Before Catwoman was the fashionable romantic partner of Batman, she was a femme fatale who dressed up like a cat. Her first appearance looks like a horror movie monster, with Catwoman depicted like a literal cat woman. It took some time for her to evolve and find her iconic look in the DC Universe.
Selina Kyle has had many costumes throughout her comic book history, including a purple costume with a green cape. Before writer Bill Finger characterized her as the romantic interest of Batman, she was depicted as a common burglar. Initially appearing in Batman #1 (1940), she went onto reveal her cat costume in Batman #3 titled “The Cat-Woman,” written by Finger with art by Bob Kane. Simply referred to as “the Cat,” the early iteration of Catwoman wasn’t even known by her alter ego, Selina Kyle.
Throughout Batman, “Cat-Woman” grew into the version of the character that fans recognize today. Early comics featured a version of the villain wearing a cat mask, with a red cape, and an orange dress. Other issues included a black costume with a purple cape, and cat-like hands. Her mask made it appear like she was a mutated humanoid cat, with no distinguishable human features. It was never explained whether this was her intention, or if the costume was just in strange taste.
Eventually, Catwoman rebranded herself in Batman #62 (1950) in which she wore a purple dress, a green cape, and a mask that emphasized her cat theme in similar fashion to Batman’s focus on the nocturnal winged creature. She was no longer depicted as a typical jewel thief, as she flirted with the Dark Knight, and even risked her life for him at one point. The more revealing costume design spoke to the evolution of their dynamic, as they grew friendly with each other. Catwoman wasn’t so afraid about hiding anymore, and took on a more feminine look.
Bob Kane’s first costume design for Catwoman corresponds to his original idea for Batman, before Bill Finger stepped in. Kane’s first take on Batman involved literal bat wings, with red spandex, and has no connection to the Dark Knight that he became with Finger’s input. It seems likely that the writer also voiced his thoughts on Catwoman, prompting the change in her look. Many fans might not be aware that Catwoman originally looked like a cat monster, as she is far from the recognizable leather-wearing version that is most known today.
