Holy homosexuals, Batman!

Fifty years after she first appeared in comics, the character of Batwoman is set to return – as a lesbian.

Crime-fighter Kathy Kane will re-appear in July, in the new series 52, whose first issue was published this month by US company DC Comics.

The character, who originally appeared in 1956, became Batman's ally in his fight against evil but was always in his shadow.

The new Batwoman is described by the New York Times as a “lesbian socialite by night and a crime fighter by later in the night.”

Ironically, it is believed the character of Batwoman was originally introduced to the DC Universe in order to stifle the rumours of Batman and Robin's homosexual relationship.

I've linked to the NYT article, which is a detailed look at new representations of cultural and sexual diversity in comics, but you need to be a member to read it: membership's free though, folks.

Now, all we need is for Batman and Robin to finally come out!