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LESBIAN BATWOMAN IS DC'S FIRST GAY SUPERHERO
DC Comics, home of Superman, Batman and Wonderwoman have garned praise from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation for their efforts to diversify their characters.
For over 60 years, Bruce Wayne fronted the iconic Batman publication, until his death at the hands of comic book writers earlier this year, but his apparent passing has paved the way for Batwoman - who is described as a "lesbian socialite by night and a crime-fighter by later in the night" - to take over the reigns for at least 12 issues in a run that begins this June.
Writer Greg Rucka told the Comic Book Resources website that the introduction of a lesbian character into the DC roster was "long overdue". "We have been waiting to unlock her," he said. "Yes, she's a lesbian. She's also a redhead. It is an element of her character. It is not her character".
He went on to dismiss fears of a possible backlash from fans. "If people are going to have problems with it, that's their issue", Rucka said. "That's certainly not mine."
Batwoman, whose alter-ego is Katherine "Kate" Kane, was introduced into the DC character stable in 1956 as a love interest for the Dark Knight. Her appearance helped stifle persisting rumours about Batman's own sexuality.
She was first 'outed' by her creators in 2006 as a former lover of Gotham City police detective Renee Montoya. She has made cameo appearances in the comic series, but her elevation to alpha superhero has been celebrated by gay rights groups.
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation praised DC for their efforts to diversify their characters.
Writers have refused to confirm whether Batman may be reincarnated in a future issue, saying simply that he is "elsewhere".
