DC and Marvel comics have both put out a slew of incredibly similar characters over the years. With some characters being almost too similar, fans have taken to debating which character would win over the other. One pairing in particular is none other than Catwoman and Black Cat. Throughout their history, the two have constantly been compared to each other, thanks to their similar looks, motivations, and personalities. While they both have accomplished a lot in their publications, the similarities between them certainly make for an interesting duel. To look at some specific factors between them, here is our input on Catwoman vs Black Cat: Who is really the better thief?
11 Opponents: Tie
Since both characters constantly toe the line between good and evil, they have each made some fairly powerful enemies on both sides. Catwoman is often at odds with the Bat-Family along with villains like the Joker, Penguin, and the Riddler. Black Cat, on the other hand, has her incredibly complex relationship with Spider-Man, and has also managed to make an enemy of just about everyone in New York’s criminal underworld. While each of them doesn’t exactly have an arch-nemesis, they have both amassed a rather long list of enemies.
10 Combat: Catwoman
Considering her background, it would make sense that Selina Kyle would be a much better fighter than Felicia Hardy. Over the years, Catwoman has been seen to be a bit more brutal than Black Cat. While Felicia has still done some pretty nasty things to her enemies, Catwoman to have more of a penchant for violence. Furthermore, while both have been smart enough to know when to run, Felicia has a habit of manipulating others into fighting her battles for her. While she can still hold her own in a fight, Black Cat just doesn’t quite measure up to Catwoman in terms of combat skills.
9 Cat Burglary: Black Cat
Especially recently, Selina Kyle has distanced herself from her villainous past. Even during the New 52, when Selina was one of the biggest crime bosses in Gotham, she was stealing things in a far different manner from a traditional cat burglar. Felicia Hardy however, has recently been seen stealing some small-scale valuables. Even when Black Cat was operating her own criminal empire, she had a much more focused goal for her crew and herself. Since she’s been much more active in the thief's world lately, it is safe to say that Black Cat is a better cat burglar than Catwoman.
8 Partner: Tie
Each of the feline femme fatales is often associated as the on/off love interest for their respective hero. Of course, Catwoman and Batman are constantly going back and forth, while Spider-Man and Black Cat can’t seem to come to a standing on their relationship. Regardless, both Catwoman and Black Cat have a relationship that complements them very well. Though both Selina and Felicia are a bit darker for comic book characters, it can be argued that Selina is much better suited for Batman than Felicia is for Spider-Man. Yet, both Spider-Man and Batman bring out some of the best characteristics in their respective love interest.
7 Experience: Catwoman
Unfortunately for Felicia, Catwoman has the luxury of a much longer publication history. Originally debuting in 1940, Selina Kyle has built up quite a name for herself. All that extra time has given the character the ability to steal more, switch sides more, fight more people, etc. On the other hand, Felicia first debuted in 1979. While she has certainly come a long way as a character, she hasn’t got nearly as much experience under her belt.
6 Criminal Empire: Black Cat
After Doctor Octopus set Felicia further down the path of villainy (thanks to his role as the Superior Spider-Man), Felicia set out for her own personal gain. Starting completely from scratch, she rapidly built one of the most successful criminal empires in Marvel Comics in recent years. Felicia’s influence was so prominent that she crossed paths with several Spider-Men and even some Avengers. While Selina certainly used her empire in a useful way, it was essentially handed to her. Considering how Black Cat rose to power so quickly, she definitely deserves some credit, making her the winner of this round.
5 Personality: Tie
When it comes to personality, there really isn’t a fair way to determine a winner. Each character is independent, sassy at times, incredibly flirtatious, and not afraid to get their claws dirty if need be. Though there are a few noticeable differences thanks to the characters' backstories, they still come across as virtually the same personality. As a result, it is really difficult to give an advantage to anyone in this case, resulting in yet another tie.
4 Equipment: Tie
Both Selina Kyle and Felicia Hardy rely very little on external equipment and assistance. Of course, they both have a signature whip that proves great for offense, defense and saving them from falls. However, Catwoman does tend to utilize the whip a bit more often. Selina and Felicia will also use a few gadgets from time to time, though nothing too powerful typically gets used. Both characters rely more on their own skills and wit rather than technology.
3 Main Inherent Power: Black Cat
While both characters aren’t typically associated as having superpowers, Felicia Hardy actually does have some abilities of her own. It may not be much, but Felicia has the power of luck. The workings of her powers draw good luck from her opponents and turn it into good luck for her. From there, with no good luck left, Felicia’s opponents are only left with bad luck, giving her a significant advantage in things like combat. Though it may not seem like much of a superpower, Felicia’s abilities still give her advantages over her enemies, and Catwoman.
2 Biggest Feat: Catwoman
While Selina may have powers of her own, Catwoman is just a much more successful character. Thanks to her longer publication history, Selina has accomplished more in her time. Especially recently, Selina has become a major character in Batman’s life thanks to their near marriage and the upcoming Batman/Catwoman series. Between the two, Selina has come much closer than Felicia to truly being happy, which is something that both characters never really consider for themselves.
1 Winner: Tie
When it comes down to it, both characters are truly on an equal playing field. Each of them is so incredibly similar that it is impossible to determine a definitive winner. Though each character has their own attributes that gives them an edge, the other has something equal that can counter it. For example, Catwoman’s experience and skills as a fighter could still give her an advantage over Black Cat’s luck powers. However, there is also no telling to what extent Black Cat’s powers will work for her. Really, only the minor differences in backstory, personality, and interactions with other characters can truly determine who is the favorite, but not who the victor would be.