Catman is a fictional character in comic books published by DC Comics. The characters was initially a supervillain and laughable foe of Batman, although in recent years has developed into a more capable and anti-heroic figure . He first appeared in Detective Comics #311 (Jan. 1963) DC Comics is an American comic book and related media company. ... In comic books, first appearance refers to first comic book to feature a character. ... Cover of Detective Comics #27 (May 1939). ... William Bill Finger (February 8, 1914–January 18, 1974) was an American writer best known as the uncredited co-creator, with Bob Kane, of the DC Comics character Batman, as well as the co-architect of the series development. ... Jim Mooney (born 1919) is an American comic book artist best known as a Marvel Comics inker and Spider-Man artist, and as the signature artist of DC Comics Silver Age Supergirl. ... The Secret Six is the name of three distinct, fictional comic book teams in the DC Comics universe, plus an alternate universes fourth team. ... Alice, a fictional character based on a real character from the work of Lewis Carroll. ... A comic book is a magazine or book containing the art form of comics. ... DC Comics is an American comic book and related media company. ... Doctor Doom, one of the most archetypal supervillains and his arch-enemies The Fantastic Four (in background). ... Batman (originally referred to as the Bat-Man and still referred to at times as the Batman) is a DC Comics fictional superhero who first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in May 1939. ... In literature and film, an anti-hero is a central or supporting character that has some of the personality flaws and ultimate fortune traditionally assigned to villains but nonetheless also have enough heroic qualities or intentions to gain the sympathy of readers or viewers. ... Cover of Detective Comics #27 (May 1939). ...

Fictional character history

Origins

Catman was originally Tom Blake, a world-famous trapper of jungle cats who turned to crime because he had grown bored with hunting and had squandered most of his fortune. He became a burglar who committed his crimes in a catsuit made out of an ancient African cloth he believed gave him a cat's nine lives. His costume was modeled after Catwoman's disguise. Catwoman was none too pleased to have her modus operandi copied, and initially helped Batman apprehend him. The two costumed criminals would have a competitive, love/hate relationship for many years afterward which included Selina Kyle (Catwoman) being wrongly implicated for Catman's crimes at least once. As with many Batman villains in their first appearances, Catman was originally a gimmicked villain who stole items along a "cat" theme, such as cat statues, "cat's eyes" emeralds, etc. His weapon of choice was (of course) a cat-o-nine-tails. “Hunter” redirects here. ... Burglars attempted to break into an apartment by pulling away the lock. ... A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... Catwoman is a fictional character associated with DC Comics Batman franchise and created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane. ... Modus operandi (often used in the abbreviated form MO) is a Latin phrase, approximately translated as mode of operation. ... A gimmick is a unique or quirky special feature that makes something stand out from its contemporaries. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The Cat O Nine Tails is a type of multi-tailed whip that originated as a tool of corporal punishment from the British navy. ...

Cover to Detective Comics #311. Art by Dick Dillin.

During one story, Catman saves the life of Batwoman, licks her ear, and convinces her to become his partner, the new Catwoman. By the end of the story, she gives up the Catwoman role and returns to her Batwoman identity. Image File history File links Cover to Detective Comics #311. ... Image File history File links Cover to Detective Comics #311. ... Batwoman (originally referred to as the Bat-Woman) is a fictional character, a female counterpart to DC Comics popular superhero Batman. ... Catwoman is a fictional character associated with DC Comics Batman franchise and created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane. ...

In the late 1980s, Catman was revived in the pages of Detective Comics, this time working alongside Catwoman in battle against Batman. This alliance wouldn't last, however, as Catwoman became tired of Catman's abusive attitude towards women, and turned against her former partner. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Cover of Detective Comics #27 (May 1939). ... Abuser redirects here. ...

Outcast

In 1993, Catman appeared in Batman: Shadow of the Bat as a member of a team called "the Misfits", led by Killer Moth. The Misfits were portrayed as third-rate villains trying to prove themselves, anticipating Brad Meltzer's treatment of the character in Green Arrow. Catman reappeared in a 1995 crossover between Shadow of the Bat and Catwoman. In this story the cloth Catman's costume was made from was retconned as belonging to a South Sea cat cult. Catwoman was hired by the cult to return the cloth, but gave them a fake. Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ... Killer Moth is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. ... Brad Meltzer (b. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this comics-related article or section may require cleanup. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... It has been suggested that Gaming crossovers be merged into this article or section. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The South China Sea, showing surrounding countries and neighbouring seas and oceans The South China Sea is a marginal sea, part of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area from Singapore to the Strait of Taiwan of around 3,500,000 km². It is the largest sea body after the five...

Catman remained in limbo until 2003, when he resurfaced as a foe of Green Arrow. Written by Brad Meltzer, Catman was portrayed as a pathetic, overweight loser who was looked down upon by other villains and who is easily defeated by Green Arrow. His hair had been dyed black, which he thought "made [him] look tougher". In issue 20 vol 3, one of Monsieur Mallah's servants appears through a boom tube and abducts Blake, the implication being that Catman had met a rather grisly end as Mallah's dinner (This situation is alluded to by Blake, when he joins the Secret Six: "You know you've hit rock bottom when a monkey and a frenchman don't consider you worth killing"). When he later meets Monsieur Mallah, he comments that he has no desire to see the gorilla's stomach again. Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Warp is the name of a fictional DC Comics supervillain that has fought the Teen Titans on different occasions. ...

Secret Six

In the 2005 mini-series Villains United, Catman resurfaced in Africa, where, after a failed attempt at suicide, he attempted to resalvage his life and began living with a pride of lions. He used this time to lose weight and regain his sense of self-worth and fighting skills. This 'perfect existence' would be shattered by the arrival of the Secret Society of Super-Villains, however. Seeking to unite all of Earth's super-villains under his control, Lex Luthor (secretly Alexander Luthor, Jr. in disguise) sought to recruit Catman into the fold as a minion, only to be rejected. It was initially believed that an angry Lex Luthor had Deathstroke the Terminator kill the lions Catman was living with in retaliation for being rejected by a "nobody" but this was later revealed to have been misdirection. Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Villains United is a six-issue comic book limited series, written by Gail Simone with art by Dale Eaglesham and Wade von Grawbadger, published by DC Comics in 2005. ... A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... For other uses, see Suicide (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Lion (disambiguation). ... The Secret Society of Super Villains (SSOSV) is a group of comic book villains that exist in the DC Universe. ... Lex Luthor is a fictional supervillain owned by DC Comics. ... Alexander Luthor, Jr. ... Slade Wilson, also known as Deathstroke the Terminator, is a fictional character appearing in the DC Comics universe. ...

Catman vowed revenge against Luthor, and was subsequently recruited into a criminal syndicate known as the Secret Six. Together, the Secret Six waged war against the Secret Society of Super-Villains under the direction of an individual known only as Mockingbird. During that time he found out that it was in fact fellow Secret Six member Deadshot who had killed his lions, so that he would join the organization. Deadshot would later apologise, and Catman forgave him. Although the two were reluctant allies at first, the two soon bonded and became what one could loosely call friends. Guðrún agitates her sons, Hamðir and Sörli, to avenge their sister. ... The Secret Six is the name of three distinct, fictional comic book teams in the DC Comics universe, plus an alternate universes fourth team. ... For other uses, see War (disambiguation). ... Mockingbird is the code name of several characters in the DC Comics Universe, denoting whoever is in charge of the Secret Six. ... Deadshot (real name Floyd Lawton), is a fictional character in the DC Universe. ...

Under Villains United writer Gail Simone, Catman has achieved a new level of fame. Portrayed as a cunning warrior with a sense of honor and a habit of walking around bare-chested, the character is now a potent anti-heroic character (though far from unflappable). His time in Africa seems to have helped him regain his physical abilities allowing him to fight the formidable super-ape Mallah to a standstill and blind Captain Nazi. He is different from most other villains in the sense that he has noble and heroic qualities (Cheshire notes that Blake behaves more like a hero than a villain), yet he sees heroes such as the Justice League as being arrogant and abusive of their power, as seen when he confronts Green Arrow about the Doctor Light incident. It seems he would rather be associated with people such as Deadshot who at least recognize their moral failings than a group of 'holier-than-thou' heroes. It has been revealed that during his time with the society he impregnated Cheshire and that the two now have a son, Thomas jr. Villains United is a six-issue comic book limited series, written by Gail Simone with art by Dale Eaglesham and Wade von Grawbadger, published by DC Comics in 2005. ... Gail Simone at the 2002 SDCC. Photo copyright 2002-2005 Lea Hernandez Gail Simone is a popular American writer of comic books. ... Honor (or honor) comprises the reputation, self-perception or moral identity of an individual or of a group. ... In literature and film, an anti-hero is a central or supporting character that has some of the personality flaws and ultimate fortune traditionally assigned to villains but nonetheless also have enough heroic qualities or intentions to gain the sympathy of readers or viewers. ... Monsieur Mallah is the name of a DC Comics supervillain. ... Captain Nazi is a Fawcett Comics and DC Comics supervillain, a rival of Captain Marvel and Captain Marvel, Jr. ... Cheshire, real name Jade Nguyen, is a DC Comics villain, one of the worlds top assassins and mercenaries. ... The Justice League, sometimes called the Justice League of America or JLA for short, is a fictional DC Universe superhero team. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this comics-related article or section may require cleanup. ... Doctor Light is the name of several fictional characters in the DC Comics universe. ... Deadshot (real name Floyd Lawton), is a fictional character in the DC Universe. ... Cheshire, real name Jade Nguyen, is a DC Comics villain, one of the worlds top assassins and mercenaries. ...

In Gail Simone's Birds of Prey #104, the Secret Six run into Barbara Gordon's team. Huntress and Catman - out of disguise, dance together, with hints of an attraction. The two teams battle, six members for six, Catman paired against Huntress, but the fray ends with the resurrection of Ice. Birds of Prey is a comic book published by DC Comics that features the adventures of a group of female superheroes who are based in Gotham City (and later Metropolis). ... Barbara Gordon is a fictional character appearing in DC Comics and related media. ... The Huntress is a fictional character in the DC Universe. ... Ice (Tora Olafsdotter) is a fictional character, a superheroine in publications from DC Comics. ...

Cover to Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #46. Art by Russ Heath.

Image File history File links Download high resolution version (400x625, 409 KB)Cover to Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #46. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (400x625, 409 KB)Cover to Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #46. ...

Other versions

A character similar to Catman debuted in the 1950s named King of the Cats. In reality, he was Karl Kyle, brother of Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman. This version of the character was also a burglar who was motivated to steal by an intense sibling rivalry with his sister. His crimes tormented Catwoman, as she had loyalties to both her brother and her nemesis/love interest, Batman. The King o the Cats or The King of the Cats is an English fairy tale collected by Joseph Jacobs. ...

Batman: Legend of the Dark Knight #46-49 would reinvent Catman yet again, this time as a leather catsuit-wearing serial killer who used knife-like claws to slash young women to death because they reminded him of his abusive mother. Batman and Catwoman formed a shaky alliance to stop him, although they had different agendas; Batman wanted to apprehend him, while Catwoman wanted him dead. They eventually caught him and, between the two of them, beat him to a bloody pulp, although Batman was able to restrain Catwoman from committing murder. This story is apparently set outside of canon, or someone other than Blake was under the costume. Serial killers are individuals who have a history of multiple slayings of victims who were usually unknown to them beforehand. ... Child abuse is the physical, sexual, or emotional maltreatment or neglect of children by parents, guardians, or others. ... Canon, in the context of a fictional universe, comprises those novels, stories, films, etc. ...

In other media

Thomas Blake appeared in a 1998 episode of Batman: The Animated Series ("Cult Of The Cat") not as an archcriminal, but as the leader of a cat-worshipping cult. As in previous incarnations, he wore gloves equipped with knives as claws. He was voiced by Scott Cleverdon. The animated Batman shoots his grappling gun from a rooftop in a scene from the episode, On Leather Wings. ... Scott Cleverdon (born July 31, 1969 in Edinburgh, Scotland) is a Scottish actor best known as the angel Pyriel in the movie The Prophecy 3: The Ascent. ...

A version of Catman previously appeared in the Batman Adventures comic series prior to Blake's appearance on the actual series. This version was closer to the comic book version of Thomas Blake, calling himself Catman and wearing a Catman suit with colors similar to the Batman: The Animated Series version of Catwoman. Batman Adventures is a DC comic book series featuring Batman. ... Catwoman is a fictional character associated with DC Comics Batman franchise and created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane. ...

Also, an entirely different character named Catman from an alternate reality was featured in Justice League the two-part episode "Legends," a pastiche of the Golden Age Batman and Golden Age Wildcat. Justice League is an American animated television series about a team of superheroes which ran from 2001 to 2004 on Cartoon Network. ... Batman (originally referred to as the Bat-Man and still referred to at times as the Batman) is a DC Comics fictional superhero who first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in May 1939. ... Wildcat is the name of four DC Comics characters, three of them superheroes. ...

Adam West appears in a few episodes of The Fairly OddParents as himself, an actor who in turn plays a superhero named Catman. In this version he had the colors of the original Catman and was a lot like the Batman of the 1960s television series (in which West played Batman). Adam West (born William West Anderson on September 19, 1928) is an American actor who is best known for playing the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne on the TV series Batman (which also had a film adaptation). ... The Fairly OddParents is an American animated television series about the adventures of a boy who has two fairy godparents. ...

A character resembling Catman appears fighting Shatterfist at the beginning of Justice League: Unlimited episode 'Grudge Match', although the style of the costume makes the character appear to be Hellhound. Shatterfist is the name of 2 DC Comics supervillains. ...

References

• Toonzone.net
• Catman's secret origin on dccomics.com