Introduction: Why So Many Catwomen
How many Catwoman are there? The short answer is that multiple women have taken up the Catwoman identity over decades, mostly in comics, but also in film and television. While Selina Kyle is the original and best-known Catwoman, other characters have used the name, tech, and motif in different universes. This guide clarifies who counts as Catwoman, how they relate, and why the idea of a single number is more complicated than it appears.
Canonical Origin: Selina Kyle
In mainstream DC continuity, Catwoman is primarily Selina Kyle, a Gotham burglar turned sometimes-heroine. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, Selina debuted in Batman #1 (1940). She exists in Earth-0 (New Earth), Earth-Prime, and other designations after continuity reboots, but her core identity remains the template for later versions.
Earth-Two Selina Kyle
On Earth-Two, the Golden Age version of Selina Kyle ages alongside Bruce Wayne, eventually marrying him and retiring. This version established that the Catwoman mantle can persist across decades and be shared within a marriage, influencing how later stories treat legacy.
Comic Variants and Reboot Versions
After events like Crisis on Infinite Earths and Flashpoint, DC rebooted continuity, creating new Earth designations. In the New 52 (Earth-0), Selina Kyle is redefined with updated origins. In other continuities, characters inspired by her take up the costume and moniker. In some Elseworlds tales, figures like Holly Robinson temporarily become Catwoman, adding to the count of distinct people who use the name.
Film and Television Interpretations
Outside comics, actors and storylines treat Catwoman as a role rather than a fixed identity. Different movies and shows feature their own versions, sometimes with unique backstories and moral alignments. These interpretations coexist in separate fictional timelines, each counting as a distinct Catwoman in its own context.
Notable Live-Action Actresses
| Actress | Character Version | Production | Era |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halle Berry | Selina Kyle | Catwoman (2004) | 2000s film |
| Michelle Pfeiffer | Selina Kyle | Batman Returns (1992) | 1990s film |
| Anne Hathaway | Selina Kyle | The Dark Knight Rises (2012) | 2010s film |
| Camren Bicondova | Young Selina | Gotham (TV series) | TV series |
| Zoe Kravitz | Selina Kyle | The Batman (2022) | 2020s film |
Animated and Video Game Versions
Animation and games introduce further Catwoman-like figures. In some series, the name is used for different characters or as an alias adopted temporarily. In games, Catwoman may appear as a playable skin or alternate costume tied to a specific version of Batman’s world, expanding the total number of distinct portrayals.
Key Animated Examples
- Various DCAU interpretations of Selina Kyle
- Catwoman in The Batman animated series (2004–2008)
- Gotham Girls shorts and related web content
- Injustice video game series variants
Metric Comparison Across Media
| Medium | Identified Versions | Timeframe or Scope | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comics (Main Earth) | 1 primary (Selina Kyle) | Ongoing | Core continuity, occasional aliases |
| Comics (Elseworlds/Alternate) | 2–4 notable versions | Limited series, reboots | Holly Robinson, Earth-Two, New 52 variants |
| Film | 3 major live-action portrayals | 1992–2022 | Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry, Zoe Kravitz |
| Television | 2 prominent portrayals | 2014–2019 | Camren Bicondova (young), others in guest roles |
| Animation | 2–3 distinct series versions | 1990s–2020s | Different shows and canons |
| Video Games | Multiple skins/outfits | Across Arkham and other titles | Sometimes alternate costumes rather than separate characters |
Relationship to Batman and Gotham
Most Catwomen are iterations of Selina Kyle, whose relationship with Batman defines the role. In some stories, the mantle passes to others, often as a commentary on legacy and identity. Context matters: a Catwoman in one continuity may differ in origin, morality, or costume from another. Understanding these distinctions helps explain why there is not one simple number.
How to Count Responsibly
When asking how many Catwoman exist, define the scope: are you counting only mainstream comic continuities, or including animated series and games? A responsible count recognizes a primary archetype (Selina Kyle) plus variant versions in alternate continuities and adaptations. Rather than a fixed total, think of a family of characters sharing a name and motif across media.