Non-Fiction Book Review - 'DC: Women of Action' by Shea Fontana (Writer), Various Artists

Wow did I overlook and underappreciate this tome the first time I read it over a year ago, and wow did I underestimate its importance, and passion in its writing, expertise, structure, and artwork. Maybe I was just pissed that Amethyst Princess of Gemworld isn't included in her own chapter, even though she is mentioned in the summary of a female DC and Vertigo editor (Karen Berger) in the 'Behind the Scenes' segment at the end of the book, and that's why I rated it three stars and not four. I still think the Amethyst absence is a shame.

Otherwise, 'DC: Women of Action' is pretty brilliant. Reading 'Marvel Fearless and Fantastic!' made me come to my senses, and in my opinion, its DC counterpart in 'Women of Action' is of superior quality.

The fun and life and love come in leaps and bounds out of its every page. I loved reading about the intelligent, thoughtful and warm writings about the history and impact of Wonder Woman, Batgirl (Barbara Gordon), Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Batwoman, Catwoman, Supergirl, Black Canary, and Jessica Cruz. The shorter chapters on the comparatively lesser-known heroines are still good: there's Power Girl, Big Barda, Raven, Starfire, Zatanna, Huntress, Katana, Renee Montoya, Stargirl, Wonder Girl (every incarnation is mentioned), Carrie Kelly, and Mary Marvel and Darla of the Shazam family. Unlike 'Fearless and Fantastic!', 'Women of Action' doesn't exclude female villains! The Cheetah, Circe, Killer Frost, Granny Goodness, the Women of the League of Assassins (Talia al Ghul, Lady Shiva, and Chesire), and others are given their due. Civilians or women without superhuman or metahuman powers, or who otherwise have no need of superhero identities, also receive their own gushing chapter, such as Lois Lane, Amanda Waller, and Etta Candy! Barbara Gordon as Oracle has her own chapter separate from Batgirl!

Speaking of Babs, in the Batgirl chapter there is a not-so-subtle jab at the sexist, creepy, disgusting and just plain unnecessary Batgirl and Batman romance that keeps popping up in DC media outside of the comics. Nice. Much appreciated.

Power Girl's chapter needed to be longer, though. And why the everloving hell was Batwoman/Kate Kane's twin sister not mentioned at all in her bio? Why not give Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown their own Batgirl chapters? They deserve it. At least give Stephanie as Spoiler a bio page. Same goes for Donna Troy and Cassandra Sandsmark in their roles as separate Wonder Girls. Nubia definitely should have had her own chapter, as well.

Oh well. I guess you can't have it all when it comes to detailing superheroes with decades of history to them, within the limitations of a publication such as this.

The artistry of each of these superwomen and girls is gorgeous. Bold and beautiful, to reflect the women of action.

For passionate, feminist info on the best and most diverse superheroines in the DCU (this book is definitely pro-trans rights - it mentions Barbara's friend Alysia Yeoh as the first transgender character in mainstream comics - and includes quotes from trans authors, and it lists nonbinary artists, writers and contributors), 'DC: Women of Action' is for you, the fangirl, the fanboy, the geek, the fan.

'DC: Women of Action' - how fun and feminist! Recommended.

Final Score: 4/5