Williams-Cats Eat Bats for Breakfast

Catwoman is a more complex character than Vicki Vale can ever hope to be. Originally, just a secretary for Max Shreck, Selina Kyle/Catwoman adds more dimension to Batman’ character. She is an unknown variable in the conflict between Batman and the Penguin. She cannot be classified as an anti-heroine, but she is not exactly a heroine. She fights for female justice, but she still despises woman for putting themselves or finding themselves in positions inferior to men. When Shreck shoves Selina out the window, he is also shoving her out of her cage to fit social norms. A husband, a child, and a place to call home are not longer needed for her. When the cats revive her, she becomes a dangerous, manipulative, and deadly woman who doesn’t need man to make her happy. 

Vicki Vale, on the hand, is clearly on the side of the light. She fights for justice and truth. Although she is the original love interest for Batman, she is too innocent and pure to successfully maintain a relationship with Batman/Bruce Wayne. Whereas Catwoman, can often save herself, Vicki Vale often needs Batman to come save her.

 The scene in which Bruce and Selina discover who their alter egos are shows the complexity of their relationship. Selina response was to wonder, “does this mean we have to fight now?” Bruce can’t believe he fell in love with a semi-villain.  The sexual tension that has been building up between both Batman and Catwoman and Selina and Bruce comes to an awkward impasse. Batman wants to save Selina from becoming a hardcore criminal, but Selina needs her revenge against Shreck. She can’t live with herself, if she were to give up her vengeance for her love/lust for Batman/Bruce.

Another difference between Vicki Vale and Selina Kyle is that Vicki wanted to be the center of Bruce and Batman’s world. Selina, on the other hand, was okay with the secrets and being put second place to Batman. Selina likes to be a cat in the dark, and Bruce likes to be a bat. They understand each other more than Vicki Vale ever could. Also, Catwoman would be the traditional femme fatale. She falls in love with toys with Batman and betrays him. She is independent, manipulative, and cunning making her the perfect person to be in a love hate relationship with Batman.