DC Is Redeeming Batman & Catwoman's Romance With a Major Redesign After 86 Years

Batman and Catwoman are iconic. However, their game of Cat and Mouse, or should we say Cat and Bat, has grown a bit stale over the years. Every time the couple seems to take one step forward, it is soon followed by two steps back, making it feel as though there is little progress in their relationship. That, however, is all about to change.

A press release from DC Comics has revealed that the comic publisher is expanding its insanely popular Absolute comic line in 2026, a line that centers around stories set in the Darkseid-created Absolute Universe, where DC’s classic characters have been reimagined with drastically more hardcore origin stories and redesigns.

This expansion includes two new series: Absolute Green Arrow by Pornsak Pichetshote and Rafael Albuquerque, launching May 20, and Absolute Catwoman by Che Grayson, Scott Snyder, and Bengal, launching June 10. The latter will be giving the BatCat romance a much-needed refresh.

Selina Kyle has carved a good life for herself. Through her ingenuity and skills, she has become the greatest thief the world has ever known. With high-tech gear and weaponry, there is no place too secure for Catwoman. But when someone from her past comes knocking at her door, everything she has built begins to collapse. To survive, Selina must unravel a mystery that takes her across the globe and deep into the shadows of the Absolute Universe

Batman & Catwoman Get a Fresh Start in DC's Absolute Universe

Absolute Catwoman #1 (2026) Preview

DC has already soft-launched Absolute Selina Kyle in Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman series, where Catwoman took a break from her thievery to aid Bruce in his fight against Bane. This narrative has established a romantic dynamic between the two, one we can expect to carry over into Absolute Catwoman, especially with Snyder serving as the lead writer.

This is exciting news for BatCat shippers, particularly those who have grown bored with the main universe Bruce x Selina dynamic, as it offers a fresh start for the couple. In addition to Batman and Catwoman sporting bold redesigns that will visually spice things up for readers, the Absolute Universe has already established a unique dynamic between the two that differs immensely from that of their main universe counterparts.

How the Absolute Universe Is Changing Batman & Catwoman's Romance for the Better

Absolute Catwoman #1 (2026) Releases on June 10

As established in Absolute Batman, Bruce and Selina grew up together and share a relationship built on childhood friendship. Additionally, the Absolute Batman narrative has completely bypassed the secret-identity trope for Bruce and Selina, with both already aware of each other’s alter egos. As a result, the Absolute BatCat dynamic is built on a solid foundation of shared history and truth.

Furthermore, Bruce and Selina are in their mid-twenties, a much younger age than their middle-aged counterparts in the main universe. This adds something incredibly unique to their dynamic, given that romance in your twenties is typically very different from dating in your forties or fifties, especially for Bruce, who is still new to his Batman-ing and is childless in this universe.

One of the biggest downfalls of the BatCat dynamic in the main universe is the baggage of Bruce and Selina’s failed attempts at a relationship. Fans have grown accustomed to the status quo of the BatCat romance always being set up for failure. With the fresh start offered by the Absolute Universe, however, Batman and Catwoman may truly have a shot at a happily ever after together, something DC has long refused to give them in the main universe.

Absolute Catwoman #1 is available June 10, 2026, from DC Comics!