Victoria "Vicki" Vale is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appears in Batman #49 (October/November 1948), and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger.

Fictional character biography

1940s-1960s

Vicki Vale first appeared in Batman #49 (Oct/Nov 1948), in a 12-page story entitled "Scoop of the Century!", written by Bill Finger, with art by Bob Kane and Lew Schwartz. Her look is said to have been modelled by Kane on that of young model Norma Jean Mortensen, who would later become known as Marilyn Monroe. Mortensen had signed with the Blue Book Modeling Agency in mid-1940. Reputedly created to mirror the success of Superman/Clark Kent's reporter colleague and love-interest Lois Lane, her role in the story consisted largely of reporting on Batman's activities for a newspaper (the Gotham Gazette). She was frequently romantically attracted to Batman (and Bruce Wayne on occasion also), and repeatedly suspected they were the same person.

Often the plot of a story featuring Vicki Vale revolved around her suspicions regarding Batman's identity. Batman would usually manage to fool her into concluding that he was not really Bruce Wayne by the end of the story, but then her suspicions would reemerge in a later story.

Vicki Vale remained a prominent character in Batman stories from Batman #49, in 1948, until Detective #320 in October 1963. In 1964, Julie Schwartz became the editor of the Batman-related comics. Schwartz dropped a number of Batman's Silver Age backing characters, including Vicki Vale, Batwoman, Bat-Girl, Bat-Mite, and Ace the Bat-Hound.

1970s-1980s

Vicki Vale surfaced thirteen years later, in Batman Family #11 (June 1977). She was now married and known as Vicki Vale Powers. She was also mentioned in Batman Family #16. After that, she vanished for another five years.

She returned around 1982 in Batman #344 (February 1982). The editor and writer were apparently unaware of her 1970s appearances, so there was no mention of her being married, and it was stated in a footnote that she had not appeared since Detective #320. Supposedly she had been in Europe for years, but now had returned to Gotham City. She became Bruce Wayne's romantic interest again, earning the wrath of Catwoman in Batman #355 (Jan 1983). She also had a rivalry for Bruce's affections with Julia Remarque, the daughter of Alfred Pennyworth and Mdme. Marie. (Julia Remarque was wiped from continuity after Crisis on Infinite Earths).

1990s onward

Vicki disappeared from the comics soon after the Crisis on Infinite Earths rebooted DC continuity, but returned in 1989/1990 in the Grant/Breyfogle era to coincide with the movie release. She once again began a romantic relationship with Bruce Wayne, but became upset over his frequent absences. When hospitalized after an attack by the Ventriloquist and Scarface, Bruce struggles over whether or not to tell her he is Batman, but decides not to, precipitating a break up. Bruce would later regret this when he descends into a brief depression following his defeat at the hands of Bane.

The character appeared again in the Wonder Woman title as one of the hosts of the television program The Scene (similar to The View). Her co-hosts included Lia Briggs, Tawny Young, and Linda Park. Two episodes were shown in which they interviewed Wonder Woman on her career. In "the Black Glove" book she wishes Bruce and his new lady Jezebel Jet well on the air, albeit grudgingly and in a somewhat brisk manner.

VIcki shows up (as a blonde) in the first of the 2008 two part story Two Face: Year One. She interviews a corrupt mob lawyer named Weinstein, who is running for Gotham district attorney against Harvey Dent.

Other versions

Vicki Vale plays the role of a romantic interest for Bruce Wayne in the new series All Star Batman and Robin, which is written by Frank Miller and drawn by Jim Lee as part of DC's All Star line of comics. This depiction of Vicki drew some criticism for its very sexualized depiction of her, specifically her introduction in the first issue alone in her apartment wearing nothing but a pink bra and panties with high heels. In the introduction to Miller's Batman: Year One, Vicki Vale is a gossip reporter who flirts with the judge during a shoplifting trial.

In other media

Batman and Robin (serial)

Vicki Vale appears in the 1949 serial Batman and Robin, portrayed by Jane Adams.

Batman (1989 film)

The character is featured prominently in the 1989 film Batman, played by Kim Basinger. Sean Young was originally cast as Vicki Vale before being forced to bow out due to an injury. The movie's interpretation of the character is actually a hybrid with 1970s character Silver St. Cloud, a name deemed too silly for a movie character. When the movie begins, she has come to Gotham to do a story on Batman, but becomes drawn into the conflict with the Joker when the Clown Prince of Crime develops an affection for her. She does not appear but is mentioned in the sequel Batman Returns, once flippantly when Bruce Wayne chides Alfred for letting her into the Batcave, and again during a conversation between Bruce and Selina Kyle where Bruce mentions that she ended the relationship and left because she ultimately couldn't accept his dual life.

OnStar commercials

Vicki Vale is also portrayed by Texas-born Baywatch actress Brooke Burns in "Very Late" (AKA "Hot Date"), one of the "Batman" OnStar commercials that mimicked the look of the 1989 film. In the commercial, Batman is fighting The Penguin and contacts Vicki via OnStar to tell her that he will be 'very late'.

The Batman vs. Dracula

Vicki Vale appears in the direct-to-video film The Batman vs. Dracula, voiced by Tara Strong. Instead of working for a newspaper, she is portrayed as a television reporter, reporting on the "Lost Ones" — the victims of Dracula — and is nearly used by Dracula to resurrect his long-dead bride before Batman interrupts the ritual. Vale is also romantically linked to Bruce Wayne, even going as far as to mention the kind of impact the death of his parents could have on him, hinting that she may know he is the Batman. Vale also makes a brief appearance in The Batman Strikes! #15, which itself is a companion tale of The Batman vs. Dracula.

References

External links