To commemorate International Women’s Day, we at the GWW wanted to celebrate the many amazing women in comics. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive—there are countless powerful women featured in comics to respect and appreciate. Here are just a few of our favorites. Let us know your favorites in the comments!
Wonder Woman (DC Comics)
One of the strongest and skilled fighters in the Justice League, Wonder Woman was sure to make this list. She has several magical weapons—lasso of truth, bracelets of victory, and her royal tiara—that make her the wisest and fiercest warrior princess to come out of the Amazon. Since 1941, Wonder Woman has stood as a symbol for justice, truth, peace, and equality.
Black Canary (DC Comics)
Incredibly skilled in hand-to-hand combat and martial arts, Black Canary is one of DC’s top fighters. Her Canary Cry—a supersonic shockwave—is capable of destructing objects and incapacitating enemies. A founding member of the Justice League, she’s also a member of the Birds of Prey—an all-female crime-fighting team.
Captain Marvel (Marvel Comics)
Previously Ms. Marvel, Captain Marvel, or Carol Danvers, possesses superhuman strength and can fly six times the speed of sound. She can fire blasts of radiant energy from her fingertips by absorbing other forms of energy to magnify her strength and defenses. An exceptionally skilled fighter, pilot, and espionage agent, Captain Marvel fights alongside Iron Man, and against Captain America, during Civil War. She’s a force to be reckoned with.
Storm (Marvel Comics)
An extremely powerful mutant with the ability to control the weather, Storm is an extraordinary member of the X-Men. Storm is a natural leader, who has led the X-Men against formidable foes and has teamed up with the Avengers and the Fantastic Four. Controlling cosmic storms, solar winds, ocean currents, electromagnetic fields, and more natural forces, Storm is arguably one of the most powerful characters in the X-Men and all comics.
Batgirl (DC Comics)
When I think of a strong female character in comics, my mind immediately goes to Barbara Gordon—otherwise known as Batgirl, or Oracle. This character has really been put through hell but continues to keep on fighting. Whether it was being shot and paralyzed by the joker or almost being murdered by her own brother, Barbara soldiers on. In Batgirl Year One, she even stood up to Batman defending her right to go out and be a hero. Batgirl Year One was my first series with the character and quickly became my favorite. She’s a character that I hope is brought to the big screen, and I can’t wait to see what happens to her character as Rebirth unfolds. —Mac Thompson
Michonne (The Walking Dead, Image Comics)
A vital member of the survivors of the zombie (or walker) apocalypse, Michonne has proven to be deadly with her katana. Introduced in issue 19 tied to two zombies lacking arms and jaws, she’s shown her incredibly strong will over and over again. Quite possibly the strongest member of the group, Michonne has successfully lead attacks against many enemies—such as the Governor, the Hunters, and the Saviors.
Alana (Saga, Image Comics)
A native of the largest planet in the galaxy, Landfall, Alana has wings and the power of flight. Throughout the comic, Alana has proven to be a tough and independent character, standing her ground to protect her family, and especially her daughter Hazel. She was discharged of her duty as a Private First Class in the Landfall Coalition for hesitating when given a direct order to bomb a bridge filled with civilians. She later met her husband, Marko, a young Wreath soldier, and a supposed enemy of Landfall. She does whatever it takes to fight for her family, and she doesn’t hold back when speaking her mind.
