Batman #197

Batman #197 (On Sale: October 19, 1967) features another great Carmine Infantino cover, this one inked by Mike Esposito.

Inside "Catwoman Sets Her Claws for Batman" is by Gardner Fox and the unusual art team of Frank Springer and Sid Greene. This was Springer's first work at DC as just a penciler. Prior to this book Springer had inked three issues of Superboy and penciled and inked this month's Dial H for HERO story in the House of Mystery.

Catwoman has fallen in love with Batman and decides to impress him by giving up her life of crime and becoming a crimefighter too. She sees Batgirl as a rival for Batman's affection, so while stopping several robberies, Catwoman also tries to make a fool out of Batgirl.

After proving herself to be a superior crimefighter than her rival, Catwoman expects Batman to propose. When he doesn't Catwoman gives him an ultimatum. He must marry her, or she will return to crime. Batman still refuses, so she captures the Caped Crusader along with Robin and Batgirl. Reprinted in Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told Vol. 2 TPB and Showcase Presents: Batgirl Vol. 1 TPB.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.