By Joshua H. Stulman

In Batman‘s nearly 80 year history there have been many damsels in distress but few serious love interests. From a comic making standpoint, Batman’s audience in the Golden Age was mostly 8 year old boys who probably weren’t interested in Batman’s love life. However as comics matured in the 1960’s into the 1970’s, writers began to introduce love interests for both Batman and Bruce Wayne personas. While some relationships lasted for some time either Batman’s sense of duty or Bruce Wayne’s playboy facade ultimately interfered.

We’ve scoured comic history for our top 10 Batman Love interests, see how many you can guess before reading below?!

10. Nocturna

First Appearance: Batman #363 (1983)

Nocturna, a wealthy heiress who doubled as a criminal, became romantically involved with both Bruce Wayne and the Batman. She served as surrogate mother to Jason Todd, the second Robin, and adopted him (in Pre-Crisis continuity). She used her adoption as pretext to convince Bruce Wayne to get married. Although this seemed to be for his wealth, it is later revealed to be because she’s in love with him. Nocturna revealed that she had discovered Batman’s dual identity. She is one of the few criminals that knows Batman’s secret.

9. Wonder Woman

Justice League Animated Series (2001-2006)

DC Comics had sometimes flirted with a Wonder Woman and Superman romance (even before the New 52), however a Batman and Wonder Woman pair was only subtly explored in the Justice League animated series. Their relationship was hinted at several times throughout the show. This also included an episode where Wonder Woman was transformed into a pig with Batman in tow trying to catch her. The two were never official, but series writers had plenty of fun hinting at it.

8. Julia Pennyworth

First Appearance: Detective Comics # 501 (1981)

Julia Pennyworth is the daughter of Alfred Pennyworth and Mademoiselle Marie of the French resistance. The pair met during World War II when Alfred was  stationed in France. Julia was raised abroad but comes to Gotham as an adult to reacquaint herself with her father. There she meets Bruce Wayne and becomes infatuated with Batman. Her love of the Batman plays against Vicki Vale’s love of Bruce Wayne catching Batman in the middle. Her storyline was dropped as a result of the Crisis, and the character was later re-envisioned as a spy.

7. Batgirl

Batman: The Killing Joke Animated Film (2016)

The Batman Animated Series always presented Batgirl as having a school girl crush on Batman. A dutiful soldier, she was eager to serve in protecting Gotham city. Things got real awkward for viewers and for Batman in the animated adaption of Batman: The Killing Joke. Producer Bruce Timm added a prologue which saw Batgirl pursue Batman on the rooftop. The two actually spend the night together which complicates their working relationship. Later on when the Joker cripples Batgirl, Batman reacts out of love. This makes the context of the story even more powerful.

6. Batwoman / Kathy Kane
First Appearance: Detective Comics # 233 (1956)

Kathy Kane, a wealthy Gotham City heiress became infatuated with Batman. She used her skills as a former circus performer to fight crime as Bat-Woman. She assisted Batman on many adventures and even brought her niece, Betty, into the fold as Bat Girl. Although Batman was more concerned for her safety than for her as a partner, Batwoman continued to fight crime. She eventually retired from crime fighting after the marriage of Earth 2 Batman and Batwoman.

5. Shondra Kinsolving

First Appearance: Batman #481 (1992)

Shondra Kinsolving first met Bruce Wayne as his psychiatrist. At the time, Bruce Wayne’s duty as Batman was becoming overwhelming with premonitions of death. Shondra continued to meet with Bruce Wayne as his doctor throughout the time leading up to Bane’s emergence in Gotham and his planned assault leading to crippling Batman. Bruce realized his love for Shondra when she is kidnapped. Still crippled, he leaves Gotham City in the hands of Jean Paul Valley (Batman II) as he and Alfred chase her around the world. Eventually, Bruce rescues Shondra and in turn she reveals a secret healing power that cures Bruce’s back. The experience reduces her mind, leaving her to be cared for by Bruce in the aftermath.

4. Julia Madison

First Appearance: Detective Comics # 31 (1939)

Julia Madison was Bruce Wayne’s fiance during his early days in crime fighting. Madison was a socialite who was completely unaware of Bruce Wayne’s secret life as Batman. She believed Bruce’s facade as a spoiled, lazy playboy and compared him to the bravery of Batman, whom she had met on occasion. As an emerging actress, Madison was targeted by several criminals including the Vampire-esque Monk and the original Clayface. Julia eventually ends her engagement to Bruce and the two remain friends.

3. Vicki Vale

First Appearance:Batman #49 (1948)

Vicki Vale entered Batman’s life as a tenacious photo journalist. She established a long romantic relationship with Bruce Wayne. She was constantly suspicious of Bruce Wayne doubling as the Batman. Although she never discovered his secret, she did earn the ire of romantic rival, Catwoman.

2. Catwoman

First Appearance: Batman #1 (1940)

Selina Kyle was a flight attendant that suffered from amnesia after surviving an airline accident. She in turn adopted the identity of Catwoman to pursue a life of crime. She often targeted rich women in search of their valuables. She encountered Batman early on in his career. Struck by her beauty and brazen attitude, Batman has always treated her with respect. They have been romantically involved in long term relationships throughout the years. They have exchanged identities several times in the many DC continuities. In fact, Earth II Batman eventually married Catwoman. The pair had a daughter who would later become The Huntress. Recently, Batman and Catwoman were engaged to be married in the rebirth series, Batman # 50.

1. Talia Al Ghul

First Appearance: Detective Comics #411 (1971)

Talia Al-Ghul first encountered Batman as a damsel in distress turned adversary. The daughter of Ra’s Al Ghul, Talia was a member of the League of Assassins and often served as their de-facto leader in his absence. She is cunning and ruthless but deeply captivated by Batman character. She identified him as her only suitable partner, and has pursued Batman out of love and at times out of rejection. Batman has often reciprocated his feelings for Talia. She knew of Batman’s secret identity early on in their relationship. He even contemplated leaving Batman behind to build a family with Talia. The two would eventually have a son together, Damian, who she raised in secret. Damian would later be further trained by Batman to become the fifth Robin.

What did you think of our list? Did we leave someone out? Let us know in the comment section.

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Joshua H. Stulman

Owner, BrooklynComicShop