Catwoman #1

Catwoman #1, published by DC Comics in 1993, marked the character's transition from a long-time Batman antagonist to a solo protagonist headlining her own ongoing monthly series. This debut followed her breakout success in the 1992 television adaptation Batman Returns and the 1993 miniseries Catwoman: Her Sister's Keeper, which helped establish a standalone mythos for Selina Kyle. The series was launched during a period when DC was actively expanding its focus on anti-heroic figures, seeking to capitalize on the character's enduring popularity and complex moral ambiguity.

The initial issue featured writing by Jo Duffy and art by Jim Balent, whose stylized, high-contrast aesthetic defined the character's visual direction for the early years of the run. Balent’s approach emphasized a sleek, kinetic silhouette that became iconic in 1990s comic book art, often focusing on the character's agility and independence. While the series was received as a significant milestone for female-led titles of the era, the artistic direction was occasionally noted for its departure from the grittier, noir-inspired foundations established by earlier creators in the Batman franchise.