I have decided that I’m neglecting non-minor super-villains! Thus: super-villain yearbooks! We’re hopping back in time slightly to round up the ones who appeared in comics I have already read as I revisit them, so here comes a big blob of Batman villains!
So, what was Catwoman up to in 1940?
1. Batman Comics v1 001, ‘Untitled’ **first appearance**
In Catwoman’s first appearance, she’s a mysterious figure known as the Cat about whom little enough is known that Robin’s chief suspects are a couple of chunky dudes in their 50s.
Key to Batman’s relationship with Catwoman, however, is that he is very horny for her. Thus, my theory is that he horny-sensed that seeming frail old lady Miss Peggs is actually a hot dame with nice gams, no matter what he tries to tell Robin later about “clues” and “evidence.”
The reveal of the Cat’s true identity is of course the source for a couple of the classic out-of-context comics panels.
Finally, this is the first of many times that Batman will just let Catwoman go because, as mentioned, he’s horny for her.
2. Batman Comics v1 002, ‘Untitled’
Most of this is a Joker story, but there are a few points of interest for the Cat.
The little old lady disguise is back in play!
As befits the subject of Batman’s affections, she shows moments of virtue even as she plunders the castle of a dead man.
At the very last second, as she plunges to her potential doom, a “-Woman” is added to her name, basically for all time.
3. Batman Comics v1 003, ‘The Batman vs the Cat-Woman!’
The most important part of this adventure comes early:
The cat head Catwoman costume! Not well-loved but it has a place in my heart. Catwoman has at least as many lackluster costumes as great ones, so one that goes all-out like this definitely ranks in the top 50% over mediocrities like the 60s green outfit or the black one-piece swimsuit with buccaneer boots.
The story is less about Batman vs Catwoman than it is about crappy business partners. Specifically, two of the three men involved in a diamond business team up and hire the Catwoman to steal their goods and then one of them betrays the other one. Things look bad for Catwoman until Batman and Robin show up.
Batman again lets her get away because he like-likes her, but this time:
The feeling is mutual! Fireworks go off! The nations rejoice! The nascent spirits of fanfic grow stronger! WHAT A 1940 CATWOMAN HAS HAD!
Body Count: 0 (assuming that the security guard that gets taken out in her first appearance was just knocked out, which I am because even Golden Age Batman didn’t get horny enough to excuse murder)
End-of-year Status: At Large
