Evil beware the return of Batwoman - the lesbian

Batwoman has a gay old time in her new comic book, out next month.

Fifty years after she graced the pages of a comic book, Batwoman is to return to the world of superheroes - as a lesbian socialite.

After an absence of almost 30 years and following months of feverish speculation among fans of the genre, it has emerged that Batwoman will make an appearance in next month's issue of a comic called 52, produced by the legendary publishers DC Comics.

Her real identity is Kathy Kane, described as a "lesbian socialite by night and a crime fighter by later in the night".

Kathy Kane was also the name of the first Batwoman's alter ego, created in July 1956. She became Batman's ally in his fight against evil, but was always in his shadow somewhat, merely making occasional appearances in the comic named after him.

In her initial incarnation she was hardly a feminist icon - she was never given her own comic, carried a handbag and spent time with her niece Batgirl swooning over Batman and his sidekick Robin.

The first Kathy was killed off in 1979 when she was murdered by an assassin. But in a world where parallel universes exist, anything is possible - including Batwoman's reincarnation.

The New York Times reported that she will return in the July edition of 52, a comic launched this month that features a number of different superheroes, including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.

No one has seen the new Batwoman, although it is known that her past includes a romantic liaison with Renee Montoya, a lesbian former police detective who has also starred in 52.

A spokesman for the lesbian and gay pressure group Stonewall said: "I think anything that promotes diversity is a good thing and we welcome the introduction of characters like this.

"A lot of lesbians and gay men are fans of these comics and it is good that the publishers are beginning to recognise that and feature people who reflect the society we live in.

"Lesbians and gay men may also identify with the genre because comic book characters are often misfits who are left on the margins of society and have to fight to be accepted."

According to the New York Times, the reinvention of Batwoman is part of a wider attempt by the comic book industry to feature more people from minority groups in tales of derring-do by much-loved superheroes.

Marvel Comics, the great rivals of DC, have introduced the character of Luke Cage to its bestselling New Avengers; he is a black street fighter who last month married his white girlfriend.

Not all the new heroes are quite so politically correct - another DC invention is a group of fighters called the Great Ten who are controlled by the Chinese Government.

One of the Ten is the Mother of Champions, who can give birth to 25 super-soldiers every three days.

DC Comics may be embracing diversity when it comes to its heroines, but it appears rather more protective of its male characters' sexuality.

Last year the company took legal action against a New York art gallery that housed an exhibition of watercolours featuring Batman and Robin in "intimate" positions.

Comic book sales are increasing by 25 per cent a year.

- INDEPENDENT