Capes On the Couch - Where Comics Get Counseling: Issue 107

Issue 107 - Catwoman

Jan 27, 2021

Issue 107 - Catwoman

Intro
- Email us voice recordings of your thoughts on Batman & what he means to you for upcoming episode - capesonthecouch@gmail.com
Background (2:50)

Catwoman, Selina Kyle, created by Bill Finger & Bob Kane in Batman #1 (Spring 1940)
Originally known as “the Cat”, she was a jewel thief who disguised herself as an old woman, until she was captured by Batman - she would go on to be a recurring nemesis for several years until the Comics Code prevented her from being written as evil
Resurfaced as a major player in 1987 - Batman: Year One revamped her origin as a prostitute, working with a young girl Holly Robinson - they encounter Batman one night and after Holly stabs him, Selina fights him but gets knocked out - they decide to start burgling the rich, and Selina gets rescued by Bruce after robbing Carmine Falcone
1989 solo series expands upon this - she was a dominatrix whose sister Maggie was a nun - her pimp Stan attacks Maggie to get to her, and Selina kills him in revenge
Starts operating as an anti-heroine, while still robbing the wealthy - begins an on-off relationship with Batman, and they learn each other’s identities
Is reformed for a period - later revealed due to a mindwipe from Zatanna
Became a mother during Infinite Crisis - Slam Bradley Jr. is the father, and she leaves the Catwoman identity for a while while Holly takes over - later gives the child, Helena, up for adoption and returns to being Catwoman
Takes on a sidekick for a short while - Catgirl is the daughter of Carmine Falcone
New 52 - her origin story resembles Batman Returns, and she joins the Justice League for a time
Rebirth - Catwoman is blamed for the death of 237 children after an orphanage explodes - Batman believes she’s innocent, and helps clear her of the charges - he then proposes to Selina - they battle Talia al Ghul
Selina leaves Bruce on their wedding day, as she believes making Bruce happy would “kill” Batman, and Gotham needs Batman more than she needs Bruce

Issues (11:31)
- Why does Selina have such a hard time reforming? Does she even want to reform?
- Why does she steal? (20:38) - thrill of the chase
- Has a habit of taking in orphans (26:13) - takes one to see one to know one
- Only tried to reform because Zatanna brainwashed her (27:41) - her consent was violated; similar to ECT in real people
- Why does she love Bruce? (33:20)
Break (38:02)
- Plugs for Cage’s Kiss, Ocho Duro Parlay Hour, and Gail Simone
Treatment (39:45)
- In-universe - “Benevolent white-hat Riddler” - set up heists for her that help reveal things about herself she wouldn’t otherwise access
- Out of universe - (42:52)
Skit (Guest Kate from IWB as Selina) (48:05)
Ending (55:54)
- Recommended reading: Catwoman series from 2001 by Ed Brubaker
- Next episodes: Phillip Kennedy Johnson interview, Levana Blackburn, Superman: Red Son
- Review read: Fab! This was awesome. These two definitely know what they are talking about and provide a unique view on their topics.
- Plugs for social