Tired of going to the movie theater and seeing the same male superheroes saving the day in the same action movies? Here are five superheroines that are just as inspiring, if not more:
1. Storm
After a bomber plane crashed into her home in Kenya, suddenly orphaned Storm (Ororo Munroe) was buried under rubble for hours before rescue. The experience gave her severe claustrophobia for the rest of her adulthood. Despite her fear, Storm still managed to suceed in tight situations, ultimately becoming the leader of the X-Men team for a period of time. Storm taught readers that not even our greatest fears should slow us down. And some of the coolest celebrities have suited up as Storm. See: Beyonce, Halle Berry, Rihanna.
2. Elektra
While gaining the skills in martial arts that would lead to her suprior combat skills in the future, Elektra Natchios was also depicted as being a Political Science student at Columbia University. Think of that next time you need motivation to go for a run.
3. Starfire
Meet the most energy efficient hero in the books. Before there were solar powered houses, there was Starfire. Originally from the planet Tamaran, Starfire and all the other Tamareans naturally convert ultraviolet radiation from the sun into pure energy, fueling her powers of super strength, flight, and energy blasts.
4. Ms. Marvel
In 2014, Kamela Khan shook up the comic world by being the first Muslim and first Pakistani character to headline her own series of books as Ms. Marvel. Representation matters and Kamela inspired many young girls of color to see themselves as larger than life.
5. Phoenix
While we patiently wait for a movie on her (and all our favorite superheroines) , here’s some things you should know about Jean Grey-Summers: Along with Storm, Phoenix was another woman to hold the title of leader of the X-Men. And if you’ve ever thought kindness equals weakness, think again. Along with mind control, one of Phoenix’s best attribute is empathy. Not only can she detect mental pain, but she can also heal mental sadness.