WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT - THE KRYPTONIAN AGE #5!

Catwoman are iconic, but after countless break-ups and even wedding-day cold feet, it’s clear that Selina Kyle isn’t Bruce Wayne’s ultimate love. The true endgame romance belongs to another DC heroine—one with a deeper, longer history with the Dark Knight, and who has proven Selina completely wrong about one crucial thing regarding Batman.

Julie Madison is gearing up to become the Batwoman of the Gotham by Gaslight series.

Andy Diggle, Leandro Fernández, and Matt Hollingsworth’s Batman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age #5 continues their 19th-century-inspired Elseworlds saga, reimagining DC’s most iconic characters with new origins and twists in a Victorian Era setting.

In this alternate universe, Bruce Wayne remains Batman, but with a surprising twist—he’s a married man, something mainstream continuity has yet to deliver. While many fans might assume Bruce is married to his iconic love interests, Selina Kyle or Talia al Ghul, it’s neither. Instead, Bruce’s wife is Julia Madison.

Gotham by Gaslight Gives Bruce Wayne His Strongest Relationship Yet

Julie Madison: Batman’s Original Love Interest Returns

Julie Madison, who debuted in Detective Comics #31 (September 1939) by Gardner Fox, Bob Kane, and Sheldon Moldoff, is best known as Bruce Wayne’s original love interest. Though she’s appeared sporadically across various continuities over the years, Julie has become especially notable in Batman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age. Since her first appearance in issue #1, where she referred to Bruce as her husband, it was clear that the two were married—something that undoubtedly surprised many Batman fans. However, the depth and nature of their marriage remained unclear, leaving readers to wonder if it was built on love, convenience, or societal pressure.

With the release of issue #5, it’s now evident that Bruce and Julie’s marriage is both real and perhaps the strongest and healthiest relationship Batman has had in any continuity. This issue reveals that Julie not only knows about her husband’s nightly crime-fighting but fully s it. In this issue, she is portrayed in an exceptionally positive light, comforting Bruce during one of his moments of self-doubt as Batman. Their relationship is further emphasized by an affectionate kiss and a heartfelt exchange of words before Bruce embarks on his next mission, showcasing the depth of their emotional connection.

This relationship stands out as one of Bruce’s most stable and healthy for several reasons. First, they are both legally and emotionally committed to each other, a rare dynamic for Bruce, whose relationships often suffer from commitment issues on either side. Secondly, Julie’s acceptance and of Bruce’s Batman mission demonstrate a deep trust between them. Finally, the physical affection and tender words they exchange show a genuine romantic love, solidifying the Julie-Bruce relationship as one of Batman’s most exceptional romances.

Gotham by Gaslight Proves Bruce Can Be Happy Without Sacrificing His Batman Identity

Catwoman’s Reason For Leaving Batman at the Altar Is Bogus

The romance between Julie and Bruce in Gotham by Gaslight also proves that Bruce can be happy without sacrificing his Batman identity. This is especially significant because it directly counters the reason the BatCat wedding in Batman #50 (2018) by Tom King fell apart. In that story, Selina, manipulated by Bane, believed that Bruce couldn’t be both happy and Batman, so she left him at the altar for what she thought was the "greater good of Gotham." While Gotham by Gaslight exists outside mainstream continuity, it clearly shows this reasoning was flawed. Bruce is in a loving, thriving relationship with Julie while still fully embracing his role as Batman.

Could Julie Madison Be the Next Batwoman?

Julie Madison Deserves To Be More Than Just Batman’s Love Interest

One standout moment in Batman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age #5 occurs after Bruce departs on his cross-country mission. Julie observes how Gotham will have to adjust without Batman's presence. She then inquires about Alfred Pennyworth’s time in British Intelligence, which at first seems like a random shift in conversation. After Alfred confirms his service, Julie remarks, “...Gotham needs a protector–and you’ll find me an avid student. Let us begin with the art of the blade.” It becomes clear that Julie intends to step in for Batman while he’s gone, raising the exciting possibility that she could become the Batwoman of the Gotham by Gaslight series.

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age #5 is available now from DC Comics!