Batman and Catwoman Kiss

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Who can neglect the age of one of the most popular characters in Batman’s world? Catwoman, also known as Selina Kyle, has been a fan favorite since the very first issue of Batman dated April 1940. Apparently, she is one of Batman’s favorite characters as well, as they have famously been romantic partners in many situations over the years.

Selina Kyle isn’t just a captivating love interest; she is also an expert thief in Gotham City. Her skills have led to numerous encounters with Batman, where her cunning and agility often put her at odds with him. However, over the years, Selina has largely left behind her villainous ways.

Now, she operates as a frequent ally of the Batman Family, assisting in their fight to protect Gotham. This transition from foe to friend highlights her complex character development and enduring influence within the Batman universe.

But how old is Catwoman? Age is never stagnant so the best we can do is look at her from different time periods, young and old.

Young Catwoman

In the first of a four issue mini-series (Affiliate Link) called Catwoman from 1989 (collectively sold as Her Sister’s Keeper in trade paperback) someone suggests that Selina Kyle may be sixteen or seventeen. This is probably the youngest we will ever see her. She is in the hospital after being beaten and left for dead on the street. At this point she is a prostitute but denies any wrongdoing. Since this story takes place around the same time as Batman Year One, we know that Batman during this moment is 25. This puts Bruce and Selina at either eight or nine years apart from each other based on her alleged age. But since these could be origin or prequel stories, you may wonder how old is Catwoman in “present” time.

Catwoman’s Age in “Present” Time

If you’re looking for a comic with a clear number, turn to Catwoman issue 2 from 2011 (New 52). She bluntly says she is 23 when Bruce Wayne questions who she is during a $1000-dollar-a-plate dinner benefit. Of course he already knows since he is Batman, and Batman is the greatest detective in the world. Using the seven-year logic previously mentioned, this would place Batman at age 31. This age gap seems to be the general consensus for Batman fans, plus it is assumed that Batman is generally in his 30s.

During the New 52 era, Catwoman faced a series of intense challenges that shaped her journey. After years of thieving, Selina Kyle, as Catwoman, crossed paths with dangerous individuals, leading to the tragic death of her close friend and fence, Lola MacIntire. This pivotal event pushed Selina into a partnership with another fence, Gwen Altamont, despite her initial hesitance.

Selina’s adventures took a darker turn when she encountered a metahuman named Spark and a mysterious kidnapper targeting her neighborhood’s women. This threat led her to seek help from Det. Carlos Alvarez, the only clean cop she trusted, despite his attempts to arrest her. Her investigation revealed the sinister Dollhouse, who was harvesting organs and turning victims into lifelike dolls. The encounter left Selina questioning her role as a vigilante.

Older Catwoman

If we were to seek out how old Selena Kyle may be at her oldest, look no farther than The Dark Knight Returns. Since we know Bruce Wayne is 55 years old in this series we can conclude how old is Catwoman. This would put her at age 48 or 49. By then she has gained some weight and The Joker even remarks that the years have no been kind to her.

Selina Kyle’s Evolution in the Rebirth Era

During the Rebirth period, Selina Kyle, known as Catwoman, underwent significant character development that reflected her complex journey from adversity to redemption.

Early Hardships and Rise as Catwoman

Selina’s origins were steeped in hardship. Growing up with a troubled family dynamic, she frequently witnessed her mother’s mistreatment, which eventually led to her mother’s tragic death. This traumatic upbringing defined her early years and propelled her into a life of petty crime. A pivotal moment was when she stole a gun and costumes, using them to defend a vulnerable boy from bullies. This event foreshadowed her later evolution into a vigilante figure.

In a twist of fate, Selina discovered her true lineage, learning she was not Brian Kyle’s daughter but that of Rex Calabrese, deepening her internal conflict. Her path crossed with Bruce Wayne’s when they met on the streets under unusual circumstances. Her transition into Catwoman coincided with Bruce Wayne’s first appearance as Batman, marking the beginning of their intertwined destinies.

Turning Point: Accusation and Justice

Once Selina resumed her Catwoman persona, she found herself ensnared in a web of injustice. Wrongly accused of murdering over two hundred terrorists, she was incarcerated at Arkham Asylum and sentenced to death. However, Batman believed in her innocence and orchestrated a mission to secure her release. By enlisting her help to retrieve the Psycho Pirate from Bane to aid a mind-controlled girl, Batman also sought to unravel Selina’s legal predicament.

This mission revealed Selina’s selflessness. She assumed guilt for the crimes to protect her friend, Holly Robinson, the true culprit. Her calculated risk paid off when Batman assured her exoneration, highlighting her loyalty and strategic foresight.

Romantic Entanglement and New Beginnings

Selina’s life took a romantic turn after her release from Arkham. Bruce Wayne, influenced by an encounter with his father from another realm, pursued personal happiness. On a rooftop, he shared with Selina an intimate detail from his past, revealing he had once contemplated killing the Riddler. This disclosure laid bare his vulnerabilities.

In an emotional exchange, Bruce proposed to Selina, using a ring crafted from a diamond she had stolen long ago—a symbol of their shared history. By accepting his proposal, Selina recognized that their personal traumas were eclipsed by their bond, symbolizing her evolution from a solitary thief to a partner in Batman’s world.

In summary, the Rebirth era showcased Selina Kyle transforming from a figure haunted by her past into a woman unafraid to take bold risks for those she loved. Her journey was marked by resilience, loyalty, and ultimately, the courage to embrace her future with Batman.