DAN DIDIO ON BATWOMAN

[MattBrady]

As the New York Times broke yesterday, Batwoman is coming back to the DCU and Gotham City in the form of Kathy “Kate” Kane, lesbian who has a history both with Renee Montoya and with…apparently, Bruce Wayne.

As the news was filtering out through various channels, we caught up with DC Executive Editor Dan Didio to talk about the new character, the role her sexuality will play, and what the future holds for the new Batwoman.

NRAMA: So – after much rumor, speculation, and teasing, Batwoman is making her debut…

Dan Didio: Yes!

NRAMA: Tell us about her…

DIDIO: We’re always looking for ways to reinvigorate the Batman franchise, and look at other characters to inhabit his world. One of my problems with it was that I felt that a lot of the characters were coming form the same place, the same sense of origin, the same sense of tragedy in their backstory. We wanted to find a way to branch out a little bit more in the Bat-world. We looked at the Kathy Kane character, and we wanted to find a way to bring her back to the DC Universe. We figured that coming out of Infinite Crisis was a good time to re-introduce the character to the DCU –we can blame Superboy Prime for that.

We wanted to find a way to make her feel different, and give her a different personality, a different ideology, and a different backstory, so that she wasn’t just another Batman or Bruce Wayne clone. She’s a member of high society and she is gay. But her sexuality is not the main thrust of the character; it’s just another aspect of her personality, one that helps her to determine her choices that she makes as she’s fighting crime in Gotham City.

NRAMA: What do you mean by that last part? How does the fact that she’s gay help to determine the choices she makes as she’s fighting crime in Gotham?

DIDIO: Basically, what it means is that we have another very strong female character, and how her private life plays against her heroic life is going to be where the stories play in; as well as different types of adventures and different types of dramas that she gets caught up in. One of the first stories is that she does have a history with Montoya – because of that, it pulls her directly into a lot of the events in Montoya’s world, brings her into confrontation with The Question, and gets her hooked up with the things that are happening in 52.

NRAMA: Playing devil’s advocate, as you said, the fact that she is gay will play a role in her activities as a hero – but, when you flip that, it doesn’t really apply to say, Batman. You can’t say, “Because he’s heterosexual, Batman’s adventures are thus and so.” Heterosexuality as a character trait is has been largely ignored with Batman, yet it’s not the same when you’re talking about a gay character. Why is that?

DIDIO: If the character is gay, she might have had different levels of challenges in her life. The fact that she conceals her own sexuality to some of the people around her and to her own family is going to be a bit of a story, so there are going to be secrets within secrets. You’ll also find more and more about who she is as the story is told, and see how it plays against her lifestyle.

NRAMA: Where does she debut again?

DIDIO: 52 #11

NRAMA: And her name is Kathy Kane…

DIDIO: Or “Kate” as we’re calling her now.

NRAMA: Her costume designed by Alex Ross – it has interesting elements, both a nod to the original Silver Age Batwoman, as well as a nod to the Batman Beyond color scheme. What went into the look?

DIDIO: We really attribute the costume fully to Alex. When we went to him, we explained that we were bringing Batwoman back, but she is coming back for a new generation. He knew the backstory of the character as well, and wanted to do something that would both pay tribute to the past, but also move the character into her own identity. He’s so incredible when he does these things; he pulls from so many different places and still makes it feel unique while still giving a wink and a nod to everything around him.

NRAMA: Anytime someone shows up in Batman’s world, he takes a relatively grumpy reaction…well; he did prior to Infinite Crisis. What’s his response to this intrusion, post Infinite Crisis?

DIDIO: Well, remember that she’s operating in the city for nearly a year before Bruce comes home. She’s going to be able to establish herself in that fashion, and part of the assumption of the identity will be filling that void in Gotham City that has been left by Batman packing up and leaving after Crisis. This plays out on several levels, because you’ll also find out that there’s history between Bruce Wayne and Kate Kane from before she put on the costume as well. She’s someone who’s frequented the high society circles – they’ve encountered each other in the past, and there is some sense of history between the two, although we’re not really explaining what just yet. So, more importantly, he’s going to have to deal with her on multiple levels, as she reasserts herself in a level of prominence in Gotham society.

NRAMA: Plans for her in the immediate future? Her own series, miniseries, appearances, or can it be said at this point?

DIDIO: One of the things that I would like to do with Batwoman in particular, because we feel that who she is and the development of the character is so unique to what we’re trying to accomplish in the DCU, but also to what 52 is about, one of the things I’d like to see, at least in the beginning, is to see her as a character who will be appearing primarily in 52. Them, we’ll be exploring things in different ways.

To use a Marvel reference, I always liked the way that Marvel introduced the Punisher. He started in Amazing Spider-Man, and had some really landmark appearances in Daredevil, and they allowed interest in him to grow. I think this is a character that can really benefit form appearing in different books first before we test the waters with her on her own.

NRAMA: And let the fan demand fuel a project?

DIDIO: Yeah. We’ve introduced a lot of characters in a very short period time, and we’ve got a lot more coming down the pipeline, but I’d like to believe that mostly everything we do now is coming out of other things so that we’re not just throwing books and ideas and concepts at people cold. I want it to be where it feels like everything has time to take root. Again, we’re throwing a lot of new ideas, and more importantly, things where people are already predisposed about how they think a character should act and behave. So I want to pull them in a little more slowly now, and get them acclimated to the new directions for the series and the characters themselves, and hopefully enjoy what we’re doing.

Therefore, when we do go bigger with series and stories, they’re ready for it, and, as the expression goes are coming out, “Because you Demanded It!”

NRAMA: Bigger picture – as you said, you’ve introduced a large number of characters in a relatively short time coming out of Crisis. A lot of these characters are non-white, or, like Batwoman, minorities in other respects. That was the plan all along?

DIDIO: Always. From the moment I walked in the door. If you go out and try to diversify the DC Universe in 15 minutes – and you can – but you’re going to get something that will instantly forgotten like, not to speak too ill of the dead, Planet DC. Noble effort, smart idea, but the execution short-circuited the concept, and it was stillborn.

So what we wanted to do is have a DC Universe that was more reflective, not only of our readership, but as society as a whole. Everything that we’re doing, every step that we’re taking, we’ll keep on pushing that, not only because I think it’s the right thing to do, but also because it allows us to create those points of difference. The fact that the Blue Beetle is Hispanic allows you to include a different kind of sensibility into the story that we might not have had in another series. It’s the same thing with the new Atom being Asian. It should affect the storytelling in some way, because it allows us to give a different point of view, a different perspective. The same thing with Renee Montoya or Kate Kane being gay – that doesn’t matter who they are, but it does help give their stories a different point of view, a different perspective on the DCU that other characters might not have. It’s trying to attack these things on a personal level, so we can get much richer, more emotional stories from them.

NRAMA: Wrapping up – Batwoman coming back…Batgirl…not around anymore?

DIDIO: …I didn’t say that, did I? [laughs]

NRAMA: So the Bat-shaking’s not done?

DIDIO: Yeah. There’s a good chance that there are some more twists and turns coming up within the Bat Family. There was that sense that they were a single unit, operating with a single mindset, and all the characters were marching to Batman’s orders. One of the key things we need to do; especially coming out of Crisis is reinstate that sense of individuality for all the characters that inhabit Batman’s world. We’ve got a great set of characters with Robin and Nightwing and several others there, but what we need to do is make sure we understand and express what each one of their point of difference is.

I don’t want somebody to pick up a Batman book, a Nightwing book, and a Robin book and feel like they’re reading the same story. These are three different people with three different perspectives, with three different stories taking place. They all should have their own tonality and their own feel, and that’s what we want to do with Batwoman right now – she should have her own tonality, her own feel so that her character and her story has something that’s unique to itself, and not just another Batman story with a woman.

[Punchy]

I really dislike the idea of Batwoman, regardless of whoever it is.

And now she's a 'buxom lipstick lesbian' nostalgia take, I care even less.

Let's hope the writing is good enough to make me at least not actively hate it.

(I hate being negative on the front page but, y'know...)

[Mr. B]

I like the idea, myself. I'm glad DC isn't afraid to diversify a bit. Some people think it's "forced" the way it is being handled. I think the opposite has been "forced" for years.

[SaturnKnight]

Okay, I admit it: I cried when I read Dan's thoughts on how Kathy Kane's sexuality is very much a part of who she is and the choices she makes as a character.

Thank you, Dan. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. The DC Universe was never as inclusive as it has been on your watch. God bless you.

And thank you for the hint about Batgirl.

[SaturnKnight]

Originally Posted by Mr. B

I like the idea, myself. I'm glad DC isn't afraid to diversify a bit. Some people think it's "forced" the way it is being handled. I think the opposite has been "forced" for years.

Amen, brother. Friggin' Amen.

[nietoperz]

Originally Posted by Punchy

I really dislike the idea of Batwoman, regardless of whoever it is.

And now she's a 'buxom lipstick lesbian' nostalgia take, I care even less.

Let's hope the writing is good enough to make me at least not actively hate it.

(I hate being negative on the front page but, y'know...)

I agree with every word of that. (surprise!)

Kudos to DC for creating strong gay role models, but here's hoping we can avoid tokenism...

[Excelsior!]

My gripe is that Kate Kane doesn't roll off the tongue half as nicely as Kathy Kane.

And I hope that the lesbian angle doesn't degenerate into cheap titilation (sp?) or hackneyed stereotypes. If done right, this could be very good, strengthening Montoya's ties to the Bat-verse and superheroics in general (I've always found newer civilian characters to be somewhat detatched from that aspect, so that's a welcome change IMO). Not only that, but since we're more familiar with her than Kathy (not Kate, it's just not working for me...), it'll be an interesting spin on the Super/civilian relationship, kinda like if the whole Superman/Lois thing were done from Lois' perspective.

As I said, if done properly, this could be rather good. I'll keep an ear to the ground...

[Bllesed]

cool idea, bit afraid about that "lipstick lesbian", but i hope it is going to be written well.
Cheers

[Punchy]

Originally Posted by nietoperz

I agree with every word of that. (surprise!)

Kudos to DC for creating strong gay role models, but here's hoping we can avoid tokenism...

I feel faint...

[whitefael]

Originally Posted by Excelsior!

And I hope that the lesbian angle doesn't degenerate into cheap titilation (sp?) or hackneyed stereotypes.

I agree. I posted something similar (and probably a little too long and drawn out) on a previous thread. If handled well, the lesbian aspects of the character don't become the main issue or sound like the writer is standing on a pulpit preaching down to the readers. Yes, being a lesbian shapes who she is, but it doesn't define her.

[seethruhero]

Again, all I',m saying is she better have a damn good reason related to Batman for putting on that costume. Considering that Batman is away for the entire span of 52, he better know about, and condone this. I don't like things being done under the BAt or Super mantle without them involved in some way, otherwise, it just seems like a way to push the character and sell books.

[Derek Ruiz]

Why is everyone afraid of thw words lipstick lesbian...I rather BatWoman be hot than not.

[IronWolf]

I like this didio cat. come on newarama Didio Tuesdays make it so.

[nietoperz]

Originally Posted by IronWolf

I like this didio cat. come on newarama Didio Tuesdays make it so.

That sounds like a good idea! Matt...?

[CJB]

Originally Posted by Derek Ruiz

Why is everyone afraid of thw words lipstick lesbian...I rather BatWoman be hot than not.

Amen, brother.

ROFL

[Blind Assassin]

Originally Posted by nietoperz

That sounds like a good idea! Matt...?

I'd be down for that as well.

Dan is a dynamic guy and a passionate speaker.

Being in the same room with the guy when he talks about the DCU.....

..he creates an energy you can't help but get caught up in.

Thanks for the fun, Dan! (and Company)

[dadthedude]

Originally Posted by Derek Ruiz

Why is everyone afraid of thw words lipstick lesbian...I rather BatWoman be hot than not.

For what it's worth, and I sure you folks will correct me, I can't recall a "non-hot" super hero, man or woman. That being said, I'm hoping that like Dan said, Kate's sexuality become part of her perspective on things, as it is with Montoya or Maggie Sawyer, and doesn't become a main focal point of the character. In the end, I want good storytelling, not psychodrama.

[BatWolverine]

Not at all impressed with this Batwoman. If you want to give someone the 'BAT' mantle, shouldn't (to start with) he/she have atleast something to do with the character he/she is clearly rising from.

Case in point, the bevy of Supergirls, either they have been cousins of (some reality's) Superman or (in one case) a genetic 'daughter' (though that didn't quite pan out well). Same with the 'Wonder' tag. Both WGirl 1 and 2 were already known to Wonder Woman before they got the wonder-ised.

What's next? A Superwoman from Thangegar or even plain Earth (i.e. NON-meta).
BW

[Timberoo]

Sounds like an interesting character. I'm looking forward to seeing her in action.

[Drew Melbourne]

NRAMA: Playing devil’s advocate, as you said, the fact that she is gay will play a role in her activities as a hero – but, when you flip that, it doesn’t really apply to say, Batman. You can’t say, “Because he’s heterosexual, Batman’s adventures are thus and so.” Heterosexuality as a character trait is has been largely ignored with Batman, yet it’s not the same when you’re talking about a gay character. Why is that?

Not to nitpick, Matt, but Batman's heterosexual-ness is a pretty major part of the character's interactions with Ras Al Ghul + Talia, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, etc. Obviously, Wonder Woman would relate to all of those characters differently.

[Brother Zag]

Gotta give Didio props for his "diversification" of the DC universe. I haven't seen this angle mentioned yet: There's always a lot of talk in fandom about making comics "grittier", more "real" somehow. That takes more than including a slightly fictionalized President Bush in your books. Seems to me that one of the ways you do that is by including the real world in all its diversity in the fabric of your fictional universe. DiDio gets this, and also realizes you can't do it overnight.

Oh, and by the way? The real world is starting to notice: recent mainstream articles covered the appearance of religion in comics, citing the DC heroes gathering at a church in Infinite Crisis. Now the New York Times covers Batwoman. Even if the salacious lipstick lesbian angle got the press coverage, it still gets word of comics out to the broader audience,

It also lets the "real world" know that there's more going on in the funny books than adventure tales for kids...

[SuperSpeedy]

NRAMA: Playing devil’s advocate, as you said, the fact that she is gay will play a role in her activities as a hero – but, when you flip that, it doesn’t really apply to say, Batman. You can’t say, “Because he’s heterosexual, Batman’s adventures are thus and so.” Heterosexuality as a character trait is has been largely ignored with Batman, yet it’s not the same when you’re talking about a gay character.

I disagree with the logic of this statement... I think batman's heterosexuality HAS been an aspect to how he fights crime and who he is... His relationship with catwoman being a prime example. A big part of his secret identity also involves him being a playboy constantly surrounded by girlies.

[Brother Zag]

Originally Posted by dadthedude

For what it's worth, and I sure you folks will correct me, I can't recall a "non-hot" super hero, man or woman.

Heh... nice point made, dadthedude... made me hear Jennifer Rabbit saying "I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way..." in my head...

But wait a minute...

Is Captain Carrot hot? What about Ambush Bug? Or Howard the Duck?

Guess it depends on who's drawing 'em!

[SuperginraiX]

Originally Posted by BatWolverine

Not at all impressed with this Batwoman. If you want to give someone the 'BAT' mantle, shouldn't (to start with) he/she have atleast something to do with the character he/she is clearly rising from.

Case in point, the bevy of Supergirls, either they have been cousins of (some reality's) Superman or (in one case) a genetic 'daughter' (though that didn't quite pan out well). Same with the 'Wonder' tag. Both WGirl 1 and 2 were already known to Wonder Woman before they got the wonder-ised.

What's next? A Superwoman from Thangegar or even plain Earth (i.e. NON-meta).
BW

I think I'll hold off on some judgement untill I read what her origin is. If nothing else, it's not like we have to buy a book starring her at this moment. We just have to read books we're already reading... or not read books we're not reading.

I like the Punisher analogy. That's a good way to test out a character if it seems natural.

[BlueThunderArmy]

Originally Posted by Excelsior!

My gripe is that Kate Kane doesn't roll off the tongue half as nicely as Kathy Kane.

True. But, really, I don't know any Kathys in real life. A lot of Katies, a few Kates, but no Kathys. None who would be young & healthy enough to fight crime, at any rate.

Congrats to DC for diversifying. Looking forward to seeing Batwoman in 52.