Batman's Lesbian Successor

When comic-book fans last saw Bruce Wayne, a.k.a. Batman, he was pushed from a speeding jet without his cape or face mask and was presumed to be dead. The Independent reports now on his replacement—Batwoman, a.k.a. Kathy Kane, described as "a lesbian socialite by night and a crime-fighter by later in the night." Kitty Kane's debut marks a cultural landmark for the gay rights movement and is part of DC Comics' concerted effort to introduce an ethnically and sexually diverse range of characters. "We've been waiting to unlock her. It's long overdue," said writer Greg Rucka. "Yes, she's a lesbian. She's also a redhead. It is an element of her character. It is not her character. If people are going to have problems with it, that's their issue." Batwoman will be the subject of at least 12 issues. Future editions will follow the adventures of other potential heirs, from Catwoman to Damien, the purported son of Bruce Wayne.