Is Catwoman's New Sexuality Nothing More Than Another Gimmick?

by Book Girl

The internet has been a buzz lately with DC Comics' decision to make Catwoman (Selina Kyle) bi-sexual (see Catwoman issue #39). I wasn't quite sure what to make of it because to me this feels like another gimmick to boost sales (the series has dropped slightly in sales) and as a way to keep Catwoman and Batman apart. I get the feeling they are getting ready to pair Bruce up with someone and this new move will put Selina far away from him.


Now compare that to Harley Quinn's "relationship" with Poison Ivy it's so easy to see that it doesn't even need to be confirmed as being even remotely canon. Those two have a real connection. And on The Legend of Korra the relationship between Korra and Asami even before it was confirmed you could see that their friendship was starting to become more than just friends. Those two have tons of chemistry.

However, back to Catwoman, I just don't see it. The chemistry between Selina and Eiko Hasigawa seems forced and used as a way to draw more attention to this series. I find it interesting that just when Batwoman, who is a lesbian, series is ending, that Catwoman is now getting this particular spot light put on her.

Catwoman has always been a sexual character as well as being strong, independent and confident but something I've noticed lately in fiction is that a lot of strong independent female characters have had their sexuality changed. Case in point, Dr. Emily Grace from the TV series Murdoch Mysteries, she is a strong and independent woman and an early feminist during the early 1900s a new plot has recently given her a new love interest fellow feminist Lillian.

I think it's great that Dr. Grace is finding this new part of herself but the difference between her and Catwoman is that Murdoch Mysteries has handled this much better than DC Comics. Dr. Grace's love life isn't being treated as a gimmick because although she has dated police office George Crabtree in the past and was attracted to Leslie Garland (he turned out to be a complete jerk) she has gradually started to notice that she is falling for Lillian and the whole situation doesn't feel forced or gimmicky.

Reports keep saying that Catwoman has been alluded to being bi in the past. I guess I must have missed those issues. Selina's sexuality has been a huge issue of disappointment within the New 52, whether from her being in a state of undress to having sex with Batman on the roof or to now having an interest in dating Eiko. Her sexuality has been used as nothing more than to garner sales.

If this is who Selina really is, then I will support the changes but that's the thing the changes don't seem genuine. I wonder why they did not just create a new character who is bi-sexual and actually promote that character. This just seems like another gimmick because if DC was truly sincere about their desire to promote more Diversity they would do a better job of it. Look at how many characters have been shelved with many of the remaining characters having undergone a few changes be it ethnicity, age, sexuality or personality for no other reason than to make changes.

There is no doubt this latest change to Catwoman is going to be talked about for some time (most likely what DC Comics was hoping for). Changes are good especially if they deepen the story or make a character more interesting, however changes shouldn't be used if the only goal in mind is to get more attention or more sales.

Selina Kyle has always been one of my favorite characters and even though she is now bi-sexual it will not change or lessen my interest in the character. She is still going to be one of my favorite characters but something I would like is for writers to broaden their definition of strong, independent women, because not every woman who is strong and independent is a lesbian or bi and vice-versa.