WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for ABSOLUTE BATMAN #9!

While Catwoman has cycled through various costumes over the years, her overall character design has remained fairly consistent in modern comics. The feline thief is often depicted with pale skin, vibrant green eyes, a physique verging on goddess-like, and short, dark hair. This modern look has become iconic, but now, DC is bringing back a classic design that fans haven’t seen in ages.

Thanks to leaked images from Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman #9, which is set for official release on June 11, 2025, fans have just gotten their first look at the Absolute Universe’s adult version of Selina Kyle. Those keeping up with the series will recall that Selina has been mentioned several times in conversations between Bruce and his allies, including Harvey Dent, Oswald Cobblepot, Edward Nygma, and Waylon Jones. She even appeared as a child in a flashback scene in the early issues of Absolute Batman.

However, fans had yet to see an adult Selina Kyle until now. The leak reveals that the Absolute Universe will be bringing back a classic design element that has fallen out of fashion in modern comics: Selina’s long hair.

A Brief Overview of the Comic History of Catwoman’s Hair

Main Cover by Jim Balent for Catwoman #61 (1998)

As previously mentioned, modern-day comics have, for the most part, kept Selina’s hair consistently short, giving her the signature and beloved pixie cut that fans know so well. While simple, this haircut has helped her stand out among DC’s and even Marvel’s leading female characters, most of whom are depicted with long, flowing hair. It’s rare for a comic book bombshell to have short hair, yet Selina has pulled it off effortlessly for over two decades, making it a key part of her signature and unmistakable look. However, while the short hair has become synonymous with Catwoman in recent decades, that wasn’t always the case.

From the 1940s through the 1990s, Selina’s character design went through several costume changes, but her hair remained, for the most part, consistently long and black. There were a few notable exceptions, such as in the 1960s when she was portrayed as a brunette rather than raven-haired and briefly given a bob, along with a few other deviations. Despite these outliers, it wasn’t until the 2000s that her hair became consistently short in her comic appearances. This makes her return to long hair in DC’s Absolute Universe especially noteworthy, signaling the revival of a classic design that many fans assumed had gone out of style.

Absolute Batman Is Bringing Back Selina Kyle’s Long Hair

Cover B Gerardo Zaffino Variant for Absolute Batman #9 (2025)

The leaked from Snyder and Dragotta’s Absolute Batman #9 features Selina and Bruce nude, and their bodies intertwined as they lie on a bed of cash. The two share a kiss before pulling apart, with Bruce saying, “This is nice.” Selina responds with a “Softy” as she gazes into her lover’s eyes, just before their moment is interrupted by a knock at the door. The cuts off here, and since it is a leak, there is little context surrounding the scene. For now, what fans see is all they get until the full issue releases in June. In addition to Selina’s long hair, which curtains Bruce’s face as they kiss, there are a few notable details to break down.

First and foremost, the bed of cash immediately grabs attention, raising questions about whose money it is, how it was obtained, and what kind of adrenaline-fueled moment led the couple to make love on top of it. Since this version of Bruce is not a billionaire, it is unlikely the money belongs to him, making it more probable that it is Selina’s. However, it has not been confirmed whether this Selina is a thief like her main universe counterpart, so another explanation could exist. Another noteworthy detail is how emotionally open this 26-year-old Bruce appears, especially given his comment to Selina. It will be interesting to see what the full issue reveals about the nature of their relationship.

Fans Get the Best of Both Worlds Thanks to the Absolute & Main Universes

Cover D 1:25 Dustin Nguyen Variant for Absolute Batman #9 (2025)

Given that Selina Kyle is likely keeping her beloved pixie cut in the main universe, with no sign she plans to grow it out, fans will likely be more than happy to embrace Absolute Catwoman’s long, curly hair. Long-time fans of the feline thief will undoubtedly feel a wave of nostalgia seeing Selina with long hair again in a main title, especially after how much time has ed since she last wore the look. One thing is certain: whether you prefer Catwoman’s long hair or her short hair, the Gotham City Siren can pull off both styles exceptionally well.

ABSOLUTE BATMAN #9 is available June 11, 2025, from DC Comics!