Reader Fred Grandinetti has a charming story…
By FRED GRANDINETTI
Back in the 1970s I purchased the book Batman From the ’30s to the ’70s, published by Crown. It was here I fell in love with Kathy Kane, the original Batwoman — whose 70th anniversary was earlier in 2026.
As a kid, I read her last Silver Age story in Detective Comics, where she saved Batman and Robin from being burned to death. This was the only memory I had of her. However, she was seen in six adventures in this volume.
Batwoman’s first appearance in 1956. Cover by Sheldon Moldoff.
I began writing about her career and my articles have been published in Back Issue, The Comics Buyer’s Guide, Filmfax and even The Italian Tribune. Articles have also been featured on both the Remind and Boomer Magazine websites.
I discovered she was designed by Sheldon “Shelly” Moldoff, one of Bob Kane’s ghost artists. Mr. Moldoff was, like me, a fan of Popeye the Sailor. I wrote him a letter explaining my affection for Batwoman and added some Popeye items.
Several weeks later, I received a thank you from Mr. Moldoff, along with a colorful drawing of me riding with Batwoman on her cycle. I didn’t ask for it! What a generous gift! It remains one of my prized pieces of comics art memorabilia.
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MORE
— BATWOMAN AT 70: An Anniversary Celebration of 1956’s DETECTIVE COMICS #233 — and Beyond. Click here.
— EAT YOUR SPINACH! POPEYE Debuted on Television 70 Years Ago. Click here.
October 7, 2026
That’s a great memory, Fred! I’m so glad he sent that to you! What a thrill to have when you opened it!
October 7, 2026
Absolutely gorgeous piece of art! Sheldon was truly gifted.
Rest his soul.
October 7, 2026
Thank you for sharing this with us!
October 7, 2026
Thanks Fred! Sure do wish the Kathy Kane Batwoman would have stuck around a whole lot longer. Another unnecessary COIE loss.
October 7, 2026
Simply amazing
October 12, 2026
@NotThatJoe: Kathy was killed off years before Crisis, though Crisis then wrote her out of continuity.
Fred, that is pretty amazing! I met Shelly once in the 1990s and bought a Batman painting from him, but you certainly received a wonderful, personalized surprise. that’s awesome.