Batwoman, always overshadowed by her counterpart – Batman, is back and declaring her true self. DC Comics has resurrected the 1950’s classic pointy-eared babe and has brought her back as a crime fighting lesbian.

She returns with knee-high blazing red boots, spike heels, flowing red hair and her dominatrix tight form-fitting black leather bodysuit. Definitely a 21st Century new wave “Suicide Girls” image.

Batwoman will also come with an attitude and personality to match the new look. No more googley-eyed glances at Batman for her. She is a tough speaking, quick acting rich chick, high-society gal out to kick some serious bad guy/girl butt.

Originally created in 1956, she was killed-off in 1979. This new Bat-gal will still be called Kathy Lane, and like her predecessor will live in Gotham City, but that is where the similiarities end.

“We decided to give her a different point of view,” explained Dan DiDio, vice president and executive editor at DC. “We wanted to make her a more unique personality than others in the Bat-family. That’s one of the reasons we went in this direction.”

“She’s a socialite from Gotham high society,” DiDio said. “She has some past connection with Bruce Wayne. And she’s also had a past love affair with one of our lead characters, Renee Montoya.” Montoya was a police detective, already a bold move to make for the 1950’s culture.

“This is not just about having a gay character,” DiDio said. “We’re trying for overall diversity in the DC universe. We have strong African-American, Hispanic and Asian characters. We’re trying to get a better cross-section of our readership and the world.”

Look for the new Batwoman’s debut in July 2006 in DC Comics.