In a cheerfully unsurprising turn, Batman has now asked for Catwoman's hand in marriage.
Now that Bane isn't a problem anymore and with Gotham Girl's sanity restored, Batman now has had plenty of time to reflect on his life and his future, and that future involves wanting to exchange vows with Catwoman.
Spoiler alert: Those who don't want to be spoiled should turn away immediately, as this article gives away major plot points for Batman no. 24.
Batman Proposes To Catwoman
In the aftermath of Bane's failed attempt to take over Gotham and his threats to Bruce Wayne's family and allies, Batman admits to Gotham Girl that he's not happy. Apparently, there's one way to fix his emotional maelstrom, and that's marrying Catwoman, as USA Today reports.
Batman chases Catwoman through the rooftops of Gotham, and once he catches up to her, he recalls the first night they met. That night, Selina was attempting to steal a diamond, which Batman took from her and returned to the original owners. But he actually bought that diamond, and in issue no. 24, he takes it out, gets down on one knee, and proposes to her with it.
"I knew. Even at the beginning. I knew I'd need it. I needed it. Just like I need you," Batman said.
Batman and Catwoman have an odd relationship, although evidently romantic in nature. They've shared flings in the past, in addition to attempts at a relationship, but also, Catwoman often acts as Batman's adversary whenever she steals something. Marriage will be the biggest inflection point in their relationship, especially if Catwoman agrees to marry Batman. Bruce has had many romantic entanglements in the past, but thus far, Selina has been one of the most recurring figures in his life, romantic or not.
Tom King, the writer of the issue, says that Batman's proposal is an unprecedented moment in Batman and Catwoman's relationship. For the issue, King wanted Batman to show his vulnerability, veering away from his signature dark and angry disposition throughout the series.
"Giving Batman more pain doesn't reveal anything about his character because he's taken as much pain as he can. But giving him love and joy, that combines with the tragedy of his past into something new and never done before," says King.
But Batman Has A Dark Secret He Needs To Tell Catwoman
So will Catwoman say yes? That remains to be seen. King says that in Batman no. 25, which rolls out June 21, Batman will tell Catwoman his darkest moment before she agrees to marry him. King hints that Batman's revelation will be a big one, because it'll make Catwoman question if she truly knows everything about him. Batman will tell her "something he's never revealed to anyone," and Catwoman has to decide to marry him or not despite that confession. Batman has told her a lot of painful details about his life, so whatever this one is, it'll definitely be a shocker, perhaps revealing more of Bruce's vulnerability.
Batman issue no. 24 features art by Danny Miki, David Finch, Jordie Bellaire, and Clay Mann.
Thoughts about Batman and Catwoman marrying each other? What could the move mean for the series? If Selina says yes, will she and Bruce decide to have a child, or are we getting ahead of ourselves? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
