ovie buffs already know about the Catwoman flick pouncing into theatres this summer, but would you believe this feline female fatale is 64 years old? True!   In the world of comic books, her name is Selina Kyle and she first appeared in DC Comics Batman #1 waaay back in 1940 as The Cat. Her image may not have been as refined back then (she didn�t don the Catwoman tag or her body suit costume until 1942) but she already had many of the signature characteristics of today�s kitty. Easy on the eyes and tough as nails, Selina managed to claw her way into the Caped Crusader�s heart, despite being a thief and operating on the wrong side of the law. Readers too, were quickly collared by her constant flirting with the line between good and evil.   The Feline Felon catapulted her way off the comic book page years later in the 1960�s when she appeared on the live action TV series, Batman. Although more than one
talented actress wore the cat suit during this decade, it was Julie Newmar�s proportions and wit that made her a fan favourite. Since then, Catwoman has spawned litters of fans on both the silver screen and the printed page.   No doubt, this cat owes her continued success to the various creative teams who have had a paw in re-inventing her over the years. In 1987, Selina Kyle was updated in the pages of DC Comics as a street-smart runaway and in the early 1990�s, Michelle Pfeiffer�s portrayal of her in Batman Returns introduced Catwoman to a new generation of moviegoers. Sporting a slick body suit, the modern Catwoman meow-mixed sexuality and intelligence with physical prowess.   As for the Bat, the masked kitty cat doesn�t even need him these days �she�s thrilling fans in her own monthly comic book and Halle Berry�s new Catwoman identity promises to have everybody�s favourite whiskered burglar � looking, scheming, and fighting more purr-fectly than ever. �Robert Piotrowski