Behind the Mask: Catwoman

Written by Tic Tac

With contemporary media shining an ever growing spotlight on the world of comics and graphic novels, as well as a much needed surge in the appreciation of women in comics, it is an exciting time to sit back and ponder the depths of comics and the role they play in modern mythology. Carefully reading into Catwoman's story it becomes obvious that she is tuned in to the very heartbeat of Gotham City. It's even safe to say that she is the embodiment of the city. From the inner workings of the city's numerous gangs to knowing the quickest, quietest route to anywhere in the city, the Feline Fatale has it all wrapped up.

Starting with a closer look at the relationship between Bruce Wayne (Batman) and Selina Kyle (Catwoman) is the perfect way to highlight and create the foundation for the argument that she personifies the city in which she lives. By day, Bruce Wayne is a billionaire businessman and playboy; Selina Kyle is the perfect flipside to that coin as a sleek and seductive thief. In daylight hours, while her dangerous side is muted for her to fit into society, it is still present. The same can be said for Gotham itself.  While the sun is out, the streets of Gotham are filled with smalltime thugs, the regular citizen, and businessmen; it isn't until night falls that the city's upper echelon of evil emerges. 

The idea that Catwoman is Batman's one true love also links heavily to the city itself. Bruce gives his all to the betterment of his home - from the innovations of Wayne Enterprises to keeping the streets safe as Batman. Batman never kills, refusing to become like the monsters he fights. While Selina's criminal nature is maddening for Batman, he sees the beauty within her; much like his city. She is drawn to his strength and his nobility appeals to her. It is this mix of light and dark that Batman loves in both the city and the woman, Batman aside, the feline duality that links Selina Kyle/Catwoman and Gotham is hard to ignore. Both cunning and feral, they will use whoever they must to achieve their goals but will claw them to bits in the end. One must be incredibly careful when in the presence of both, or either. Both the city and Catwoman are dangerous and they make it clear that only a fool would think otherwise. Just as a cat "allows" people to live with it, Gotham and Selina allow criminals to operate…with a cost. 

The tenacity, the inner strength, the…nine-lives as it were, is another linking factor between Gotham and Catwoman. They have both been beaten and broken, torn apart and left for dead yet they still keep fighting. The city has faced threats from the most petty of criminals (the slow rotting like a cancer) to super villain masterminds (explosive shots to the body). From downtown to Arkham, the city has been razed and rebuilt, refusing to die.  Raised in the streets of Gotham, Selina is no stranger to the cruelness of the city. From childhood she has known abuse and suicide. Her early origin story even includes prostitution. Despite all of this, she has risen through the ranks of Gotham's underground and become one of the most feared names in the city.

Despite any show of kindness or putting on of demure airs, Catwoman and Gotham City are dangerous creatures, both with hearts of predators. Catwoman stands as a sentinel for the darker side of Gotham, a reminder of what happens when you cross her. As Gotham's eyes, she slinks through the darkness knowing where to go and when to be there. As its ears, she hears all the goings on.  As the city's claws, she will cut any that cross her.

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