Biblio File
Women Made Women Superheroes
Superheroes are all over the media these days. There is the Marvel series on Netflix. Captain America: Civil War, Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and X-Men Apocalypse are all competing for ticket sales in movie theaters across America. On TV, viewers can followThe Flash (CW), The Arrow (CW), and Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (ABC).
Much like the television and film industries that draw from it, the comic book industry skews decidedly male: the artists, writers, and characters. In honor of the small minority of women making their way in a male-dominated profession, and turning out some exceptional work, here is a list of female superhero comics created by women, which runs from the traditional superheroes in the DC and Marvel vein to more unconventional superhero comics:
Batgirl Volume 1: The Darkest Reflection by Gail Simone
Barbara Gordon is back as Batgirl, this time she is up against a nightmare-inducing villian called The Mirror.
Gail Simone is an American comics writer who lives in Portland. Her work includes: Birds of Prey, Secret Six, Welcome to Tranquility, Wonder Woman, Red Sonja, and Batgirl.
Astonishing X-Men Volume 11: Weaponized by Marjorie Liu
Newlywed Kyle learns that marrying Northstar also means marrying the X-men.
Marjorie Liu is a writer of paranormal romance and fantasy novels as well as comics. Her work for Marvel includes: NYX, X-23, Wolverine, and Astonishing X-Men.
Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson
Kamala Khan is an ordinary Muslim teenager from Jersey City until she gains her powers and takes NYC by storm.
G. Willow Wilson is an American comics writer, novelist, essayist, and journalist. She herself is Muslim and lived in Egypt for a time. She has written for both DC and Marvel.
A lighthearted twist on the superhero genre.
Five best friends spend the summer at Lumberjane scout camp battling supernatural creatures and solving a mystery. Each character has her own special skill/power.
A shapeshifter with anger management issues working undercover posing as a supervillian.
Steven Universe Volume One created by Rebecca Sugar
Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.
Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!
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