The main question that bothered me for a long time is why Catwoman and Batman could not be canon? Straight couple, she's a thief and he's seeking justice: it's perfect for the media to swallow it and make TONS of merch, stories, etc.
And the reason is rather funny.
Basically, the existence of Joker is always a problem. Stories about Batman and Joker get to such a point, that Joker is having more complicated and passionate relationships with Batman, then he's "planned love interest".
The main fuck up on my opinion was the most popular comic "Batman/Catwoman: The Wedding Album" (SPOILERS FARTHER). Not the deluxe version, but "Batman #48". What is interesting, the writer was trying to canonise Batman and Catwoman as a couple by referring to countless of their stories together. The main issue became that the writer also referred to the stories about Batman and Joker.
Right after that we have "the main confrontation part":
The author refers to Catwoman as the chance for happiness for Batman. But the truth is: in countless stories Batman comes back to his duty, the difficult pattern of personality of Batman is the crave for violence. This kind of craving is a topic for a lot more darker toned or undertoned creations. We see it in classic Frank Miller's comics and in one of the most popular right now "Absolute Batman". It stopped being only for justice a long time ago, when writers and artists started to explore more about trauma and how it can go in coping as violence. But it's a huge topic for another post.
The thing is, because of the aspect that has already become popular in the reader's society, I assume that light toned Catwoman/Batman could not continue as canon. Because we saw that the DC community accepted canon, for example Harley and Poison Ivy, even, though, Harley Quinn was previously with Joker. Which also makes sense.
In general, after reading this comic, I had a strong sensation that Catwoman was always in love with some kind of version of Batman, when Joker saw its raw image. For some reason or another, I was feeling sorry for everyone.
We also have a few more interesting moments, that made Batman and Joker more relevant. First of all, in these Batman #48 we have an interesting canonise version of one of the theories where Joker is absolutely sane. I love this theory, cause it is the one which also made me make a post about the troupe "Love makes you evil". It also canonises Batman and Joker non-existence without each other, even if the author continues the story about Batman and Catwoman. It feels like a lost potential.
And the last one. Joker wants to "save" Batman. Which again, keeping me of thought about their relationship that was based on violence.
That's all. Thank you all for your attention 🥰
A little note: I was never against Catwoman and Batman, but I'm not a fan of them. I was always more into complex relationships, that's why it's my personal pattern of exploring not both of the dynamics, but only one. My personal pairings can never be canon and it will not bother me even a little. Ofc, in the case of Joker and Batman it's a rather different situation. Which again, makes me laugh violently most of the time.
