# Must-Read Superheroine Graphic Novel **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 3, 2014, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293 "2014-04-03T22:01:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![GargoyleWB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gargoylewb/32/199_2.png) [@GargoyleWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GargoyleWB)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2014, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/21 "2014-04-04T16:25:18Z")
Does [Nausicaa](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nausica%C3%A4_of_the_Valley_of_the_Wind_%28manga%29) count? The movie only covers a small sliver of the series, it’s one of the finest graphic novels period, regardless of hero gender. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2014, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/22 "2014-04-04T17:38:32Z")
> [@GargoyleWB](#): > > Does [Nausicaa](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nausica%C3%A4_of_the_Valley_of_the_Wind_%28manga%29) count? The movie only covers a small sliver of the series, it’s one of the finest graphic novels period, regardless of hero gender. No, though I agree that it’s probably one of the better things ever written. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2014, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/23 "2014-04-04T19:05:14Z")
Do webcomics count? I’m a big fan of [Magellan](http://magellanverse.com/), which is set in a super-hero academy, and follows the adventures of KC Jones, a young woman who’s managed to win entrance despite not having any powers. There’s also [Spinnerette](http://www.spinnyverse.com/), which is basically a Spider-Man parody: a student is accidentally infused with spider DNA in a lab accident, giving her two extra sets of arms and the ability to shoot webs out of her butt. Lastly, I’ll throw out [Girl Genius](http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20140404). Not strictly a superhero comic, it’s an epic fantasy/steampunk mashup - the creators call it “Gaslamp fantasy.” This one also exists in dead-tree format, if you want a literal hold-it-in-your-hands graphic novel. ---
**Author:** ![StusBlues](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@StusBlues](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StusBlues)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2014, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/24 "2014-04-04T19:07:34Z")
> [@Tamerlane](#): > > I guess you could also pull out the excellent Neil Gaiman [Death miniseries](http://www.amazon.com/DEATH-Deluxe-Edition-Neil-Gaiman/dp/1401235484) as well. But she’s not really a super-heroine of the standard sort and you should really have read **Sandman** first. I did read \*The Time of Your Life \*before I’d ever heard of _Sandman_, though, and I enjoyed it thoroughly - much more than \*Sandman \*itself. Ergo, YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![Apollyon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/apollyon/32/4238_2.png) [@Apollyon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apollyon)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2014, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/25 "2014-04-05T02:10:51Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > Does [_Give Me Liberty_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Give_Me_Liberty) count? Saw the OP, that was my first thought, and here it is as the first reply. Good taste that man! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![B.Serum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/b.serum/32/14266_2.png) [@B.Serum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/B.Serum)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2014, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/26 "2014-04-05T03:48:11Z")
> [@Tangent](#): > > Another not-really-a-superheroine is Elektra, from the Daredevil comic. I’d stick with the stories/collections written by Frank Miller. [Elektra: Assassin](http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2007/01/21/comics-you-should-own-elektra-assassin/) kicked ass. Miller and Sienkiewicz both at the top of their game. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2014, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/27 "2014-04-05T06:26:49Z")
If we’re branching out into non-super genres, I’ll recommend _Rat Queens_ by Kurtis Wiebe and Roc Upchurch. It’s a fantasy/comedy about a group of four women adventurers. It’s a recent publication (just started in 2013) and the first five issues have just been released in a collection. ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2014, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/28 "2014-04-05T07:02:25Z")
Speaking of webcomics: Gunnerkrigg Court is simply breathtaking. Here’s page 1 > **[Gunnerkrigg Court - By Tom Siddell](https://www.gunnerkrigg.com/?p=1)** > > Gunnerkrigg Court is a science-fantasy webcomic created by Tom Siddell. It is updated online three days a week. The heroine, Antimony Carver, is not a superhero, but I can’t tell you what she is, without giving too much away. Her best friend, Kat, might be a superhero. The Robots just call her, “Angel”. The live and go to school at the Court - a place of semi-magical technology. Annie is also called to the Gillitie Woods, a place of legendary magical and beings. The Court and the Woods are physically divided and story revolves around Annie and Kat coming to understand and bridge that divide. There are robots. Psychopomps. Coyote. Friendly Ghosts and Insane Demons. Boyfriends that turn into birds. Homework. Minotaurs. Elder Gods. Suicide Fairies. Field Trips. Pigeons. [Black Dogs of the British Isles](http://www.gunnerkrigg.com/?p=360). The whole story is an exquisite blend of childhood, school tales, myth and magic. The art is highly stylised and just gets better as it goes along. Really, I can’t recommend it highly enough. ---
**Author:** ![epbrown01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ba0ec/32.png) [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2014, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/29 "2014-04-05T21:53:35Z")
> [@B.Serum](#): > > [Elektra: Assassin](http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2007/01/21/comics-you-should-own-elektra-assassin/) kicked ass. Miller and Sienkiewicz both at the top of their game. Definitely this. One of the craziest graphic novels ever written. ---
**Author:** ![magnusblitz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@magnusblitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magnusblitz)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2014, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/30 "2014-04-05T23:41:02Z")
I’d recommend the first few volumes of _Runaways_, it’s not explicitly female-centered but there are more females than males on the team. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2014, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/31 "2014-04-05T23:55:58Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > There’s also [Spinnerette](http://www.spinnyverse.com/), which is basically a Spider-Man parody: a student is accidentally infused with spider DNA in a lab accident, giving her two extra sets of arms and the ability to shoot webs out of her butt. For shame! Even I, a casual reader know that the webs come out the base of her spine, not her anus. Apropos of nothing, I will add that Spinnerette has the sexiest thighs I’ve ever seen. ---
**Author:** ![Penfeather](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penfeather/32/384_2.png) [@Penfeather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penfeather)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2014, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/32 "2014-04-05T23:58:28Z")
Yet another gem from the vaults of 2000AD, Alan Moore’s wonderful Every-Girl vs. The Universe saga [Halo Jones](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ballad_of_Halo_Jones). Currently available in collected format from Rebellion, who are doing a fine job with reissues and collections. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Angel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d26b3c/32.png) [@Johnny\_Angel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Angel)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2014, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/33 "2014-04-06T01:35:05Z")
I too came here to recommend Elektra: Assassin. Now that was a story. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2014, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/34 "2014-04-06T03:15:19Z")
> [@Lumpy](#): > > For shame! Even I, a casual reader know that the webs come out the base of her spine, not her anus. > > Apropos of nothing, I will add that Spinnerette has the sexiest thighs I’ve ever seen. Oops! I thought they came from…um…very nearby her anus. Sort of like skunks’ scent glands. And…yeah! Sexy thighs f’sure. (Jean Grey also had sexy thighs…) The best part of Spinnerette is the spoofing of comics standards, conventions, and clichés. Dr. Universe, as a mad Objectivist, is a delight. But, best yet, he isn’t entirely mad! He’s got some fairly good reasons for his stance. The humor is wise…and the wisdom is funny! But, oh, those arms… ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2014, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/35 "2014-04-06T03:48:51Z")
> [@Trinopus](#): > > Oops! I thought they came from…um…very nearby her anus. Sort of like skunks’ scent glands. > > And…yeah! Sexy thighs f’sure. (Jean Grey also had sexy thighs…) > > The best part of Spinnerette is the spoofing of comics standards, conventions, and clichés. Dr. Universe, as a mad Objectivist, is a delight. But, best yet, he isn’t entirely mad! He’s got some fairly good reasons for his stance. The humor is wise…and the wisdom is funny! > > But, oh, those arms… Oh, come on, having them come out from the base of her spine instead down around her anus is an obvous copout. But not as bad as Spiderman’s wrist-mounted web shooters. Still, a web comic parody … coulda gotten away with a more humorous location … ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2014, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/36 "2014-04-06T04:14:56Z")
My second favorite female superhero after Empowered is [Wonderella](http://nonadventures.com/2006/09/09/the-torment-of-a-thousand-yesterdays/). Would make for a HILARIOUS movie, the author’s humor is topnotch. ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2014, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/37 "2014-04-13T01:01:30Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > If we’re branching out into non-super genres, I’ll recommend _Rat Queens_ by Kurtis Wiebe and Roc Upchurch. It’s a fantasy/comedy about a group of four women adventurers. It’s a recent publication (just started in 2013) and the first five issues have just been released in a collection. Just read this today. Fun stuff, especially if you have an rpg background. ---
**Author:** ![Sodalite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/34f0e0/32.png) [@Sodalite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sodalite)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2014, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/38 "2014-04-13T12:07:59Z")
Might get into trouble for suggesting it but maybe [Witchblade](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchblade) would work for you. I gave up on it but my friends still love it. ---
**Author:** ![heathen\_earthling](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/13edae/32.png) [@heathen\_earthling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/heathen_earthling)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2014, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293/39 "2014-04-13T22:57:01Z")
[_The Pro_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pro_(comics)) is a good satirical one. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-read-superheroine-graphic-novel/685293.md?page=1)