Female Comic Book Characters

The portrayal of female characters in comic books has been controversial. Back in the 1930s, they were mostly stereotypical and supporting roles. However, over the years, the creators of these books have evolved the characters appear more life like and more as potential leaders. Few of the best superheroes today, are female. You can choose one for yourself.

Nellie the Nurse first appeared in comics in the 1940s. Her character was based on the good girl, bad girl categorization. She was depicted as a good looking yet a naive woman. Her character was usually involved in fending off the romanticizing doctors and patients.

Lovable and intelligent, and the girl-next-door Elizabeth "Betty" Cooper, was a fictional character of Archie Comics. Betty was created in 1941, her quintessential, 17-year-old, blond haired won many hearts. Betty was shown as intelligent, sporty and a cheerleader, a character many girls could easily associate with.

With Betty around, Veronica's mention is inevitable. Veronica "Ronnie" (super rich) Lodge was created in April 1942.Creator Bob Montana fashioned her after actress Veronica Lake and her rich, proud image of the political family, the Lodges. She was tall, slender with lustrous black hair and plenty designer wears. She and Betty were best friends.

Wonder Woman, one of the most popular female superheroes today, was created by William Moulton Marston in 1941 for DC Comics. She was a highly intelligent, proficient woman in hand-to-hand combat, tactical warfare and a member of an all-female tribe of Amazon. She was an epitome of justice and could talk to animals.

Storm a.k.a Ororo Iqadi T'Challa was the first black female character published by Marvel Comics. She was created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum in 1975, as a member of the X-Men group. She is currently the reigning queen of Wakanda, and now appears in many animated television series, video games, and live-action X-Men film series.

Bob Kane and Sheldon Moldoff created Batwoman as a female counterpart to the superhero Batman. She was introduced as the wealthy, glamorous woman, Kathy, a love interest of Batman. Her role as a Batwoman was created as an alter ego for Katherine "Kathy" Kane. Her sexual preference brought her under attack from many conservatives.

A creation of writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster for DC comics. Lois Lane is the primary love interest of Superman. Her image has been varied over the years, from a frivolous character to metamorphosing as a tough reporter for the Metropolis newspaper, The Daily Planet and an intellectual equal to Superman and his alter ego Clark Kent.

Female characters in comic books were more or less as the image of women in the society, though some say it still remains largely stereotyped, either as a Ms. Goody or a Superwoman, but never the real portrayal.