As well as magic and witches, I also love superheroes. So, here is a quick list of my favourite standout superheroines - from comic books, TV shows, movies and anything else.
10. Huntress (DC)
A dark crimefighter, like a female Batman, who depending on the writer can have a great sense of humour, as well as a killer streak. The daughter of Batman and Catwoman in one universe, Huntress is best known as one of the members of the Birds of Prey, and a close friend of Black Canary. And of Power Girl. She's mainly known as a mafia princess out for revenge for her family's massacre when she was a child. Huntress is violent, stubborn, impulsive, and a fantastic martial artist and pro with the crossbow. I can't help but admire her darkly.
9. Squirrel Girl (Marvel)
A comedic cutie and charmer. Who knew Marvel could have sprouted this hyperactive super girl into existence? Squirrel Girl, aka Doreen Green, got her start as a one-off joke who only recently received a chance at starring in her own comic book series - one she very much deserves. She is like a female version of Deadpool, only far less psychotic and violent. Squirrel Girl is child-friendly without being two-dimensional: Don't mess with her! She is forever an optimist who will strive to do the right thing - the things superheroes would do - and she's a friend to all she meets, including squirrels. She's a colourful, adorable, and upbeat playmate of a hero who single-handedly saves the world and even defeats Marvel's most formidable villains - and that includes Galactus. What a confident lady!
8. Power Girl (DC)
I can't quite pinpoint why I harbour a special connection to Power Girl, aka Karen Starr. She's an underappreciated heroine in the DC universe, who was Superman's Krytonian cousin before Supergirl came onto the scene. Power Girl is a walking enigma, even to herself. There have been many retcons to her backstory over the years, as is typical of DC. But she's stayed consistent in personality: She is brash, sarcastic, confident, and impulsive. In finding her place in the universe, she tries to do good and save the earth, regardless of where she came from in whatever parallel reality. She doesn't care that much anyway, and wants to live in the here and now. Her famous or infamous "boob window" aside, Power Girl is a very strong and independent character with an infectious, tough aura about her. Also laid-back. Power Girl is one cool, buxom Kryptonian!
7. Ms Marvel (Kamala Khan) (Marvel)
A feat in diversity - a Muslim superheroine - Kamala Khan is also a very relatable teenage girl living in New Jersey. A fangirl and fanfiction writer living out her dream - while staying true and respectful to her religion - Kamala is clumsy, funny and goodhearted. A normal teen girl who's also a respected superhero; like Spider-Man, in terms of levels of success (not that she should ever be compared to a male hero). Kamala Khan, with the old name of Ms Marvel, is an original breakout star; a real inspiration, and an icon of immense importance in diverse representation in all medium.
6. Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers) (Marvel)
A leader, a space captain, a pilot, a diplomat, an ambassador, a fangirl, and an all-round confident and tremendously strong woman. It's recently she's been given the chance to shine as her own character and not have her life revolve around any male superheroes. An epic, lovable blonde, and an inspiration to girls, that's who Carol Danvers is!
5. Madoka Kaname ('Puella Magi Makoka Magica')
I am counting a character from a Magical Girl anime. Because Madoka is a superheroine - a pillar of ultimate selflessness, of kindness and empathy. She is self-sacrificing, compassionate, and a needed symbol of hope - everything that a traditional superhero is. And she's only fourteen-years-old - such pressure to put on a normal school girl! But when saving the people she loves and cares about, Madoka is quite literally a star. A phenomenon. Madoka is the good guy mirror opposite to Dark Magical Girl Homura Akemi: Hence she's earned a proud place on this list.
4. Wonder Woman (DC)
'Nuff said
3. Sailor Moon
Another anime addition - Magical Girls are superheroes, too! My fave Magical Girl of love and heart magic; a sensitive and brave soul whom I've talked about so many times already. See my 'Sailor Moon' manga reviews and favourite female characters list for more details.
2. Harley Quinn (DC)
She's spent most of her twenty-plus-years career as a villain. However nowadays Harley Quinn is an independent anti-heroine, growing out of the Joker's shadow. And most people prefer her that way; she is that strong a character. Harley is a survivor in every sense - of abuse, and time. She's a pop culture figure who's defied expectations and transcended barriers in all shapes and sizes. Again I've said so much about her in the past. See my favourite female characters list and comic book reviews.
1. Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) (DC)
Ad nauseam. Batgirl is a superheroine without powers, and a distaff counterpart to a male hero. But she's stood out and proved herself capable on her own for many years now, and has been through so much, I see her as a hero in her own damn right. Barbara is a computer genius, and a very brave and human young woman. Heroes in the DCU come to her for their protection and expert advice; she is at their beck and call. A lot of plans would have fallen apart without her. She is important to the DCU, and doesn't often receive respect and recognition for it. A sad reality of the life of a woman who lives behind the successes of a man. More information on Barbara Gordon in my comic reviews and fave female characters list.
Another list completed!
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