Welcome to the second round of our fan-favorite March Madness tournament! In this round, check out the eight women in our Comics bracket.
Wonder Woman
Diana Prince, known as Diana of Themyscira, is an Amazonian warrior princess. Armed with a Lasso of Truth, indestructible bracelets, and projectile tiara, Wonder Woman chooses not to use force – and especially not to kill – unless absolutely necessary, instead relying on unadulterated compassion and empathy. – Hannah Pingelton
Black Cat
Felicia Hardy could have been anything: her father told her if she loved basketball, she should aim to be a basketball player and not a cheerleader. So when she faced a horrific crime, she decided she wouldn’t be a victim and became Black Cat. What could be more inspiring for a young woman in the face of her own personal terror? – Feliza Casano
Black Widow
She’s a former Russian spy, a current Avenger, and a stealthy morally-ambiguous assassin all wrapped up in one deadly, red-haired package. Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow, spends her free time atoning for sins committed in her past by taking on cases to solve, while also keeping an ear out for any activity on the Avengers home front in case they need her help. With her intelligence, wit, fighting skills, and ability to out-think her opponents, what’s not to love about Natasha? – Gabby Taub
Faye Valentine
Clever, cocky and capable, ex-scam artist Faye Valentine is one of the most wanted bounty hunters and the only female member of the Beebop. Handy with her small gun, Faye uses her wits and isn’t shy about using her sexuality to get what she wants and succeed in her missions. Tough and confidence, Faye’s not without her soft side and she does care deeply about her companions and would be willing to do anything to protect them. – Lorraine Acevedo Franqui
Riza Hawkeye
Sharpshooter Riza Hawkeye isn’t the primary female character in Fullmetal Alchemist, but she’s a great example of well-written female characters. Her love for Roy Mustang leads her to the military, where she’s set herself to the task of protecting him – and becomes his most trusted companion. While she’s a physically powerful character – few can escape her talented guns – she’s also a fascinating character motivated by so much more than her romantic love for Roy. – Feliza Casano
Phantom Miria
While in the Organization, Miria ranked 6th in power (and probably would’ve climbed higher had she not abandoned the Organization) and earned herself a reputation as one of the strongest and fastest Claymore ever made. Her ability to move at lightning speeds and leave mirages of herself behind earned her the moniker Phantom Miria, but what set her apart from other Claymores was her level-headed serenity, her intellect, ability as a strategist, her retention of the ability to care and protect her fellow Claymores, and independent thought, which led her to seek the truth for the Organization and uncover its lies. She turned against the Organization and became the founder and leader of Seven Ghosts, the rebelling group against the Organization which is currently bringing it down. – Lorraine Acevedo Franqui
Halibel
As a member of the Espadas, Halibel has been one of the most formidable antagonists in the entire Bleach series. The only woman in the entire organization, Halibel ranked as the third most powerful Espada with her water powers, expert swordsmanship and her women-only entourage, which she recruited as a way to train female Hollows to be stronger and defend themselves in Hueco Mundo. She was betrayed by Aizen, but ended up being one of the few Espadas to survive and definitely the most powerful, so she took over and becomes the ruler of Hueco Mundo before its downfall. – Lorraine Acevedo Franqui
Medusa
Medusalith Amaquelin-Boltagon (shortened – thankfully – to Medusa) is the wife of the Inhuman king Black Bolt and subsequently queen of the Inhuman race, as well as the Kree Empire. With super-long and super-strong hair that she can manipulate and move with her mind, Medusa is beautiful, quick of mind, and strong of soul – everything a queen should be. Her regality, fairness, and love of her people all make up who she is, and as a woman ruling over an endangered race, Medusa is living proof that beauty can be terrifying, especially when protecting her people. – Gabby Taub
