Superheroes are widely celebrated, but to be honest, not all of them get their time in the sun. Let’s take a female hero like She-Hulk, she clearly doesn’t share her male counterpart’s fame and recognition. This is just solid proof that female superheroes are underrated or often riding the coattails of their male peers.
If there’s one clear thing, it’s that these women deserve to own the spotlight in their own right. Luckily, or should we say, thanks to continuous progress in the industry, there’s been a rise in fierce female comic characters who prove they’re just as capable of saving the day. With that in mind, it’s time for MCU and DC fans to give these amazing heroines the attention they’ve earned.
1. Raven
Raven isn’t your run-of-the-mill hero, she’s half human, half demon, with her father being Trigon, a demonic interdimensional conqueror with a bad attitude and telekinesis to match. She’s got some pretty wild powers herself ranging from teleportation to the ability to shapeshift into a shadowy, bird-like creature. Despite all her supernatural badassery, Raven’s real battle is the ability to balance her human compassion with her demonic side. Perhaps that’s what makes her relatable since it’s inherently human to struggle with character traits — minus the whole “spawn of a demon” thing. As one of the founding members of the Teen Titans, Raven isn’t just their mystical expert on the ground, she’s also the group’s emotional glue.
Tara Strong brought the iconic character to life in the animated Teen Titans series (2003-2006), perfectly mixing teenage angst and dark mystical energy. On the live-action side, Teagan Croft took up the mantle and delivered a stellar. Her portrayal explores Raven’s darker side while tapping into her emotional complexity. They may be two very different takes, but both did Raven proud.
2. Black Canary
The DC Comics superheroine, Black Canary has appeared in both animated series and live-action. In the short-lived television series, Birds of Prey, Jurnee Smollett-Bell stepped into the character’s shoes. Katie Cassidy also played the role in Arrow. To prepare herself for the role, Cassidy had to learn the ear-splitting cry and mimic Black Canary’s training as well.
In the DC universe, Black Canary is one of the best hand-to-hand combatants with multiple fighting styles. She equally has the canary cry — a devasting ultrasonic scream that can incapacitate enemies, shatter objects, and even deflect projectiles. Besides her plausible capabilities, the Black Canary is a fiercely independent and compassionate hero often depicted as a mentor, leader, and advocate for justice.
3. Hawkgirl
Hawkgirl, an imposing figure in any DC superhero team’s lineup has lived many lives throughout the history of the multiverse. This character embodies a line of fierce-winged women from different planets and backgrounds. This character is vividly portrayed by Sahar Binaz in Smallville. Then in Justice League Unlimited, Maria Canals-Barrera voiced the character.
Whether depicted as a reincarnated warrior or an alien soldier, the fiercely determined and headstrong hero is defined by her loyalty, sense of justice, and unyielding courage. With wings made of Nth metal, Hawkgirl’s ability to fly with great speed and agility makes her stand out. This hawk-like badass superhero and Hawkman are tied to a cycle of death and rebirth, which grants them centuries of knowledge and battle experience. Although the two are often seen fighting side by side, Hawkgirl is no mere love interest or sidekick of Hawkman, however, she is a formidable hero in her own right.
4. Starfire
DC Comic’s Starfire has been a long-time member of the titular Teen Titans. Hynden Walch voices the character in the film Teen Titans Go! To the Movies but in the Titans series, the character is skillfully played by Anna Diop. This version of the character was sent to Earth to kill Rachel Roth (Raven) but ended up losing her memories after a crash. In a turn of events, she became Raven’s most fierce protector.
Ever thought of neutralizing any threat using fire, Starfire will gladly answer the call. Regardless of the differences in terrestrial species, this character is a love-all kinda hero. She adores every race, species, and gender. Even more, the fire girl seems to have a special interest – Dick Grayson, proving that even those who play with fire can get burned by love.
5. Zealot
Endowed with an extremely long lifespan and ever-young stunning looks, Zealot got stuck on Earth after her ship crashed. In what may seem like a feat of “survival of the fittest,” she had to team up against the Daemonites with other superheroes on the planet. She is seen as one of the most skilled warriors in the Wildstorm Universe. As a unique and formidable superhero, Zealot has appeared alongside celebrated characters like Superman and Batman.
Zealot’s violent and ruthless nature were toned down in the animated series WILD C.A.T.s given that the series is a family-friendly show. But the character’s feelings towards Grifter and her backstory with the Coda sisterhood remained the same. The remodeled version of the character in the series was voiced by Roscoe Handford.
6. Misty Knight
With a bionic arm and superhuman strength, Misty Knight works as a private investigator and is the first black female superhero in Marvel Comics. Despite her out-of-the-world powers, she rarely gets the spotlight alone, other Marvel heroes often overshadow her. But, it’s clear that she’s as powerful as they come in her own right.
In Iron Man: Armored Adventures (2008-2012), Lisa Ann Beley brought her to life while in The Super Hero Squad Show (2010), Cree Summer did the honors. Simone Missick took the reins in the Netflix television series, Luke Cage (2016-2018), The Defenders (2017) and the second season of Iron Fist (2018).
7. America Chavez
With super strength and powers to punch open star-shaped doorways to other dimensions, America Chavez remains one of Marvel’s most versatile multiverse heroes. A trailblazer in every sense, America Chavez is equally a forerunner for LGBTQ+ Latina heroes. Her ability to bridge worlds mirrors her role in inspiring underrepresented communities. With her unique powers, America Chavez definitely deserves more in-depth exploration in comics, films, and television.
Several talented actors in animated series and video games have voiced this character however, the notable ones include: Cierra Ramirez in Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors (2018), Sandra Saad, and Ani Sava in the video game versions. In the live-action adaptation, Xochitl Gomez did the honors.
8. She-Hulk
“A lawyer by day, a superhero when chaos calls” is a perfect way how to describe the incredible She-Hulk, Jennifer ‘Jen’ Walters, portrayed by Tatiana Maslany in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, specializes in superhuman legal cases. But, it doesn’t stop there, over the years, She-Hulk has teamed up with Marvel heroes like the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, Heroes for Hire, and S.H.I.E.L.D. So, she is not just strong in the courtroom but on the battlefield as well.
Jennifer Walters’s transformed into the Gamma-powered green giant after a life-saving blood transfusion from her cousin, Bruce Banner AKA the Hulk. With powers that mirror his, She-Hulk boasts extraordinary strength, durability, and the ability to leap to towering heights. Now regarded as the most powerful woman in Marvel comics, Jen also possesses a remarkable healing factor. Whether she is kicking asses or winning legal battles, She-Hulk is not here to play.
9. Valkyrie
Valkyrie, the electrifying superhero from the Thor movies, is no stranger to stealing the thunder. Brought to life by the ever-charismatic Tessa Thompson, the superhero appeared in Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Endgame, and Thor: Love and Thunder where she ruled as the king of the New Asgard.
The All-Father himself, Odin, handpicked Valkyrie to lead the Valkyrior-an Asgard’s elite warrior goddesses. With her superhuman strength, Valkyrie doesn’t just fight but she commands the battlefield. A master combatant and expert swordswoman, this character wields her iconic double-edged sword and dual daggers so skillfully and gracefully. But perhaps what’s more interesting about Valkyrie, her ability to see death from a mile away.
10. Gamora
Gamora, the last surviving member of the Zen-Whoberis was adopted by the Mad Titan Thanos, who trained her to become the galaxy’s most lethal assassin. Known for her extraordinary speed, strength, and stamina, Gamora’s skills as a martial artist are literally out of this world. She’s also blessed with rapid healing abilities which make her a force to be reckoned with. Fondly called the deadliest woman in the galaxy, Gamora has proved that true power is green.
Zoe Saldaña plays Gamora, the green-skinned assassin-turned-Guardian in the MCU starting with Guardians of the Galaxy. Saldaña’s portrayal brought unmistakable depth to the beloved character. Unfortunately for fans, she has hung up her coat on this role and won’t be reprising her role as the assassin.
