50 Greatest Super Heroes In Comic Book History

36. Catwoman

(Write-up by Amanda Chrisman, Caped Crusades and Bam Smack Pow Staff Writer)

As a major Batman villain, you might be surprised to see that Catwoman holds a slot on this list of the greatest heroes. However, Catwoman does indeed have a long history of on-again, off-again stints of heroism that has earned her this spot. She couldn’t be placed any higher on the list due to her criminal history, though she is far from the only hero with a criminal past (one she often falls back into). And unlike the Hulk, who is not always portrayed as a hero either, Selina is fully in control of her actions when she returns to criminal activity.

Catwoman, even at her most criminal, was never the type to put innocent lives in undue jeopardy — she has never held the city of Gotham hostage nor plotted to kill all of its inhabitants like most Batman villains — and has been known to protect the innocent even when she is firmly on the wrong side of the law. In fact, sometimes her criminal activity has been a side effect of efforts to protect big cats and the environment.

Selina Kyle and Bruce Wayne have long been romantically entangled in comics, movies and TV shows. Some fans even argue that she is Batman’s true love, as she is the one woman who consistently learns of his identity in every new incarnation, and usually Bruce chooses to tell her, unlike lovers like Talia al Ghul who always have to find out through other means.

Historically, a few of Catwoman’s super hero stints were the result of her relationship with the Dark Knight. But her acts of heroism are no less honorable or important during her periods as Bruce’s girlfriend or wife, for it is his trust in her that allows Selina to see the good in herself.

For more Catwoman news, rumors and opinion, visit Caped Crusades.

Next: No. 35: Not the answer, but ...