The 10 Greatest Female Superheroes Of All Time
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Comic books have long been a medium that specifically celebrated storytelling from a predominantly male perspective. However, more female superheroes have carved out their own space in the vibrant universes found in comic books. From Marvel to DC and beyond, these remarkable female characters have inspired new generations of readers and filmgoers.
Let’s celebrate the top 10 greatest female superheroes who have left an indelible mark on the world of comic books.
Supergirl
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Supergirl, or Kara Zor-El, is Superman’s cousin. She made her first appearance in Action Comics #252 in 1959. Her unwavering optimism and determination make her a beacon of hope. She’s willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good, exemplifying true heroism. In recent years, Supergirl’s comic book persona was changed to that of an outsider unable to adjust to the culture of humanity yet still willing to fight for justice. Milly Alcock will portray Supergirl in the new Superman film set for release in 2025.
Jean Grey
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The 2000s era of Fox X-Men films was celebrated long before the MCU was a thing, and a big part of that was Jean Grey. Jean Grey, also known as Phoenix, wields immense telepathic and telekinetic abilities. She debuted in X-Men #1 in 1963. Her struggle with the omnipotent Phoenix Force entity showcases the complexities of power and responsibility. Her heroic and tragic sacrifice in The Dark Phoenix Saga remains iconic. Jean died in the comics in 1976 and was meant to stay that way but was resurrected in 2017.
Shuri
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2018’s Black Panther not only introduced the world to T’Challa and the fictional African kingdom of Wakanda, but it also introduced other important characters. Shuri is T’Challa’s younger sister and a vitally important character in the Wakanda mythos. Shuri debuted in Black Panther #2 in 2005. In the comic books, she is a tech genius, martial artist, sorceress, and a Wakandan princess who once even ruled as Black Panther herself. Leticia Wright portrayed Shuri in four MCU films, making the character a household name, and one of the greatest female superheroes ever.
Black Widow
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Black Widow, aka Natasha Romanoff, is a martial arts expert, tactician, and former Russian spy who eventually became an Avenger and one of the greatest female superheroes ever. The character’s comic book introduction was inspired by the real-world Cold War tensions of the era. Black Widow first appeared in Tales of Suspense #52 in 1964 and was originally a foil for Iron Man. Her lethal combat skills, intelligence, and complex backstory make her an intriguing character. Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of Black Widow in the MCU further solidified her place among the greats.
Storm
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The first X-Men comics from 1963 were inspired by the Civil Rights era and the fight against discrimination. It was a cult classic that waned in popularity and was canceled by 1970. It was relaunched in 1975 with Giant-Sized X-Men #1. It has a culturally diverse cast including Ororo Munroe, also known as Storm, an African mutant with the power to control the weather. As a member of the X-Men, she brings both strength and elegance to the team. Her leadership skills, compassion, and regal demeanor set her apart from other female superheroes and make her one of the best.
Captain Marvel
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Even though 2019’s Captain Marvel film made over $1 billion, many non-comic book readers were shocked to learn that the character is decades old and has a storied history. Carol Danvers first appeared as a military officer in Marvel Super-Heroes #13 in 1968. She later became Ms. Marvel in Ms. Marvel #1 in 1977. Danvers did not assume the Captain Marvel title in the comic books until 2012. Captain Marvel is a cosmic powerhouse with the power of energy manipulation, flight, and light generation. Brie Larson’s portrayal of the character in the MCU made the character a household name.
Ms. Marvel
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Kamala Khan debuted in Captain Marvel #14 in 2013 as the first major South Asian and Pakistani-American character in Marvel Comics. Khan inherited the code name later Ms. Marvel from the original, Carol Danvers, in 2014. She has shape-shifting and stretching powers. Khan was originally supposed to be an X-Men character, was changed into an Inhuman, but was finally retconned into an X-Men. Actress Iman Vellani has become synonymous with the character due to her exuberant and optimistic MCU portrayal.
Scarlet Witch
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Actress Elizabeth Olsen made the Scarlet Witch one of the most famous and beloved female superheroes ever with her tragic and heroic MCU portrayal. The character first appeared in X-Men #4 in 1964 and is regarded as a mutant in the comic books. The Scarlet Witch is a sorceress with reality-warping powers and other powers. She was basically unknown to the non-comic book readers until Olsen’s portrayal made the character a household name.
Much of her popularity stems from the fact that she is such a divisive yet powerful character that evokes empathy from readers.
Mera
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The scandalous trial of Amber Heard does not take away from the fact that Mera is one of the greatest female superheroes ever created. Mera debuted in Aquaman #11 in 1963. In the comics, she is the wife of Aquaman, Queen of Atlantis, and of royal lineage from an Atlantian kingdom called Xebel. Mera has super-strength, the ability to control and manipulate water, and mystical powers. In some online fan debates, some comic book fans believe that Mera might be stronger than Aquaman.
Wonder Woman
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Diana Prince, also known as Wonder Woman, is an Amazonian warrior princess and the original archetype for modern female superheroes. With her iconic Lasso of Truth, indestructible bracelets, famed invisible jet, and unwavering sense of justice, she stands as a symbol of empowerment and equality in a world of injustice. Wonder Woman made her first appearance in All-Star Comics #8 in 1941. Actress Lynda Carter personified the character in the 1970s and 1980s until Gal Gadot assumed the role, and became a household name, in 2017. Wonder Woman’s impact as a character extends well beyond comics, as she has become a global cultural icon.
There Are Too Many Great Female Superheroes to Count
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The order of the list is not indicative of the overall greatness of these female superheroes; each superhero brings something unique to the table.
Read more comic books and get acquainted with the vast array of female superheroes that remain unknown and undiscovered because they have yet to be adapted for a Hollywood film or streaming show.
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Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing. Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including saving and investing in your own small business.
