When we first got news about DC Comics' complete revamp of its universe before Comic-Con last year, a mixture of different emotions was evident amongst comic fans. Many fans were nervous about the future characterizations of some of their most beloved characters, and others were thrilled at the prospect of major changes that would come our way. The thought of the unknown was new and exciting and a little bit nerve-wracking all at once.

Now, six issues into many of the original "New 52" books, we are just starting to really get comfortable with many of these characters and books. Well, it's time to get a little bit uncomfortable again (or excited, depending on how you react to change in comics). If you're a DC fan who has been following the news lately then you have already heard about the introduction of DC's parallel universe, Earth 2, into the "new DC Universe." One of the big changes coming our way will be the re-introduction of Helena Wayne into current DC comics. That's right, the Huntress is making a comeback, but the question remains how much of her back-story will remain the same? How much of her "bronze age" identity will be kept?

For those of you unfamiliar with the character, Helena Wayne was first introduced to comics by Paul Levitz, Joe Staton and Bob Layton as an "Earth- Two" character. The Huntress was Batman (Bruce Wayne's) and Catwoman's (Selina Kyle's) daughter and she made her very first appearance in DC SUPER STARS #17 where she took on a cape and cowl of her very own after her mother was blackmailed and died in action. Some of the same passions that fueled Bruce Wayne's crime fighting were evident in Helena who not-so-reluctantly took on a secret identity to avenge the death of her mother; making her a somewhat interesting parallel to Bruce.

Helena is the product of the Golden Age considering Earth-Two is where DC Comics sent all of the Golden Age versions of their characters to evolve. One can think of Earth-Two as the original reboot of the DC Universe, where the idea of a married Batman makes sense considering his history with Catwoman. Where characters can age and where this sentiment of nostalgia can continue to exist and thrive. But is it really necessary? Would the introduction of an Earth 2 Huntress only complicate things? How much of the Earth 2 version of her character will be brought back?

Up until recently, Helena Wayne was supposed to have been, well, dead. The original Earth 2 Huntress died in issue #12 of CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS and an all-new Huntress (Helena Bertinelli) who was completely unrelated to Batman, was introduced. Yet, now that the "crises" never happened, the original Huntress gets to have her comeback. Or does she?

You may have read the recent HUNTRESS mini-series by Paul Levitz which presented a stand-alone story that had Helena chasing some creepy mobsters and human traffickers throughout Italy. This version of the Huntress spoke fluent Italian and had been to Italy previously, and she definitely bore some interesting similarities to Helena Bertinelli. Bertinelli was the second version of the Huntress and the daughter of an Italian crime-family who was a little bit reckless and a little bit of a loose cannon -- both very endearing qualities for any super heroin. These qualities were certainly evident in Levitz' most recent mini series. For a while, the series left readers scratching their heads wondering which version of the Huntress was the one in Levitz' series. The decision to go to Italy to do some crime-fighting made sense if this version of the Huntress was Bertinelli because of her connection to organized crime. Then we discovered that this Huntress wasn't Bertinelli, but Helena Wayne.

So what qualities of the pre-crises Huntress will stick? We're thinking a lot. Earlier today DC unveiled the Huntress's Robin costume, evidence that the character will be connected to Batman. According to DC Editor Wil Moss, this Huntress has spent plenty of time fighting crime alongside Batman.

'Before coming to the main DCU Earth and taking up the mantle of Huntress, Helena Wayne fought crime alongside her father as the Robin to his Batman on Earth-2!' said WORLDS’ FINEST editor Wil Moss. 'But how did she come to be on this Earth? And why did she decide to become Huntress? You’ll get some clues in next week’s HUNTRESS #6, but for the real scoop, pick up WORLDS’ FINEST #1'

The question remains, though, how connected will the two be? What are the chances that Earth 2 Huntress will be Earth 2 Bruce Wayne's daughter? Does she become the Huntress in order to avenge her mother's death? Does she just need a new identity? Considering Paul Levitz; the man behind the original Earth 2 Huntress; will be responsible for penning the character, we think that the similarities between pre-crisis Huntress and this new Earth 2 Huntress will be consistent, but I guess we will have to wait and see. What do you think of Helena Wayne as the Huntress? Do you like the idea of Earth 2 crossing over into the regular DC Universe? Which version of the Huntress is your favorite?

I'm in favor of this. I think it's a pretty neat way to go back to the original version of Huntress, but presumably with some new added twists thrown into the mix. I'll definitely be looking into this series.

I really hope they keep most of Helena Bertinelli's traits as huntress because I absolutely loved her as a character. She was just a complete bad a## that didn't take crap from anyone. She stuck to her beliefs and path even if it stepped on the toes of allies. She is my favorite female of the bat family.

So does this mean Earth-2 Batman is Italian American?

Sure is confusing, and in truth its opening DC's new multiverse up to a possible new Crisis some day with all this confusion. Nevertheless, I'm hoping that the pre-Crisis idea of her being Bruce's daughter will make this the Earth-2 version of the Batman and Robin story that we've currently been seeing. I see potential for Helena to be to Bruce here what Damian is to Bruce in the other reality. I would prefer her as the Huntress, but who knows just how much pre-Crisis continuity will be accounted for? If this is anything like the other New 52 titles have been I wouldn't be surprised if Selina wasn't the mother either. In truth there are so many possibilities. I just hope she is Bruce's daughter...because otherwise it just loses the appeal to me.

What a mess of a character's history.

So, let me get this straight. The Huntress that is in the current mini is not Helena Bertinelli, but Helena Wayne. And the story that takes place in the mini is set in the main DCU Earth but that version of the Huntress is from Earth 2. And the story taking place in the mini is set after she comes from Earth 2 and turns from Robin into Huntress. So there is no counterpart for Huntress in the main DCU. And Helena Bertinelli no longer exists only Helena Wayne.

Is ALL that right?

Seems super unnecessary to me.

The fact that they're replacing the cool Huntress with this one is sad

wow..im already confused and i havnt even picked up an issue of earth- or worlds finest..*sigh

i think ima pass on the paralell worlds being RE-introduced. but i will be reading grant morrisons upcommming President Superman story.

There is a clue in Huntress 3 about the identity of Helena Wayne. After she frightens a pack of dogs away she thinks to herself "Never was much of a dog person." Then she bends down to stroke a cat and thinks "More of a cat person".

Most now think the Huntress mini-series is the Earth 2 Huntress assuming a new name and living on Earth 1 already. Supposedly there is another clue in the final issues of the miniseries. Does this mean that Karen Starr in Mr. Terrific is Powergirl already on Earth 1 under a new identity as well? And was she an Earth 2 Supergirl in the past?

The DC press materials do NOT say Helena Wayne is the daughter of Bruce Wayne but simply A Wayne. Considering that Earth 2 featured an earlier generation of DC heroes, it is possible that her father is not Bruce but Damian Wayne. It's also possible that the new Earth 2 Batman (only identified as "a Wayne") is a grown-up Earth 2 Damian Wayne who could be Helena's brother.

could be really cool...

I've always prefered Helena Wayne over Helena Bertinelli. Although I thought the Huntress/Question ship was cool.

BTW, is Question in this "NEW 52"? If so, please, PLEASE be Vic Sage!

@Baddamdog: It's to scare away the newbies.

I like this Huntress now.

>__>

@IronBear said:

There is a clue in Huntress 3 about the identity of Helena Wayne. After she frightens a pack of dogs away she thinks to herself "Never was much of a dog person." Then she bends down to stroke a cat and thinks "More of a cat person".

Most now think the Huntress mini-series is the Earth 2 Huntress assuming a new name and living on Earth 1 already. Supposedly there is another clue in the final issues of the miniseries. Does this mean that Karen Starr in Mr. Terrific is Powergirl already on Earth 1 under a new identity as well? And was she an Earth 2 Supergirl in the past?

The DC press materials do NOT say Helena Wayne is the daughter of Bruce Wayne but simply A Wayne. Considering that Earth 2 featured an earlier generation of DC heroes, it is possible that her father is not Bruce but Damian Wayne. It's also possible that the new Earth 2 Batman (only identified as "a Wayne") is a grown-up Earth 2 Damian Wayne who could be Helena's brother.

I can't remember where but I heard that the reason Karen Starr was getting close to Mr Terrific was because she was looking for a way home.

I'm disappointed, "A Cry For Blood", the Huntress Origin series, "No Man's Land"....Helena Bertinelli is where it's at and frankly I can't imagine how someone could prefer Helena Wayne who was not only brief but nowhere near as explosive and passionate as Helena Bertinelli.

Also, when will people learn? Children of superheroes never escape their parent's shadow and more importantly, everyone has been reading about a Bruce Wayne in his 30's for the past generations...why do writers and editors come along every so often thinking there should be more kids? More family? Bruce has a son already (who shouldn't be there) and now he'll have a daughter too? In her 20's?

I am telling you, DC better tie up all their loose ends and bank on Bertinelli as opposed to Wayne. Huntress blossomed as Bertinelli.

I prefer Helena Bertinelli over Helena Wayne. I like that she was a character separate from the Bat legacy.

I'm a newbie - lol, and I enjoyed this mini-series. I did some back-story research on this character and I have to admit, I was a little thrown with the different versions and what not, but for me, I like the idea of her being the daughter of Batman and Catwoman.

I look forward to seeing more of her - wherever she ends up, it'll be the fourth DC book that I will add to my pull-list.

Can you geeks wait till the Earth Two comics come out?!!

So Earth-2 and World's Finest better not be hugely reliant upon the Huntress miniseries, that would make this so much more confusing, especially because I haven't read the mini.

Not trying to add to the confusion but is the Huntress in The min, WF and E2 all the same lady or are there two because I would prefer Helena Wayne as Robin and Helena Bertinellli as Huntress to end this confusion (some what)

@IronBear said:

There is a clue in Huntress 3 about the identity of Helena Wayne. After she frightens a pack of dogs away she thinks to herself "Never was much of a dog person." Then she bends down to stroke a cat and thinks "More of a cat person".

Most now think the Huntress mini-series is the Earth 2 Huntress assuming a new name and living on Earth 1 already. Supposedly there is another clue in the final issues of the miniseries. Does this mean that Karen Starr in Mr. Terrific is Powergirl already on Earth 1 under a new identity as well? And was she an Earth 2 Supergirl in the past?

The DC press materials do NOT say Helena Wayne is the daughter of Bruce Wayne but simply A Wayne. Considering that Earth 2 featured an earlier generation of DC heroes, it is possible that her father is not Bruce but Damian Wayne. It's also possible that the new Earth 2 Batman (only identified as "a Wayne") is a grown-up Earth 2 Damian Wayne who could be Helena's brother.

Most don't think that she's the Earth 2 Helena Wayne, they know it for a fact. And yes, Karen Starr IS Power Girl, and yes, she was Supergirl on Earth 2

@pspin said:

So Earth-2 and World's Finest better not be hugely reliant upon the Huntress miniseries, that would make this so much more confusing, especially because I haven't read the mini.

Not trying to add to the confusion but is the Huntress in The min, WF and E2 all the same lady or are there two because I would prefer Helena Wayne as Robin and Helena Bertinellli as Huntress to end this confusion (some what)

Don't worry. The although it was a good series it's not something you need to read. Meaning it held nothing essential for you to understand the upcoming book.

Bertinelli was the second version of the Huntress and the daughter of an Italian crime-family who was a little bit reckless and a little bit of a loose cannon -- both very endearing qualities for any super heroin.

I guess every superhero needs a boost of heroin. xP

if you haven't been reading the Huntress mini then you're really missing out a great title...I've absolutely loved every issue of it and they've all been at the top of my reading list when they're released...I can't wait for Worlds' Finest to start!

@Miss_Garrick: Well, If you read Batwoman #1 you'd know that Renee Montoya is on the wall of fallen gotham police officers. however, we also know from the original Zen and Violence arc of the Question, Vic Sage metaphorically "died" to truly become the question, so it's possible that she did the same thing when she took up the mantle and faked her death. Also, the history between her and Kassandra Kane is still there, and that was introduced in 52, in which Vic Sage died. I personally hope Renee stays as the question, since as much as Vic was my favorite hero, he got perhaps one of the greatest deaths of any hero in the DCU, and I'd hate to see that get cheapened simply for the nostalgia of an old character

@DIOMJK: Really I read the issue but missed that part saying she was dead. Personally I don't like her as the Question. I liked her as a cop though.

@pspin: Its the same person. Karen Starr (from Mr. Terrific) is Power Girl. Huntress from the self-titled mini-series is, as a matter of fact, Helena Wayne.

I'm hoping Earth-2 Batman is Thomas Wayne (as in Flashpoint) and Helena Bertinelli is like the Earth-2 Dick Grayson. That she's "Helena Wayne" because Thomas adopted her, like Dick and Tim Wayne in Earth-1. No connection to Selina Kyle necessary.

So this Huntress is the Earth 2 Helena Wayne but recycled to have the origin of her counter part Bertinelli? i could care less about which roots they use, both sound good. They could meld her like they did Power girl for the her time on Earth Prime, but I really want huntress to retain her harsh, mob crushing M.O in the comics plus I like the idea of having her been trained as robin from her Earth. So I choose Helena Wayne, a member of the Bat family from another world will do fine.

@Dernman: Check near the beginning when Kane is at the police station, she gets very sad over a picture of Montoya on the wall, implying she fell in action. It's never explicitly said she's dead though, and I think i heard in interviews that aspects of Batwoman's relationship with montoya will be brought up. And I haven't read any of her stuff as the Question other than 52, so my opinion of her as the questions is based on that, and I think it was wonderfully done and built up.

I guess that this is a different earth 2 than the one we saw at the end of 52, since that one clearly had Dick Grayson as a grown up Robin, and Helena Wayne as the Huntress. I guess that Flashpiont changed all the 52 worlds of the multiverse.

As someone who's been reading the Huntress mini, I think that they are making her Helena Wayne, but she seems to have most of the personality traits of Helena Bertinelli.

I mean, she killed amob boss in the last issue.

So, I'm on board with it as long as the personality stays the same.

Disappointed that Bertinelli is in limbo, but I'll give Wayne a chance.

I'm heartbroken about all the changes. I honestly could sit and type till my fingers snapped off about how this is really crushing things. But at this point all I can do is sit and watch DC take something I and others loved and twist it. The story is messed up. Her past is nothing. [A beautiful well built past I might add.] What are they going to do? Say shes not this an not that and pop the blue contacts out and suddenly let her call Bruce daddy? Are comics are now on different time lines? Selina doesn't know Bruce, the Birds of Prey are just, I can't even read them. I'm not here to argue with anyone I'm just saying that DC did this for money. Sex sells, the reboot or 're-imagined' DC as they say, is to reach out to people and get them asking questions and buying issues. Well, DC neglected the fact that us original comic lovers would be hurt over things. Some love the new but others who really know who they are reading about feel like crap. You can't mesh them. You just can't. The looks the personality the everything. It just will not work. I know both of the backgrounds and I know they are trying to do something good but it won't work.

@DIOMJK: JH Williams has said that it was an Accomodation board not a "fallen" officers board. They couldn't fit the small lettering into the picture. Renee is not dead.

the entire gimmick of Earth-2 is that it is the universe of the golden age characters. If you are not going to do that, just do not call it Earth-2.

@DIOMJK: Kate Kane was sad about Renee due to their failed relationsip. It has nothing to do with death.

@FoxCircuit101: She's kicking a lot of international Mafia ass in the current mini

The weird thing is I can sort of understand why they would make all this changes in the New 52 New Earth since for a lot of people, it would be their first time they picked this particular series. But from the moment you publish temporal crises or books about multiple parallel earths, you are kind of addressing a very niche market of people who care about continuity.

@Dernman: Thanks, that was a concern of mine

@caz1996: I thought that this Power Girl was different, is there back story in Mr. Terrific ( I thought that MT was really bad and had no relevance to other books [ I never read it, I just heard that])

I definitely prefer Helena Bertinelli as Huntress. I prefer her back story, and she's a little crazy too.

@jrock85: Bertenelli is basically dead. She's been merged with Helena Wayne. Reading the mini, you couldn't tell them apart.

Me thinks it'll be more complicated than that. Having Bruce as her dad is too simple. I think Dick might change his last name to Wayne and have her or Batman is Thomas Wayne.

I refuse to read anything Earth 2! That is all. Thank you.

@DarthShap: Earth 2 is whatever DC says it is, was, or will be. They own it. Fans only have 2 choices. Like it or leave it. Whining not an option.

@HexThis: @HexThis said:

I'm disappointed, "A Cry For Blood", the Huntress Origin series, "No Man's Land"....Helena Bertinelli is where it's at and frankly I can't imagine how someone could prefer Helena Wayne who was not only brief but nowhere near as explosive and passionate as Helena Bertinelli.

Also, when will people learn? Children of superheroes never escape their parent's shadow and more importantly, everyone has been reading about a Bruce Wayne in his 30's for the past generations...why do writers and editors come along every so often thinking there should be more kids? More family? Bruce has a son already (who shouldn't be there) and now he'll have a daughter too? In her 20's?

I am telling you, DC better tie up all their loose ends and bank on Bertinelli as opposed to Wayne. Huntress blossomed as Bertinelli.

Love Bertinelli, but I don't believe she's superior to Wayne just because the latter got screwed over by the first reboot and the former was granted a longer publication history. Helena Wayne was just as passionate about crime fighting for the Bronze Age comics and even now she's just as passionate in the new DCU. Also, anyone who has Bruce and Selina's genes is one good reason to like Helena Wayne in my book. You're not Catwoman's daughter if you don't have a little bit of a bad girl in you, plus throw in Batman into the mix, and you have the best of both worlds.

On that note, I don't see why heroes can't have children, especially if they turn out as badass as Huntress and Power Girl, who by the way, stand out very well on their own despite their heritages. At least now DC can actually do more with Wayne now that she exists within a more modern continuity and has a lot of potential as a character with the rich history she has.

I'm definitely game for Worlds' Finest and Earth-2.

I'm especially intrigued by Earth-2 Bruce especially if he has a different personality from the main one, as suggested in the recent solicitations. I wonder what Earth-2 Selina's Catwoman costume looks like.

@cagedleo730 said:

@jrock85: Bertenelli is basically dead. She's been merged with Helena Wayne. Reading the mini, you couldn't tell them apart.

Good point.

@RedheadedAtrocitus: This all makes total sense to me and, with respect, you "old farts" need to take off the hardcore fanboy glasses. Look We all love {insert hero} (batman for me), and DC knows this because of all the money he makes so how much can they really risk him? I haven't read those old comics but i know how somethings are done and then undone by different writers like Bruce Wayne's death. And to be honest those kind of things are lame (to me). Earth and Earth 2 are a great way to have your cake and eat it too, we could see a aging or dead Batman but still have our 30+ Batman safe and sound (and bad ass) and DC hasn't risked a bread winner. As long as DC keeps it down to 2 and we don't have a Earth 579.468 B which is the exact same as 579.468 A except Superman wears his underwear on the inside I think it could be a good thing.

Has Bruce Wayne ever had a "father to daughter" moment with his "daughter from another Earth"?

If she yelled "You're not my FATHER" and ran away... just bad writing.

I'm very serious... has he ever reached out to her?