It’s no secret that the relationship between Batman and Catwoman is one of the most iconic comic book story lines of all time. The pair first appeared in Detective Comics #23 and since then have gone on to star in their own comics, TV shows, and films. While a lot of thought and care goes into making the Batman and Catwoman story work, in reality the pair are just too different to ever be together. In this article, we’ll explore some of the challenges of making the Catwoman-Batman relationship work and some of the best ways to make it work for you.
Too Many Differences
One of the things that makes the Catwoman-Batman relationship so special is that they’re both such iconic characters. The fact that they’re both well-known for their amazing looks, wit, and crime-fighting abilities makes them very easy for audiences to relate to. As a result, it’s easy for people to root for them to be together. Although this may be easier said than done, in reality the two characters are so different that it’s almost impossible for them to ever be truly happy together. In the following sections, we’ll explore the reasons why the Catwoman-Batman relationship never really worked out and how you can make it work for you.
Physical Differences
One of the big challenges in making the Catwoman-Batman relationship work is that physically the pair are completely at odds with one another. Catwoman is a beautiful fashion icon, with sleek and slender feline features and a body that’s as graceful as a panther’s. While Batman is intimidatingly tall and bulky, with a physique that’s as strong as an ox. This is a difficult combination to make work and it’s something that Hollywood tried to capture on camera with their 2019 adaptation of Night of the Huntress. The film adapts the classic 1940s radio play of the same name and in it the filmmakers tried to make the relationship between Catwoman and Batman as equal as possible. However, they were still unable to capture the essence of the original radio play and subsequent animated series. The physical differences between Catwoman and Batman are too great to overcome and in the end, their on-screen chemistry proves to be uninspiring.
Emotional Differences
Another reason why the Catwoman-Batman relationship never worked out is because they’re both too proud and reserved to ever show an ounce of weakness. Since their debut back in 1939, the Batman and Catwoman characters have maintained a fairly strong sense of dignity and independence. This is something that they both carry into their personal lives and it carries over into their professional lives as well. On the surface, it seems like an impossible feat to make the Catwoman-Batman relationship work, but in reality, it’s just not possible for these kinds of characters to have a meaningful connection to one another. In the end, it requires a lot of work on both sides to make this kind of relationship work and just like with any other strong friendship, it takes time for the benefits of being with each other to be truly felt by all parties involved. For the most part, the Catwoman-Batman relationship is a lot of fun to watch and read about, but for the characters themselves, it’s always been an impossible task to make it work completely.
Economic Differences
Another significant difference between Batman and Catwoman is that the former is a billionaire and the latter is a billionaireess. As a result of this economic difference, Catwoman is often forced to perform menial tasks for pay, while Batman can afford to hire the best people for the job. This can make a significant difference in the way the two characters interact with one another. Even when the pair do end up together, they can still behave in very different ways. For example, during one of their infamous archenemies, Two-Face’s Joker-esque schemes, he forces them to work together. However, this also leads to a clash of personalities and it’s something that the two characters never truly got past. The economic differences between the two are undeniable and it’s something that Hollywood tried to capture in the 2019 film, Batman versus Joker. While there are some differences in terms of social status and wealth, the main difference between the two is that Batman has all of his capabilities (and then some) at his disposal, while Catwoman has very little. This makes a huge difference in how they approach the world and it keeps them apart, even when they’re together.
Criminal Differences
Aside from their physical differences, another significant roadblock in making the Catwoman-Batman relationship work is that they’re both criminals. Batman regularly dresses up as a bat and robs banks and financial institutions, while Catwoman is a master of deceit and disguises. Even the person they call each other love interest, Poison Ivy, is a notorious career criminal who begins her criminal career at a relatively young age. Despite their differences, the fact remains that the majority of the people they interact with, assume that they are equals and that their dynamic is based on genuine mutual respect. This can make it difficult to enter a genuine criminal relationship with someone that you respect and admire. In the end, it’s all about perspective and it takes a lot of effort on both sides to make this work.
As you can see, there are a lot of differences between Batman and Catwoman. Even though they’re both amazing characters, it would be a challenge to make the Catwoman-Batman relationship work due to their significant character differences. The fact that the two are both extremely intelligent and have so much respect for one another is something that always keeps them apart. While this makes for a very interesting and enjoyable watch or read, it’s not the kind of relationship that can last for eternity. In the end, it takes a lot of hard work (and maybe some luck) to make the Catwoman-Batman relationship work and even then, it requires constant vigilance to ensure that no external forces interfere with it. Just like with any other good friendship, it takes time to see the benefits of being with each other and for the most part, it’s a beautiful story, well worth the wait.