Comics for the Ladies

So working at amazing +Undercity Comics (Uptown Whittier) I get to talk to lots of nice folks about what's good in the comic book world. I also get to answer lots of questions, and the one of the most frequently asked questions come from our lady customers who are asking, "What are some good comics that have strong female characters, or are made for female readers?"

Unlike what the picture says, the tides are turning and women want to read good comic books that are more representative of society (which is not all male).

I love answering this question because:

1. Girls are coming into comic book stores (well at least ours) and asking about comic books and asking for recommendations!
2. The comic book industry is slowly starting to (finally) get some great female talent in writing and in art and starting to produce some great comics featuring strong female characters that aren't just written for women, but are just great comics in general. 

So here is my short list of comic books that I (or my wife) have read that feature great stories and strong female leads. Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list.

Marvel Comics
Captain Marvel - Carol Danvers (who used to be Ms. Marvel, and more of a minor character) is one of the
best test pilots for the USAF, and has taken over as the rightful Captain Marvel kicking some serious butt.

Ms. Marvel - Kamala Kahn is a 16 year old who idolizes Captain Marvel is infused with powers as a result of the terrigen mist. Great because she's Pakistani-American who also happens to be the first Muslim superhero. Thumbs up for diversity!

She-Hulk - Jennifer Walters who is the super intelligent lawyer cousin of Bruce Banner becomes She-Hulk after a blood transfusion. This comic features more of her wit and intelligence to match her brawn.

Storm - Everyone knows Storm, but she's never had her own comic that helps us peer into the extent of her characters and more interestingly her powers. This title just started but it already looks like they are finally developing more of her powers to match the coolness of her mohawk.

DC
Wonder Woman - Hands down one of the best comics of the NEW 52 consistently. PERIOD. A couple tweaks to the origin story to include more Greek mythology, and amazing artwork makes this this title a must read. Sucks that the creative team of Azzarello and Chiang will be departing this title soon, so enjoy it while you can.

Batgirl - Barbara Gordon has made a triumphant return as Batgirl following the events of The Killing Joke and her stint as Oracle. She's out of the wheelchair and back to her butt kicking ways. Gail Simone (who will also be leaving the title soon) has breathed life into the character as well as created some new and deadly villains to match wits with Babs.



Image
Lazarus - This title is for more mature audiences. Forever Carlyle is the enforcer in a dystopic society that has been overrun with corruption, and is ruled by a number of the richest families in the world who have carved up the world into territories. Forever's job is to protect the assets of the family Carlyle. Amid conflicts between families and conspiracies within the household, Forever must find her rightful place and it becomes obvious quickly that her destiny is something big.

So that wraps it up for now, remember this isn't an extensive list. Just comics that I have run into that are quality as far as story and artwork and feature strong women as leads. What are you reading currently that I am missing?

Comment below! And in the meantime...

Blessings~!