The extended Bat family has gotten a lot of love in recent years. It's given us a lot of great characters like Damian Wayne and the focus of this week's #WomanCrushWednesday - Katherine Kane. Kathy, aka Kate, aka Batwoman was originally created in 1956 by writer Edmond Hamilton and artist Sheldon Moldoff under the direction of editor Jack Schiff. She was meant to be a love interest for Batman to combat rumors of Bats homosexuality that arose from a controversial 1954 book. In the early 1960's, a new Bat editor wiped out many "extras" from the Bat books and 1985's Crisis on Infinite Earths wiped Kane's time as Batwoman off the map entirely. 

Until 2006.

Kate Kane came back in week 7 of DC's 52 and with a nice twist on the character's original reason for being, as a lesbian protagonist. Kane formed a relationship with Gotham detective Renee Montoya and instantly became the most high profile out character on DC's roster. This led to an incredible period for Batwoman as a character where great writers like Greg Rucka, JH Williams III and W. Haden Blackman gave Kate depth and endurance. Until they were met with some unfortunate controversy. 

In 2013, Blackman and Williams walked away from Batwoman during a very public disagreement with DC in 2013. The duo had Kane propose to her then girlfriend Maggie Sawyer in a landmark issue #17. However, before that issue even hit stands, they left the book. Blackman and Williams said they left because, while DC was okay with the proposal, they would not allow the wedding. DC claimed it had nothing to do with the Kate Kane's sexual orientation, it was because "heroes shouldn't have happy personal lives". Which sounds like hot stinky garbage sauce on a burrito of shit. The series would end in 2014 following the public spat. 

Now, Kane is taking the spotlight again with a Rebirth #1 this week. Once again, a duo of insanely talented creators will handle Katie's story. This time around, it's Marguerite Bennett and James Tynion IV writing the story, while Steve Epting and Jeremy Cox (the duo that's been handling the art on Captain America) will he handling the visuals. This book is incredible and Kate Kane is in great hands now after a long, strange trip into the spotlight. Tynion and Bennett both have experience with Batwoman and should give her the bright future she deserves. Hell, maybe she can even get married. 

I selected Katherine Kane as my #WomanCrushWednesday because she's one of the few members of the Bat family who isn't hopelessly dependent on Batman. Batwoman is her own hero; a red and black terror unto herself. In Detective Comics Rebirth, she's a co-lead with Batman. Kane is Wayne's equal and should be respected as such. She's strong, independent and sure of herself. Batwoman can serve as an inspiration for women in the same way Batman inspires men. 

So here's to you Katherine, aka Kate, aka Batwoman. We're excited for your new series and for you getting the respect you deserve!