Catwoman, originally introduced as "the Cat," made her debut in DC Comics' Batman #1 (spring 1940), created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane. She appeared as a sophisticated jewel thief and mysterious burglar who targeted the wealthy, often employing clever disguises—such as posing as an elderly woman—to execute her crimes. In her first story, she outwitted Batman and Robin, escaping capture while revealing herself as an attractive and enigmatic young woman, establishing her immediately as a femme fatale adversary with a flirtatious edge that set her apart from other villains of the era.
Throughout the 1940s, the character's costume and identity evolved, transitioning from simple disguises to a more thematic cat motif, including a fur mask with pointed ears in Batman #3 and later variations featuring elegant dresses with cat-eared cowls. She became a recurring figure in Batman comics, engaging in high-stakes heists and displaying exceptional agility, cunning, and independence. Her dynamic with Batman grew increasingly complex, marked by romantic tension and a cat-and-mouse rivalry; he frequently allowed her escapes, suggesting an underlying attraction, while she teased and challenged him without fully aligning as a hero or irredeemable villain.
No formal origin story was provided for the character during the 1940s, preserving her air of mystery and allowing focus on her criminal exploits and seductive persona. Catwoman appeared in numerous Batman issues across the decade, cementing her status as one of the Dark Knight's most enduring and multifaceted foes. Her blend of allure, moral ambiguity, and playful antagonism contributed significantly to the Batman mythos, influencing subsequent developments and ensuring her lasting prominence in DC Comics.