', which take place in an [[alternate history]] version of [[World War II]], there are three versions of the character outside of Kate Kane:
** Madame '''Katherine Webb''', a member of the Kane family and the aunt to both Kate and Bette, is the Headmistress of Pinkney Orphanage. She was left in charge of the orphanage by Kate before she left Gotham. Headmistress Webb is a xenophobic woman, who uses the orphans to make robots to protect the country from foreigners, whom she characterizes as evil. She is later defeated by a team of Batgirls, including Bette, who come to the orphanage to save the orphans.<ref>''DC Comics Bombshells'' #20</ref>
** Kathleen "Kathy" Duquesne, an auto mechanic and leader of a team of Batgirls, who protect the city during Batwoman's absence. Along with Kathy, the team includes Nell Little, [[Harper Row]] and later on [[Alysia Yeoh]] and Bette Kane.<ref name="DC Comics Bombshells #8">''DC Comics Bombshells'' #8</ref><ref>''DC Comics Bombshells'' #19</ref> Upon meeting Bette, Kathy immediately recognizes her as a baseball player and later figures out her real identity as well as her connection to Batwoman but promises to keep it a secret. The Batgirls save the orphans of Pinkney Orphanage from the devious Headmistress and later expand their team, welcoming [[Tim Drake]], Cullen Row and [[Felicity Smoak]], and creating a Bat family.<ref>''DC Comics Bombshells'' #21</ref>
** Sonia Alcana appears as an officer of Gotham City Police Department, partnered with [[Crispus Allen]] and working with [[Maggie Sawyer]] to aid Batwoman into her fight against crime in the city.<ref name="DC Comics Bombshells #8" />
* In the 2019 ''[[Young Justice]]'' series, Stephanie Brown is the Batwoman of [[Earth-3]].

=== Alternate timelines ===

* In the ''[[Teen Titans (comics)|Teen Titans]]'' storyline "[[Titans Tomorrow]]" (2005), [[Bette Kane]] is Batwoman, and wears a costume similar to Kathy's pre-Crisis one. 
* In the follow-up storyline, "Titans of Tomorrow... Today!" (2007), Bette Kane remains Flamebird and former Batgirl [[Cassandra Cain]] becomes Batwoman.

==In other media==
{{Further|Kate Kane#In other media|Kate Kane (Arrowverse)|Ryan Wilder}}

===Television===
* A loose adaptation of Batwoman appears in the ''[[Batman: The Brave and the Bold]]'' episode "The Criss Cross Conspiracy!", voiced by [[Vanessa Marshall]]. This version is visually based on the Kathy Kane incarnation, but is depicted as series original character '''{{vanchor|Katrina Moldoff}}''' / '''The Bat Lady''', thrill-seeking heiress to the Moldoff Circus fortune and a trained circus acrobat whose crime-fighting style endangers bystanders. After being publicly unmasked and humiliated by the [[Riddler]] years prior, she is forced to give up her crime-fighting lifestyle before seeking revenge in the present by encouraging [[Felix Faust]] to give her a spell to switch her and Batman's bodies, allowing her to get closer to the Riddler without the police coming after her. After she fails, Batman rescues her and convinces Faust to switch them back before she quietly turns herself in to the police. Series director Ben Jones confirmed that the decision to rename the character was brought about after DC Comics voiced concerns about this depiction of the character having a negative impact on the new ''Batwoman'' comic book series, the first issue of which launched less than a month after the episode's initial air date.
* The Kate Kane incarnation of Batwoman appears in a [[Batwoman (TV series)|self-titled TV series]], portrayed by [[Ruby Rose]] in the [[Batwoman (season 1)|first season]] and [[Wallis Day]] in the [[Batwoman (season 2)|second]]. Additionally, Kane's successor and series original character '''[[Ryan Wilder]]''' also appears in the series, portrayed by [[Javicia Leslie]].

===Film===
An original incarnation of Batwoman appears in ''[[Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman]]'', voiced by [[Kyra Sedgwick]].<ref>{{cite web | last = Burnett | first = Alan | author-link = Alan Burnett | title = Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman | publisher = [[Warner Bros.]] | year = 2003 | url = http://www2.warnerbros.com/batwoman/ | access-date = 2008-01-09| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080118004156/http://www2.warnerbros.com/batwoman/| archive-date= 18 January 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> This version is an identity used by three people: [[Gotham City Police Department|GCPD]] Detective '''{{vanchor|Sonia Alcana}}''' (voiced by [[Elisa Gabrielli]]), Wayne Tech employee Dr. {{anchor|Roxanne "Rocky" Ballantine|Roxanne Ballantine|Rocky Ballantine}}'''Roxanne''' "'''Rocky'''" '''Ballantine''' (voiced by [[Kelly Ripa]]), and {{anchor|Kathleen "Kathy" Duquesne|Kathleen Duquesne|Kathy Duquesne}}'''Kathleen''' "'''Kathy'''" '''Duquesne''' (voiced by [[Kimberly Brooks]]), who all hold grudges against the [[Penguin (character)|Penguin]] and [[Rupert Thorne]] as well as Carlton Duquesne, a gangster in the crime bosses' employ and Kathy's father. Alcana, Ballantine, and Kathy pooled their resources and skills together to seek revenge while taking turns operating as Batwoman to draw suspicion away from each other, with all three using lethal force to achieve their goals. In the DVD and Blu-ray special features, the producers explained that DC did not want the filmmakers to use Kate Kane in a family-friendly film due to the violence associated with her character.

==See also==
* [[Batgirl]]
* [[Robin (character)|Robin]]
* [[Huntress (DC Comics)|Huntress]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Batman}}
{{Batman characters}}
{{Batwoman}}
{{Justice League characters}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Groups of fictional characters]]
[[Category:Batman characters code names]]
[[Category:DC Comics female superheroes]]
[[Category:Characters created by Bob Kane]]
[[Category:Characters created by Edmond Hamilton]]
[[Category:Characters created by Geoff Johns]]
[[Category:Characters created by Grant Morrison]]
[[Category:Characters created by Greg Rucka]]
[[Category:Characters created by Keith Giffen]]
[[Category:Characters created by Mark Waid]]
[[Category:Characters created by Sheldon Moldoff]]
[[Category:Batwoman| ]]
[[Category:Vigilante characters in comics]]