Warning: Spoilers for Catwoman #67

Summary

• Catwoman refuses Batman's help despite a deadly illness, showcasing her independence and strength.
• Catwoman's relationship with Batman is complicated and tumultuous, spanning nearly 80 years.
• Despite their romantic history, Catwoman would rather die than see Batman again in Catwoman #67.

Batman, but recently (and thankfully) she's been getting a little space from the Dark Knight. But even as her very life is threatened by a deadly illness, she makes the decision not to run to Batman for help — even if it costs her her life.

In Catwoman #67 by Tini Howard and Carmine Di Giandomenico, Selina Kyle returns home to Gotham, the city of Batman and all his Robins. She has a shard of Vandal Savage's meteorite stuck in her head that's been helping her live through nine entire lives. But her luck is running out, because Catwoman is on her last life and fading fast — but she's still not willing to turn to Batman or his allies for help.

Nightwing comes to visit her, and as an intermediary, he tries to reconcile Catwoman and Batman, informing her that she has the backing of the Bat-Family if she's in trouble. Even Selina Kyle's brother-figure, Dario, urges her to call on her secret . Her simple answer is "no." Catwoman believes she can handle this all on her own.

The Bat and the Cat: Is 80 Years of Romance Dead?

From Enemies to Lovers to Exes

The Bat and the Cat are a pairing that goes back nearly 80 years, since Batman's conception. Once a cat-burgling jewel thief, Catwoman slowly evolved into an antihero until, eventually, she was a trusted member of the Bat-Family with her own codename. Bruce and Selina's romance has been a tumultuous affair throughout the history of their characters. Neither of them are necessarily overly romantic partners, and Catwoman especially isn't the type to like being tied down or told what to do — or what not to steal.

For romance-fans that want a happy ending for the Bat and Cat, check out Tom King's Batman/Catwoman (2020) from DC's Black Label imprint!

Despite this reluctance, writer Tom King's Batman run saw Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle go so far as to get engaged and nearly get married. Eventually, the marriage was called off, and Batman devolved into another love triangle. Batman needs grief to fight crime, and so he can't permanently be with Catwoman — he would just be too happy. Catwoman, likewise, needs not to be changed into an average hero, which has never been her style. Yet to refuse Batman's help with her own life on the line says enough about their true relationship.

Catwoman Belongs in Gotham Just as Much as Batman

Even If They Don't Work Together

Gotham isn't just Batman's city. Selina Kyle grew up there, on the streets, and she's learned how to protect the city and those she cares about. The mere fact that she's willing to die to protect it shows that she's on the same level of heroism as Batman. And to not call on Batman shows that their relationship may be fractured beyond repair.

In times of crisis throughout the years, the Bat and the Cat have turned to each other when they were at their weakest. But Catwoman #67 finally answers the question of whether Catwoman still has feelings for Batman. As it turns out, despite saying otherwise in the issue, she would rather die than see him again. Catwoman's answer is final - and it may just be fatal.

Catwoman #67 is available now from DC Comics.