The women of Marvel and DC

Comic books provide a rich source for sci-fi babes. This section deals mainly with the Marvel and DC worlds and there are literally hundreds of babes to choose from - so many, in fact, that I have decided to limit them to an historical section and recent TV and Film.

A brief history of Marvel

Marvel started back in 1939 as Timely Comics and featured a limited number of female characters, many of them used as anti-war, pro-America propaganda, and many developed over time. Timely became Atlas Comics in 1951 and the modern era Of Marvel came into existance in 1961. Here are some of the very early Marvel characters from Timely Comics, some of which are still with us today:

Black Widow - Claire Voyant

First appearing in Mystic Comics #4, the overly-punned Claire Voyant was, as the name suggests, a medium who was ressurected by Satan as his super-naturally powered operative. Her powers were quite impressive, including shape-changing, the ability to fly and generate fire, as well as feeding off humans in a vampire-like way.

Blonde Phantom - Louise Grant

Appearing in All Select Comics #1 in 1046, Louise Grant was the secretary of a private detective, who, trying to help her boss, would don a red evening dress, high-heeled shoes and a mask and would pop out at night to fight crime. A mere human, she did, however, possess expert fighting skills in the martial arts.

Miss America - Madeline Joyce Frank

Madeline Joyce Frank first appeared in Mystery Comics #49 in November 1943 and was the niece of a millionairre scientist who was experimenting with electricity. Of course, Madeline got caught up in an electrical discharge, which changed her and gave her enhanced powers, including the ability to float, or fly, and superhuman strength to an "unknown degree".

Miss Patriot - Mary Morgan

Mary Morgan was just an ordinary newspaper reporter - that was until she was captured by those evil Nazis and injected with an enhancing experimental drug that gave her telescopic vision and radar-like hearing. She first appeared in Human Torch Comics #4 in the spring of 1941

Aquaria Neptuna - Namora

First appearing in Marvel Mystery Comics #82 in May 1947, Aquaria was the daughter of an Atlantean male and a human female. She had many superpowers, including great strength, agility and longevity beyond any human, but was particularly suited to life underwater.

Hellcat - Patsy Walker

Patsy Walker grew up around comic books - her parents wrote them for a living, including one about Patsy herself! As a result, Patsy become fascinated by superheroes and, when she discovered the true identity of the beast, she made him promise to train her as an Avenger. She was imprisoned with the avengers and, on escaping, found a super-power enhancing cat suit belonging to a costumed vigilante, which she donned and to become Hellcat. Patsy first appeared in Miss America Magazine #2 in November 1944 and eventually became Hellcat in 1974 in The Avengers #144. .

Sungirl - Mary Mitchell

Mary Mitchell became Sun Girl (somehow) and eventually worked with the Torch after having come out of retirement and not having aged. Her powers were that of a normal human, but she did possess a sunbeam ray gun. Sungirl first appeared in her own publication, Sungirl #1 in August 1948.

Venus

Venus was actually a siren, who was transformed into a human in order to prevent her leading sailors to their deaths. After leaving a nunnery, she grew to believe that she was the goddess, Venus. As a siren, she is amphibious, has the ability to transform shape, cause illusions and is immortal. She first appeared in Venus #1 in August 1948

1961- Marvel

The Marvel Comics brand was finally introduced to the world in 1961. Amongst the first characters was a group known as the Fantastic Four in Fantastic Four #1, November 1961. It is in the 1960s and 1970s that we start to see many now-familiar faces such as the x-men and the Avengers.

The Invisible Woman - Sue Storm

We'll see more of this important character later.

Medusa - Inhumans

Medusa was one of the Inhumans, who first appeared in the Fantastic Four #36, in 1964. As the name suggests, she was able to use her hair as separate appendages, using a psychokinetic ability.

Jean Grey - Marvel Girl

Jean Grey was actually first known as Marvel Girl and appeared in Avengers #1 in September 1963 - we'll see her again later.

Valkyrie

Valkyrie was based on the Norse mythical figure and first appeared in Avengers #83 in December 1970. She had many aliases and was known for her superhuman strength, speed, durability, and longevity. She carries an enchanted sword and an iron spear.

A brief history of Detective Comics

Much of the development of Marvel was as a result of the slightly earlier and more popular DC comics which started in 1934 as New Fun, but became Detective Comics in December 1936. A sister publication, Action Comics was launched in 1938 and in June of that year, probably the most famous superhero, Superman, appeared - followed the following year with Batman. Here are some of the early babes.

Selina Kyle - The Cat

The Cat, as she was originally known, appeared as early as April 1940 in Batman #1. She was a simple burglar and wore no costume or had any special skills or powers. We'll see more of this important character later.

Susan Kent - Bulletgirl

Originally published in Nickel Comics #1 in May 1940, Susan Kent became Bullet Girl when injected with a chemical by her boyfriend, Bulletman. He also invented a helmet for them that could deflect bulets and enable them to fly. .

Shiera Sanders Hall - Hawkgirl

Sheila Sanders Hall first appeared in Flash Comics #1 in January 1940 as a love interest of Hawkman. In All Star Comics #5 (July 1941) she becomes Hawkgirl, wearing a belt that grants her the power of flight, superhuman strength, super-acute vision, and an enhanced healing/regeneration ability.

Diana Prince - Wonder Woman

Possibly the most famous DC comic superheroine, Wonder Woman had god-like powers, speed and strength and great skills in Amazonian martial arts. We'll meet her again!

Libby Lawrence - Liberty_Belle

First appearing in the winter edition of Boy Commandoes #1 in 1942, Libby developed enhanced powers ofspeed, strength and stamina when the Liberty Bell was rung!

Dinah Drake - Black Canary

The character has changed quite considerably over te years, but originally, Dinah joined her detective husband fight crime, usually in hand-to-hand battle. She first appeared in Flash Comics #86 in August 1947.

Katherine Kane - Batwoman

Katherine Kane was invented to ward off allegations that Batman was gay! Yes this is true! She first appeared in DC #233 in July 1956 and had an utility-purse with feminine-disguised weapons.

Kara Zor-El - Supergirl

Although she wasn't the first attempt at Supergirl, appearing in Action Comics #252 in May 1959, this supergirl was the first to adopt the name and be from Krypton! More later.

The World Of TV and Films

The last 10 years or so has seen an explosion of Films and TV programmes based on stories and characters from the comic books. As with other major area, I can't include all, but here is a smattering...

Marvel

Natasha Romanoff (Romanova) - Black Widow (Marvel)

No superpowers but a very sexy intelligent spy and assassin, clad in figure-hugging black costumes. She is an expert in martial arts, firearms and psychological manipulation and a founder-member of the Avengers.The character is not very well developed in the cinematic universe, whereas in the comic books she has the use of Soviet-style and Batman-like weapons, including a 30,000 volt "Widow's Bite" charge from her bracelets and a "Widow's Kiss" - an aerosol that knocks you out instantly. The American actress, Scarlett Johanssen, not for the first time, presents us with more than enough eye-candy moments, however.

Natasha Romonoff - Black Widow

Here she is in Civil War

Natasha Romonoff - Black Widow

From The Winter Soldier.

Natasha Romonoff - Black Widow

From Iron Man 2 - her debut.

Other Avengers (Marvel)

Wanda Maximoff - Scarlett Witch

Originally a mutant under the X-Men banner, the Scarlett Witch has telekinetic powers and is semi-telepathic. She joins the Avengers in the 2012 film, Age of Ultron. In the comic books, she had significantly more powers and was much more akin to Jean Grey. She is played by Elizabeth Olsen

Sif

A good friend of Thor, Sif is based on the Norse goddess and possesses all of the various superhuman attributes common among the Asgardians. She possesses superhuman strength, speed, agility, reflexes, durability, and is extremely long-lived. She is a gifted fighter and a powerful swordsperson, widely feared and recognised as one of the fiercest warriors in Asgard. She first appears in Thor (2011) and is played by Jaimie Alexander.

Jane Foster

Talking of Thor, Jane Foster was a world-reknown astrophysicist who became romantically involved with Thor. She was, alas, just human and died! Played by Natalie Portman. Her character is not complete in the cinematic universe, and she is to return (in 2022?) to become more like her comic book character and become Thor.

Guardians of the Galaxy (Marvel)

Gamora

Adopted by Thanos after he destroyed much of her planet, Gamora was a ruthless assassin, skilled in stealth and hand-to-hand combat. She is played by Zoe Saldana.

Mantis

An Empath who can sense others' feelings as well as control them. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she is played by the French actress Pom Klementieff.

Nebula

Another daughter of Thanos and adopted sister of Gamora, with whom she had a running battle, Nebula was converted to a cyborg and has great athletic and tactical skills. Played by Karen Gillian.

Others (Marvel)

Carol Danvers - Captain Marvel

Carol was a test pilot who, after contact with the teserract, developed superhuman strength, endurance, stamina, physical durability, as well as the abilty to fly at light speed and survive in outer space. She truly has superpowers amongst the very best of the Marvel characters. Played by Brie Larson.

Hope Van Dyne - Wasp

The wasp was originally a founder member of the Avengers when she first appeared in the comic books in 1963, one of the very first modern female superheroes. She is able to change her size thanks to a special suit and as her size changes, so too does her strength. With the aid of artificial wings, she is able to fly. In the films, she is played by Lily Evangeline.

Ava Starr - Ghost

Played by Hannah John-kamen, Ghost was actually a male character when first created. Her powers enabled her be "intangible"; able to appear invisible and move through solid objects. Trained by SHIELD, but later becoming an enemy, she was a master spy, assassin and martial artist.

Black Panther (Marvel)

Depending on your point of view, Marvel did a great deal to change the perception of women in the world by giving some of their characters equal-footing with their male counterparts. They also went a step further when they cast a number of black actresses in the Black Panther film, springing the culture and people of Africa into the Hollywood limelight.

Nakia

Nakia was a member of the War Dogs spy group and an accomplished combatant - aided by her ring blades which yielded some form of energy. The character is played by Lupita Nyong'o.

Okoye

Okoye, portrayed by Danai Gurira, was a member and general of the Dora Milaje, special forces of the African nation of Wakanda.

Shuri

Shuri is the younger sister of the King of Wakanda and a tecnological genious, designing the body suit and weapons her brother uses.

X-Men (Marvel)

The X-men first appeared in X-Men #1 in September 1963 and have gone on to be amongst the most successful and recognisable characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They are mutants, born with some special power which they may not even be aware of to start with....

Jean Grey - Phoenix

One of the founding characters of the X-men, and originally called Marvel Girl, Jean Grey was born with telepathic and telekinetic powers, but she became an Omega-Level mutant on the development of puberty. This gives her power which does not have a definable limit! This "Phoenix Force" makes her extremely powerful, being able to levitate, create and project fire as well as create earthquakes and manipulate earth matter.

Jean Grey - Phoenix

As the Phoenix Force takes grip, Jean becomes the Dark Phoenix, corrupted by the force. The Dutch actress, Famke Janssen, plays the adult Jean Grey...

Jean Grey - younger version

..whilst Sophie Turner plays the prequel Jean Grey.

X-Men - Shape-shifters (Marvel)

Raven Darkholme - Mystique

One of my favourite X-men characters, mainly because she is a protagonist in the X-Men world, but also because in her normal form she becomes a blue, lithe, scaly, almost lizard-like (chameleonic?) creature. It's significant that Rebecca Romjin played the character at first, because her body is much more athletic and believeable than Jennifer's.

Raven Darkholme - Mystique

Here's Jennifer...

X-Men - Others (Marvel)

Ororo Munroe - Storm

In the comic books, Ororo was the descendent of a long line of African witch-priestesses and as such was able to weild magical powers. There isn't so much of a back-story in the X-Men films, and the only real clue is in the casting of a black actres, Halle Berry. Storm's powers all revolve around the ability to manipulate the weather.

Marie D'Ancanto - Rogue

Again, quite a departure from the original character, who was taken in by Mystique as a surrogate mother only to turn her to the evil side of the mutants.

Kitty Pryde - Shadowcat

Kitty, here played by Sumela Kay, has a phasing power, which enables her to pass through solid objects as well as others who she is in contact with.

Elektra (Marvel)

Elektra was a skilled assassin, and was equipped with the skills you would expect from such a person: combative martial arts, speed, durabilty, intelligence and tactical mastery. She was also an accomplished swordsperson and would use a pair of sai - small melee weapons - as her weapons of choice.

Elektra Nachios

From the film, Daredevil, played by Jennifer Garner.

Elektra Nachios

Here she from the film Elektra, and is played by Jennifer Garner once again.

Elektra - Elodie Yung

Appearing in the TV series, Daredevil, Elektra was played by Elodie Yung.

Emma Frost - The White Queen (Marvel)

Emma is a mutant telepath who has a unique power that transforms her into organic diamond! Whilst in this form, she has superhuman strength and longevity, but it surpresses her very powerful telepathic powers. Another flaw in this "armour" is that it can be shattered by a diamond bullet.

Emma Frost

The first actress to play Emma was Finola Hughes in the made-for-TV film, Generation X, back in 1996.

Emma Frost

In the 2009 film, X-Men: Origins, Tahnya Tozzi played a character with the same powers, called Emma Silverfox, although it is uncertain (to me anyway) if it is the same character or relative.

Emma Frost

And although a number of actresses were lined up to play Emma in the X-Men First class film, it was January Jones who got the part.

Sue Storm - The Invisible Woman (Marvel)

Appearing as a founder member of the Fantastic Four in Fantastic Four #1 in November of 1961, Sue is one of our oldest and most-loved super heroes. Her powers were obtained by exposure to cosmic radiation, whislt testing a spacecraft with the other 3. To make herself invisible, she is able to bend light around herself. She is also able to summon an invisible force from hyperspace which she is able to use as a force field or to manipulate objects.

Sue Storm

The first actress to play Sue was Rebecca Staab in the unreleased 1994 film, The Fantastic Four.

Sue Storm

My favourite version of Sue Storm was played by Jessica Alba in the 2005 Fantastic Four and the 2007 sequel, The Silver Surfer.

Sue Storm

The character got a re-boot in 2015 with Kate Mara taking on the role.

DC

In terms of popular superheroes, DC have always been one step ahead of Marvel, in my opinion, and this follows for the female counterparts too. Because of Marvel's flailing comic business, it set about trying to make money from the film business - and succeeded dramatically, forcing DC to pay attention to this area. This competition has sprouted a considerable amount of material in a generation or so - all the more for us!. And I think Marvel has since tipped the scales...

Diana Prince- Wonder Woman (DC)

Perhaps the most iconic is Diana Prince - or Wonder Woman. An Amazonion, born of Zeus and Queen Hyppolyta and when in disguise and living amongst mortals, she goes by the Name Diana Prince. She has god-like strength, speed, flight and semi-immorality. Amongst her inventory, she has a golden lasso, which causes any person bound by it to tell the truth. Her other weapons include bracelets that can defend her against bullets (and have been known to control lightning and electricity), as well as a tiara that can be used as a throwing weapon. Later, she becomes equipped with a magical sword and even an invisible plane. Her most recent reicarnation in film offers a more traditional view of the Amazon Princess, athletic looking with traditional female warrior armour and costume.

As a matter of interest, the idea for a TV series started in 1967, when a pilot called "Who's afraid of Diana Prince?" was filmed, or at least a 5 minute section. It was made by the makers of Batman and was a camp programme, with an unattractive Diana Prince, who saw herself as an attractive Wonder Woman in the mirror. The lovely Linda Harrision, of Planet of the Apes fame, starred as mirror image Wonder Woman. The pilot was never broadcast, quite rightly because it didn't do the character any credit, but Linda or Lynda as Wonder Woman? Hmmmm.. The video is on the internet but rather poor quality, but here's a picture of the mirror image version.

But it doesn't stop there - Wonder woman has been played by other actresses...

Wonder Woman

Linda Harrison as Wonder Woman.

Wonder Woman

Cathy Lee Cosby as Wonder Woman in the 1974 film which was intended as a pilot for a TV series. Wonder Woman had lost her powers (as in the comic books) and her traditional costume - so not really very wonderful at all!

Wonder Woman

Another failed film pilot made in 2011 starred Adrianne Palicki in the starring role.

Diana Prince - Wonder Woman played by Lynda Carter

Once dubbed "The most beautiful woman in the world", Lynda Carter was the ideal candidate to play Wonder Woman in the TV series from 1976-1979. A former Miss World USA, the statuesque Carter more than made up for the drab version a year earlier. It was in this TV series that she inherited an invisible jet, which surprisingly appeared in the comic books as early as All Star Comics #8 in 1942. In fact, Lynda is woth a few images...

Wonder Woman

Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman.

Wonder Woman

Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman.

Wonder Woman

Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman.

Diana Prince - Wonder Woman played by Gal Cadot

The casting of Wonder Woman hs been a difficult and often controversial decision. No less so than the Israeli-born Cadot was chosen to play Wonder Woman in the DC film franchise - for the life of me I cannot see why?

Wonder Woman

Gal Cadot as Wonder Woman.

Wonder Woman

Gal Cadot as Wonder Woman.

Wonder Woman

Gal Cadot as Wonder Woman

Other Amazons

Of course, whilst she is the most famous Amazonian, Wonder Woman is by no means the only one...

Queen Hippolyta

The mother of Wonder Woman, ageless and immortal, with over 3,000 years of combat experience, Hippolyta was the queen of the Amazons and a warrior with superhuman strength and speed. She has been played in four Marvel films by Danish beauty Connie Nielsen.

Antiope

The sister of Queen Hippolyte, and her general, Antiope was Wonder Woman's aunt, trainer and confidante. So devoted to Wonder Woman, she took a bullet for her, saving her life. Played by Robin Wright.

Venelia

Venelia was one of many brave and fearsome Amazonians that fought by Wonder Woman's side. Played by Dutch actress and model Doutzen Kroes, she was a real beauty - indeed created by Zeus!

Kara Zor-El - Supergirl/Linda Lee (DC)

The giants of the DC universe - Batman and Superman - both had their female counterparts. You can find some of the Batman characters here in the Batman Question section.

Supergirl was introduced in 1943 and was actually Lois Lane, who dreamed of having superpowers due to a blood transfusion with the Man of Steel. There were other versions, but it wasn't until 1959 that we first met Kara Zor-El, the cousin of Superman and like Superman, she has the same superhuman powers such as superhuman strength, laser rays coming out of her eyes, the ability to fly faster than a speeding bullet etc....

Unlike Superman, Supergirl has only featured on the silver screen fairly recently, having appeared in the 1984 Film, Supergirl, and later in a couple of seasons of Smallville. Luckily, since 2015 there has been a longer-lived series of supergirl - although season 6 will be the end of that. But don't worry - supergirl will be appearing in the Flash (to be released in 2022).

Supergirl

Helen Slater as Supergirl in the 1984 film of the same name.

Supergirl

Laura Vandervoort plays Kara in Smallvile.

Supergirl

The advent of the Arrowverse saw Supergirl have an extended run on our televisions. Played by the American actress Melissa Benoist, her girl-next-door looks and toned body made her the perfect choice. Its not a series I have seen much of, and it looks like many characters are worth including on this site, so I'll give it a go and update when I'm done.

Supergirl

I think she looke dgood in a skirt - don't know why they changed it.

Supergirl

Supergirl in her one-piece body suit.

Supergirl

Supergirl with armour - can't think why she would need it though.

Catwoman

Catwoman has already been covered in the Batman section, but thats no reason to miss out on a photo oportunity is it....??

Selina Kyle

Although a few actresses played catwoman, my favourite was Anne Hathaway.

Selina Kyle

On Batman's bike.....

Selina Kyle

.... but let's not forget that she is just a thief...

Aquaman (DC)

Atlanna

Atlanna was the former queen of Atlantis. As an Atlantean, she has super human abilities, such as strength, drability and agility and as well as the ability to swim at supersonic speeds . As the queen, she has better than super human abilities and is armed with a 5-prong trident which she can throw with incredible speed and accuracy. In Aquaman, she was played by Nicole Kidman.

Y'Mera Xebella Challa - Mera

Mera was the daughter of Atlanna and has similar abilities - indeed she was trained by her mother to a high degree. In addition, Mera has special healing powers and can regenerate danaged tissue at super speed. She also has the ability to control water as well as drain water from others, to prevent them from drowning for example. Mera was played by Amber Heard in Aquaman......

Mera

.... and also in Justice League.

DC comics on Tv and the silver screen coming up here.....

This area is just too big to include here. Lets have a look at the babes from TV and Film....

Want more?

There are plenty of sites out there - too many to link to - just do a search...

Marvel and DC

The world of comic books has a wealth of babes and is the place of origin for many of the sci-fi/superheroine genre. Indulge me whilst I explore some history and development of characters such as Wonder Woman, Catwoman and Storm...