Summary
The Michelle Pfeiffer iteration ofCatwomanreturns with a brand-new look for aBatman ‘89sequel.Batman ‘89was a comic continuation ofBatman Returnsand, ultimately, Tim Burton’s Batman universe. While the character played a pivotal role in that six-part limited series, she’s yet to appear in the newBatman ‘89follow-up after three issues released.
Thankfully, anX postfromBatman ‘89: Echoesartist Joe Quinones confirms thatCatwoman will be returning to the Burtonverse, and she’ll have a new look. The post features Selina Kyle’s Catwoman costume sporting a new golden choker, and her leather bodysuit is replaced with lower body thigh-highs.
The leather torso now features a gold zipper. The post also features Selina’s civilian attire, which, withthe bob haircut, shades, and suit, is extremely reminiscent of Pfeiffer’s character in 1983’sScarface. Not only does this post tease Catwoman’s inevitable return, it also highlightsBatman ‘89as a tribute to ’80s and ’90s cinema.
Catwoman Returns forBatman ‘89: Echoes
She Looks Like Michelle Pfeiffer as Elvira Hancock inScarface(1983)
By the time 1992’sBatman Returnshit theaters,Pfeiffer was already a recognizable name and an Oscar nominee in Hollywood— thanks to projects likeScarface— but her turn as Catwoman quickly reached icon status. Even three decades later, Michelle Pfeiffer isconsidered the best on-screen Catwoman. It must have been a no-brainer to re-integrate her into the Burtonverse for Sam Hamm and Quinones’Batman ‘89series. She was last seen in the series killing this universe’s version of Two-Face, which compels Bruce Wayne to retire as Batman (until he relapses inEchoes, of course).
Directly after that ordeal, she sends evidence to the late Commissioner Gordon’s daughter, Barbara, revealing Batman’s secret identity, and, in the same breath,Catwoman promises to be Barbara’s “Oracle.“Now, while she has yet toofficially achieve her destiny as Batgirl, Barbara has an active role inEchoes’ storylines. Selina, meanwhile, has yet to make a single appearance.Quinones’ post confirms that Catwoman will eventually be back;fans will just have to be patient. When she does finally arrive on-panel, she’s likely to play a major role in current events and must still make amends with Bruce for breaking his no-kill rule.
Batman ‘89is More Than a Burtonverse Continuation
It’s a Tribute to Classic 80s-90s Cinema
Catwoman’s new look paying homage toScarfacecontinues a trend that has been part ofBatman ‘89: Echoesfrom the start, even more so than its predecessor:the series is just as much of a tribute to ’80s and ’90s cinema as it is a continuation of the Burtonverse. Depicting characters as classic actors — likeMartin Short as the RiddlerorJeff Goldblum as Scarecrow— shows readers what this sequel would have looked like if it had been filmed in the ’80s. But there are more obscure movie references from the time period,like theStrange Brewreference, which appears for little to no clear reason.
Echoesis clearly taking the opportunity to produce new material based on the ’80s as a means of paying homage to the time period of the original Burton-directed movies. Anyone readingEchoesis already wrapped up in the nostalgia that comes with revisiting the Keatonverse. Revisiting this era offers its own bit of nostalgia, and so it makes sense to want to also pay homage to this particular era. Doing so by taking inspiration fromScarfaceforCatwoman’snewBatman ‘89design is a perfect way to continue that trend.
Batman ‘89: Echoes#3is available now, andBatman ‘89: Echoes#4is available August 28th from DC Comics.
BATMAN ‘89: ECHOES #3 (2024)
