What happens when Batman has a child with Catwoman? We get Helena Kyle, aka Huntress.
When you think of Bruce Wayne’s offspring, you often think of his adoptive son, Dick Grayson or his biological child with Talia Al Ghul, Damian. However, did you know that in some stories, Batman has a daughter with Selina Kyle? Yep, you read that right. The Bat and the Cat have a daughter, Helena Kyle (or Wayne). But be sure not to confuse her with Helena Bertinelli.
In the comics, Helena Wayne was born to Selina Kyle and Bruce Wayne and later takes up the mantle of Huntress. The daughter of the Bat’s place of origin is Earth-2, and she made her debut in DC Super-Stars #17 in November/December 1977. If you want a Catwoman story, check out the first look for Catwoman: Hunted. To see the first image of Catwoman in The Batman, look here.
Her existence came when Bob Layton, an inker for the All-Star Comics series, suggested revamping the Earth-2 version of Batgirl. They did this to add her to the Justice Society of America.
However, the character’s story as Helena Kyle was spelled out in the 2002 series, Birds of Prey. Now, she’s returning after a 17-year hiatus since her own show was cancelled.
In December, she’ll appear in Crisis on Infinite Earths, the Arrowverse crossover. It’s currently unknown how big of a whole she’ll play. She might appear in a cameo for all we know, but from a photo released, she posed with John Wesley Shipp, who will also appear.
Who Were The Birds Of Prey?
When The CW was known as The WB, the network tried to create its own superhero series in the form of The Birds of Prey. The show focused on Helena Kyle, the daughter of Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle. Unfortunately, Batman disappeared, and Catwoman was murdered. However, she was friends with Barbara Gordon and Alfred Pennyworth, the Wayne family butler. Along the way, she also meets Dinah Redmond, the daughter of Carolyn Lance, the Black Canary. Be sure not to confuse Carolyn with Dinah Lance.
Growing up, Helena had no idea her father was Batman, as her mother had raised her alone. Also, she didn’t know her mother, who Joker had murdered, had been Catwoman. Likewise, Bruce had no idea that Selina had fallen pregnant with his child.
Due to her mother being a metahuman, Helena was half-metahuman and had feline abilities similar to Selina.
Barbara was forced to retire as Batgirl after she was shot in the spine by the Joker. Bruce blamed himself for what happened to his student, just as he did with Selina’s murder. He disappears from New Gotham, leaving Alfred to watch over their home.
Helena lived with Barbara, who served as her legal guardian. Meanwhile, Dinah could see a future that differed from her mother’s Canary Cry.
Harley Quinn also appears in the series in her debut live-action appearance.
The series ran for 13 episodes and co-starred Shamar Moore, Rachel Skarsten, and the late Ian Abercombie.
Was There A Link To The 1989 and 1992 Batman Movies In The Series?
There’s been a rumour that the Birds of Prey series was linked to the 1989 Batman film featuring Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight. However, the costumes seen in flashbacks for the series were taken from that movie.
Catwoman’s suit appears to have been the one Michelle Pfeiffer wore when she took the role in 1992’s Batman Returns. The Batman suit crossed between the Keaton suit and the Val Kilmer suit.
Link To The Arrowverse
Helena will appear in Crisis on Infinite Earths, but it’s currently unknown where she’ll appear. However, it’s speculated she’ll pop up in The Flash hour, so the third episode. The reason we think this is because KSite reports that Canadagraphs had snapped photos of Ashley Scott wearing a wig similar to the hairstyle she sported in her own show.
Also, Rachel Skarsten, who played Dinah Redmond, the daughter of Carolyn Lance, a version of Black Canary, is currently Beth Kane/Alice in Batwoman. Currently, it’s unknown if she’ll appear in the event as either Dinah or Alice. Just a reminder not to confuse her with Dinah Lance.
Another piece of evidence for our theory is posted above in the Instagram photo that Ashley Scott posted with John Wesley Shipp. Judging by the caption, she knows him. One of her hashtags is #theflash which could allude to him playing the Flash or her being in Hour Three. In the set photos, it’s clear she’s wearing the same necklace in Birds of Prey.
How Does Helena Kyle Differ From Helena Wayne?
So, you might wonder what the difference is between Helena Kyle from Birds of Prey and the comics version of the same character.
Well, that’s why we’re going to break it down.
Since Birds of Prey ended prematurely, we didn’t find out Kyle’s final fate, but if they’d planned it, it should’ve been different from what her comic counterpart encountered.
In the comics, Helena collapses in the arms of her Earth’s Robin (Dick Grayson) and vitalises herself for the final battle where she, Grayson, and Kole perish, saving a bunch of children from shadow demons. However, once Crisis is over, she and everyone from Earth-2 disappears.
Helena Wayne died during Crisis on Infinite Earths, which might be her fate in the upcoming Arrowverse event of the same name. Anyway, she helped to save Creation from the Anti-Monitor. However, she was left traumatised to learn that Earth-2 was no more and that her parents no longer existed.
Conclusion
No matter Helena’s fate, we’re glad she’s a part of it. Though we wish Barbara and Dinah were joining her. It would be awesome if they were. Perhaps, she’ll mention them. This would be the ideal way to ensure everything links with the Arrowverse.
Did you watch Birds of Prey? Did you read the comics with Helena Kyle? Tell us your Birds of Prey memories below!
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