THE BRAINSTORMS

Vicki Vale talking to Batman in her debut! The Marilyn Monroe-inspired, Lois Lane-esque new character! When modern audiences think of Vicki Vale, they usually think of a pushy female reporter, convinced Bruce Wayne is Batman though having no evidence, mostly played for comedy. That is, if they think of her at all. But, once upon a time, she spent a decade as the primary love interest of Batman! Victoria “Vicki” Vale, a reporter (don’t ask me for what publication, it is NOT

But wait, wasn't Bruce Wayne engaged? In one of several stories in Batman #1 (1940), we meet The Cat, a mysterious female con artist who dons disguises to gain access to jewels, and who flirts with Batman to escape once caught (there’s even a joke where Dick accuses Bruce of letting her get away, which it’s heavily implied he did). It’s a dynamite debut, solidifying a character who was clearly poised for greatness, already sharing chemistry with the title character from the f