TheBatmobileisBatman’smost iconic vehicle and it has had numerous iterations based on the hero’s needs and myriad aesthetics. This remained true whenCatwomanheld the mantle of Gotham’s protector in the Elseworlds comic,Catwoman: Guardian of Gotham. The heroine gained her own Batmobile, which was a Catmobile with a design perfect for her new role.

Catwoman: Guardian of Gothamhas the creative team of Doug Moench, Jim Balent, Kim Demulder, Wildstorm FX, and Rick Parker. Released in 1999, this Elseworlds story gave Selina Kyle theorigin of Bruce Wayneand turned her into Gotham’s main hero. Batman became her primary foe and the city’s worst nightmare. However, it also gave the iconic villainess-turned-heroine her own version of the Batcave and the Batmobile. Switching origins provided Selina with a more tragic beginning, but her reign as Gotham’s vigilante had a few technological perks.

Catwoman and Batman Stand in the Rain in DC Comics Art

Catwoman’s Catmobile Maintains the Best Features of the Batmobile

Batman’s Most Iconic Vehicle is a Gotham-Saving Necessity

Catwoman’s tenure as Gotham’s main protector provided her with a lot of tragedy and depressing twists. In DC’s main universe, the villainess tends to have ups and downs, but she has had a lot of positive turns in recent years. Contrarily, the Catwoman ofthisElseworldsstorycontinually had tragic events, with some masquerading as high points in her life. One upside, however, is her Catmobile, which is the perfect vehicle for her nightly exploits. It mirrors the Batmobile’s sleek design, having some sharp points, though designed with catlike features instead of bat-like ones.

The Catmobile, like the Batmobile, has ear-like points at its rear. It also has a central icon at the front.The Batmobilehas been part of Batman’s overall arsenal since his debut inDetective Comics #27 (1939).As a result, it makes sense that Catwoman would have her own iteration when she effectively takes over his role in a world where he never became a hero. The Batmobile and Catmobile are integral to patrolling Gotham and crossing the city effectively. It is also iconic, allowing Catwoman to continue a tradition set by Batman from the beginning of his vigilante career.

Catwoman’s Catmobile zooms down the road in Catwoman: Guardians of Gotham.

The Batmobile is a DC Comics Staple That Started an Important Tradition

Sharing an eighty-five-year history with its owner,the Batmobile is one ofthe most iconic vehicles in comics - and entertainment as a whole. It has seen numerous iterations and changes between the mediums it has played a part in, such as film, television, animation, video games, and comics. It has variations in alternate universes and inspired other heroes to have similar, themed vehicles to aid them in their fights against crime and evil.

Catwoman’siteration of theBatmobilein her time as Gotham’s primary hero overBatmancontinued the tradition of a heroic vehicle while having an incredible design.

Batman Stands in Detective Comic Art by Jason Fabok

Batman

One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.