DC Comic book heroine, Batwoman, who was originally introduced as Batman’s love interest in 1956 has been reincarnated as Jewish lesbian. Batwoman, who is socialite Kathy Kane by day and superhero by night, has been outed, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase, “power lesbian.” Throw any statuesque woman with the body and strength of a seasoned Olympian, and you’ve got a force to be reckoned with.

Speaking of physical attributes, the new Batwoman is also said to be 5’10 with a fiery, red coif. Not to mention the fact that she runs around in tight, body-hugging outfits all night as she performs her superhero duties. Sounds like any typical, bar-loving, Doritos-munching, straight man’s dream girl. Hate to break it to you, guys, she just doesn’t swing that way.

The New Batwoman via Foxnews.com

With Batman M.I.A. (bloggers and comic aficionados alike speculating where he is and whether he’s dead or alive) the stage is set for Batwoman to take over as lead character in the Batman comic arc for at least 12 issues.

Batwoman originally appeared in the popular comic book, Batman, in 1956 and was killed off in 1979. It is rumored that Batwoman made her first appearance as a counterpart for Batman in an effort to shake rumors that Batman was having a relationship with male sidekick, Robin. While creators and writers for the comic repeatedly expressed that the character of Batman was not intended to be gay, it ironically turns out that Batwoman is. While she’s made passing appearances in comics since her demise in ‘79, it wasn’t until 2006 that Kathy Kane’s relationship with Gotham detective Renee Montoya had people speculating that she was, indeed, a lesbian.

Screenshot of Batman and Robin looking as hetero as can be.

This isn’t the first time a comic book character has been so open about their sexuality. The first comic to officially come out was Northstar of the Alpha Flight series in 1992. In 2003, Marvel Comics also reintroduced the Rawhide Kid as homosexual. While he didn’t officially come out, his homosexuality is implied throughout the series. But, although she’s not the first gay character, Batwoman’s coming out with will be the biggest, most celebrated and most controversial in comic book history. She might even become the first character to achieve rock star status due to her “lipstick-lesbian” sexuality. The comic book equivalent of Portia de Rossi, if you will.

Rawhide Kid Comic

The buzz that surrounded Batwoman in 2006 when rumors of her sexuality ran rampant was only exacerbated at New York’s Comic Con in February, where attendees received a sneak peak at Batwoman’s triumphant return. Fans can look for the character to reappear this summer, decked out in a black cat suit fully accessorized with a red belt slung low across her hips and stiletto boots that would make Jimmy Choo jealous. Comic writer Greg Rucka had no qualms talking about Batwoman as a lesbian superhero, he is quoted as saying, “Yes, she’s a lesbian. She’s also a redhead. It is an element of her character. It is not her character. If people are going to have problems with it, that’s their issue.” It looks like this is a sign of the times…even comic books are becoming more progressive.

Critics of Batwoman’s publicized sexuality seem to wonder if tradition has gone out the window, whereas her lesbian status is being applauded by activists who think it’s about time we see more gay heroes and heroines permeate pop culture. Conservative website Traditioninaction.org expressed their outrage at Batwoman’s reincarnation as a lesbian, “I think it’s time that Catholics wage a boycott and protest of this outrageous assault on the innocence of our youth, some of whom read this popular comic magazine.” Love it, or hate it, it can’t be denied that Batwoman’s sexual preferences have grabbed people’s attention, bringing something fresh and new to dusty world of the comic books.

Batwoman’s reincarnation as a sexy, stiletto-wearing lesbian is a much anticipated move for DC Comics, receiving coverage from CNN, ABC News, BBC News among many other news outlets. DC Comics has even been applauded by GLAAD for encouraging diversity. While the impact of Batwoman coming out of the closet (or, more appropriately, the bat cave) remains to be seen, the news is definitely making waves through the media world.

Kathy Kane and her inquisitors