This inaugural issue of the sequel focuses notably on Selina, presenting her with a new Catwoman costume and returning the Gotham City Siren to her Year One origin as a sex worker. ​​​Selina is described as the “proprietress of a gentlemen’s club of exceptional discretion.” This phrasing, along with the interactions she has at the gala, clearly reinstates her portrayal as a sex worker.

DC Revives Selina Kyle’s BATMAN: YEAR ONE Origin as a Sex Worker in GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT Sequel

Frank Miller’s Batman: Year One (1987) earned acclaim for offering Bruce Wayne a newly detailed and fleshed-out origin. However, the Dark Knight wasn’t the only one to undergo a revamp; Selina Kyle was also reimagined in a significant way, with Miller depicting her evolution into Catwoman, beginning as a prostitute. This origin story, however, lasted only about six years. In 1993, when Catwoman received her own series, DC retconned her backstory during Zero Hour, removing sex work from her origin. Since then, Selina’s connection to sex work has appeared intermittently across various storylines and continuities.

Batman: Gotham By Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age brings Catwoman’s origins as a sex worker back into focus, echoing and expanding upon Frank Miller’s original portrayal. Miller’s depiction used Selina’s involvement in sex work to underscore her role as a champion for women, committed to protecting those who were vulnerable and marginalized. Gotham By Gaslight adeptly captures this dimension of Catwoman’s character, illustrating her acts of charity and for women in need, both through direct donations and vocal advocacy. This portrayal reaffirms Selina Kyle’s complex persona and also highlights her unwavering determination to challenge societal norms and defend the marginalized.

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Catwoman’s Connection to Sex Work Makes Her a More Dangerous and Formidable Adversary

Gotham By Gaslight improves upon Miller's approach by seamlessly integrating Selina’s background as a sex worker with her identity as Catwoman, rather than portraying them as separate aspects of her life. Selina’s involvement in sex work grants her access to Gotham’s elite and influential men, both in civilian and criminal circles. This proximity allows Catwoman and her associates to gather crucial intelligence and leverage secrets that could be exploited for blackmail. As a result, Selina’s dual roles enhance her effectiveness as Catwoman, making her exceedingly dangerous by wielding the power to dismantle individuals using their own hidden truths.

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age #1 is available now from DC Comics!

BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT - THE KRYPTONIAN AGE #1 (2024)
	Writer: Andy Diggle Artist: Leandro Fernández Colorist: Dave Stewart Letterer: Simon Bowland Cover Artist: Leandro Fernández & Simon Bowland