Shortly after I first started writing this series of posts on female-created comics, I wrote a post that highlighted some of the best superhero comics created by women, but since that time some great new comics have debuted featuring female superheroes written and/or drawn by female creators. This post will help you find a brand new superhero for all your reading (and maybe even cosplaying!) needs.
Captain Marvel by Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters with art by Kris Anka – With Kelly DeConnick no longer writing for Captain Marvel, many fans were a bit nervous what the newest series about this iconic character would bring. But, thankfully, Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters, both writers and producers for the hit Marvel show Agent Carter, have managed to create a compelling new story worthy of Carol Danvers. This latest arc finds Carol moving to a state-of-the-art space station to take charge of Alpha Flight. Though the first issue was just released in January, the series is already off to an action-packed start that will help members of the Carol Corp. to recover from DeConnick’s departure.
Faith by Jody Houser with art by Francis Portela and Marguerite Sauvage – This new series from Valiant focuses on Faith Herbert, a.k.a. Zephyr, and allows her to have solo adventures and serve as the backbone of her own series for the first time. Faith is a standout character for several reasons, but one of the most talked about is the fact that she defies expectations about a female superhero’s build. Instead of featuring completely unrealistic art that gives her an idealized or even stylized body, Faith is depicted here as a plus-sized woman in a way that never shies away from showing her realistically. This makes the series an important addition to the world of female superheroes, but beyond this, the series also tells a great story that is sure to earn Faith a legion of her own fans.
Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat by Kate Leth with art by Brittney L. Williams – Diehard Jessica Jones fans may recognize Patsy Walker as Trish Walker from that show, but the character has a much longer history than that, appearing originally in romance comics starting in the 1940’s. This new series references her origin story while creating a modern and light-hearted world for the modern day Hellcat to inhabit. Williams’ art beautifully complements the tone of Leth’s story, making this a very engaging new series that is perfect for fans of The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl and anyone who wants more humor than violence in their superhero stories.
Bombshells by Marguerite Bennett with art by Marguerite Sauvage – In this entertaining reimagining of history, powerful female characters from the DC universe lend their strength to the armies fighting World War II. The series includes an array of popular characters, including Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batwoman, Commander Waller, and Harlequin. The artwork for the series complements its historical setting through its 1940’s pin-up style and portrays these characters as strong, dynamic heroes. It is a great option for readers who love alternate histories or fans of these characters’ other story arcs.
Runaways: Battleworld by Noelle Stevenson with art by Sanford Greene – Runaways has a history of having some great creative teams affiliated with it, including Brian K. Vaughan, Adrian Alphona, Joss Whedon, Michael Ryan, Kathryn Immonen, and Sara Pichelli, but notwithstanding this illustrious history, fans were still extremely excited when it was announced that Noelle Stevenson and Sanford Greene were taking over for the series’ Battleworld arc. In this iteration, the teenage runaways are students at a fancy and selective school. As they begin to question the motives of the school’s principal, they uncover secrets that will change them forever. Whether you have read Runaways in the past or not, this is a great miniseries to check out.
Did I miss any of your favorite new female-created superheroes? Want to discuss these comics more? Let me know in the comments!
– Carli Spina, currently reading Hello, I Love You by Katie M. Stout
Have you read The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl? She’s awesome. She’s also not built in the stereotypical female way. She’s also very go getter and she defeats the bad guy using her fists or her chatter. It’s awesome. http://kotaku.com/marvel-comics-best-superhero-right-now-is-a-girl-who-t-1725412501
Yes! Squirrel Girl is great and I’m looking forward to way more of her adventures. Her series is just so different from anything else in the Marvel universe right now.
I just wanted to say how much I love this series of yours! I always learn about something new.
Thanks! That is so great to hear!