9 Graphic Novels With Strong Female Leads
Comic books are often thought to be "for boys," and many of their main characters are men who overshadow any female characters they may share the stage with. Luckily, more and more publishers are shining the spotlight on women and girls. The nine graphic novels on this list cover a wide variety of genres, but they all have one thing in common: a strong female protagonist who is sure to inspire and entertain readers of any gender. When you click links from this website, we may receive advertising revenue to support our research. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
9 Graphic Novels With Strong Female Leads
| Title | Author(s) | Artist(s) | Other Books In The Series | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Rapunzel's Revenge | Shannon Hale & Dean Hale | Nathan Hale | Calamity Jack |
| 2. | Black Widow: Homecoming | Richard K. Morgan | Bill Sienkiewicz | Black Widow: The Things They Say About Her |
| 3. | Sherlock Frankenstein | Jeff Lemire | David Rubin | Black Hammer: Volume 1 |
| 4. | Red Sonja: Unchained | Peter V. Brett | Jack Jadson | Red Sonja: Queen of Plagues |
| 5. | Black Magick: Awakening | Greg Rucka | Nicola Scott, Chiara Arena, & Jodi Wynne | Black Magick: Awakening II |
| 6. | Essential Savage She-Hulk | Stan Lee & David Kraft | John Buscema & Mike Vosberg | She-Hulk by Dan Slott: Volume 1 |
| 7. | Babymouse: Queen of the World! | Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm | Matthew Holm | Babymouse: Our Hero |
| 8. | Saucer State | Paul Cornell | Ryan Kelly | Saucer Country |
| 9. | Mighty Thor: The War Thor | Jason Aaron | Russell Dauterman | Mighty Thor: The Death of the Mighty Thor |
The Challenges of Being a Woman in Comics
In Depth
Graphic novels are traditionally centered around male protagonists. Female leads often live in the shadows of their male counterparts. However, there has been a gradual cultural shift that has resulted in more and more women taking on starring roles in all kinds of comic books.
Here are nine incredible graphic novels about strong female leads, listed in no particular order.
At #1, we have "Rapunzel's Revenge." Shannon Hale gets rid of the knight in shining armor and focuses on empowering her princess. This Rapunzel escapes the tower by herself and teams up with Jack to rescue her real mother, seek revenge on her kidnapper, and get justice. This is a hilarious and action-packed story that women and men of all ages will enjoy.
Shannon Hale gets rid of the knight in shining armor and focuses on empowering her princess.
Next at #2 is "Black Widow, Vol. 1: Homecoming" by Richard K. Morgan, who reintroduces one of the strongest female leads in the Marvel universe, Natasha Romanoff. What sets this run apart from other Black Widow comics is its ability to explore real issues like corporate greed. Natasha's character is well-developed and her strong, decisive nature is both exciting and inspiring.
At #3 is "Sherlock Frankenstein Volume 1: From the World of Black Hammer," a spin-off series of the Sherlock Frankenstein and Black Hammer comics. Jeff Lemire creates a dirty, dystopian, and steampunk world of science fiction. The story follows Lucy as she tries to uncover her father's past. The young black woman becomes Frankenstein's confessor and conscience, as she attempts to convince him to forgive Black Hammer.
Coming in at #4 is "Red Sonja: Unchained," Peter V. Brett's take on the original Red Sonja series. This volume sets the protagonist up as the greatest swordswoman in the Hyborian Age and follows her as she engages in violent fights, deals with magical creatures, and encounters all kinds of danger.
This volume sets the protagonist up as the greatest swordswoman in the Hyborian Age and follows her as she engages in violent fights, deals with magical creatures, and encounters all kinds of danger.
At #5, we have "Black Magick Volume 1: Awakening," which follows the story of detective and witch Rowan Black. Created by Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott, this work is a fine mix of police work and witchcraft. The lead character is quite an enigma. She's sexy yet tough, soft yet powerful. Her personality deepens as she works to stop the threat of somebody revealing her secret.
At #6 is "Essential Savage She-Hulk, Vol. 1." This is a collection of disjointed comics, but David Kraft has managed to create a strong plot so that it seems like a single saga. Protagonist Jennifer Walters is not just an attorney, she has also been a member of the Avengers and the Future Foundation. As She-hulk faces monsters and villains, she also has to face her own inner demons. This makes her a relatable character and not merely an overpowered superhero.
Next at #7 is "Babymouse: Queen of the World!" by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm. Baby Mouse is imaginative and sassy. Like other girls, she struggles to get recognition and manage her relationship with her friends.
Baby Mouse is imaginative and sassy.
This series has won several Children's Choice Awards. It shares a positive message and recreates scenes that happen in real life so that young kids can relate to it. If you have a young sister or a daughter, this is a great way to introduce them to the world of comics.
At #8 is "Saucer State," by Paul Cornell. It tells the story of Arcadia Alvarado, US president and former alien abductee. She tries to use her power to find out what really happened to her, and she will stop at nothing to get to the truth. Strong and intellectual, Alvaro is a great female role model.
Finally, at #9 is "Mighty Thor Vol. 4: The War Thor," written by Jason Aaron. It explores an alternate universe where Thor died defending the Multiverse. Jane Foster has been chosen to become the new bearer of Mjolnir and becomes the Goddess of Thunder.
It explores an alternate universe where Thor died defending the Multiverse.
This graphic novel juxtaposes Jane's god-like power with her fragile humanity. She fights villains while battling against cancer. This shows that while she is extremely powerful as the Goddess of Thunder, she's also strong as Jane Foster.
