Although Batman is well-known for his dark and grim nature, the character has actually gone through some of the most complex romantic entanglements in comic book history. Several women have captured the heart of the Dark Knight over decades, and each one adds its own characteristic in the life of Batman. That said, let's go over some of the most well known women in Batman's life and what each has brought to his character.
Catwoman To Her Core
Out of all the love interests for Batman, one of them stands out across ALL stories and that is Selina Kyle — AKA Catwoman. Their love story is classic opposites attract, One of Batman's best-known adversaries, her long black hair, tight purple short suit, and dark lipstick put on a light (but canine wand) can be the evil Catwoman. Now, their chemistry feels true, good-bad-good--necessary: the respect and attraction mutual. Their bond has changed and grown over the years, with major plotlines like Jim Lee & Jeph Loeb's "Hush" story arc or Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's "Batman: The Long Halloween" storyline virtue of their complicated dynamic. With over 300 issues, Catwoman has continuously been one of the central figures in Batman's world.
Dead Meat: The Story of Talia al Ghul
Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul's daughter and another major lady to cross paths with Batman romantically. First appearing in 1971, Talia has a complicated and fiery romance with Batman. She is equal parts justice-seeker, at odds with his loyalty to her father's League of Assassins Their relationship combines tenderness and tension, which leads to their son Damian Wayne's birth, eventually the fifth Robin. Having Talia be a part of Batman's past makes her all the more important to his life both personally and on the streets.
The Unstoppable Journalist: Vicki Vale
Since her first appearance in 1948, Vicki Vale has worked as a journalist for the Gotham Gazette and been one of Batman's core love interests. A character with a bevy of traits but chief among them being her relentless tenacity to unearth the identity of Batman, Vicki is bolstered by strength and courage alongside playing personal tensions opposite Bruce Wayne. Though a less extreme love interest than Catwoman or Talia, Vicki exemplifies how hard it really has to be when you try to bring your secret identity home.
Julie Madison- The Original Love Interest
First appearing in Detective Comics #31 all the way back in 1939, Julie Madison is Batman's first-ever love interest. Julie – An actress and socialite, Julie was engaged to Bruce Wayne before he became Batman. She was more often than not, in distress and this is what set Batman out on a warpath. While she may have faded in to the shadows more over recent years, Julie's impact on early Batman canon is undeniable.
Vesper Fairchild: [gasp] Aaaah! Tags His One True Love
The late 1990s sees radio show host Vesper Fairchild added to Bruce Wayne's world. It's short lived as Vesper is killed in a plot that sets-up Bruce or to be responsible for her death. This arc sets up many of the dangers that come from being in Batman's orbit, how much he gives up his own happiness for those closest to him.
Zatannah Zatara stands for Magic and Mystery.
Zatanna, a member of the Justice League and one of most powerful magicians in the DC Universe, likely has a unique relationship with Batman. Their relationship (often explored in team-up issues and the animated series) is marked by mutual respect and deep affection. Because of the magical abilities Zatanna has and her father's involvement in Batman's training, it adds some depth to their interactions.
Your Complete Who's Dating/Who in the Batman Universe
These women — Selina Kyle, Talia al Ghul, Vicki Vale, Julie Madison, Vesper Fairchild and Zatanna — embody the complicated tapestry of Batman's love life. All have colored the man who would be many things to pop-culture fans.To explore more about batman's love interests and their impact on his story, visit batman's love interests.
One detail in the relationship department that gives Batman some depth, is when Watchtower reveals a few of his romantic encounters. This conflict emphasizes the internal war between his responsibility to Gotham and his own wishes, thus fleshing out his tale even more.